Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.(Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2010Aim: This study examined the difference in identity development between adolescents
exposed to domestic violence and those in non-violent homes, gender differences, as well as
the interaction between gender and exposure to domestic violence on identity development of
adolescents.
Method: Participants consisted of 45 male and 64 female students from the University of
Limpopo, whose ages ranged from 15 to 20 years. Adolescents were classified into one of
the two domestic violence exposure groups (namely, those from violent homes and nonviolent
homes) on the basis of respondents' ratings of their exposure to domestic violence
both as witnesses of violence between their parents and direct victims. Their levels of
exposure were then compared with identity development.
Results: The results indicated that the difference between the two groups of exposure to
domestic violence reached a statistical significance on identity development. However, the
gender differences in identity development of adolescents exposed to domestic violence and
those not exposed did not reach any statistical significance. Again, on the interaction between
gender and exposure to domestic violence on identity development, the results revealed no
significant or acceptable level of interaction.Master
