| Research in the field of family violence has demonstrated a multitude of long-term sequelae, one of which is the development of externalizing behavior (EB). However, data in regard to the function of such behavior is limited, and nonexistent in the context of past family violence exposure. The current article presents an observational study examining the relationship between experiential avoidance (EA) and externalizing behavior in young adult victims of past family violence. The study examined externalizing behavior and experiential avoidance by comparing scores on the Adult Self Report (ASR) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2 (AAQ-2). Additionally, psychopathy was measured as a confounding variable, as it is theorized that these individuals appetitively externalize and lack normal human emotions, resulting in little reason to experientially avoid. Measures were administered to young adults (n=21) residing in a shelter for homeless youth. Results indicated a positive association between EA and EB and suggested that EA may predict EB among this population. Findings also provided initial support that the relationship between EB and EA is stronger among family violence victims than victims of other types of violence as well as individuals with certain types of mental health symptoms. |
