Strategies of coping among adolescents experiencing interparental violence

This article presents findings of a qualitative study, using a phenomenological perspective, aimed at understanding the meaning of interparental violence for adolescents. The professional literature emphasizes the negative effects of exposure to interparental violence. Yet coping with these effects has been largely overlooked. Whereas most knowledge is based on information about young children, adolescents' perception of their experience has rarely been addressed. The study sample was composed of 21 Israeli-born Jewish youths, males and females, aged 13 to 18. All participants were interviewed using an in-depth semistructured interview format. Thematic content analysis of the data was performed, revealing coping strategies that serve as (a) a mode of action to survive in a violent ecology and (b) a positive outcome of life in spite of negative influences. The meaning of these coping strategies for the youths at present and for their future development is discussed. Implications for further research and intervention are proposed.