The Role of Family Violence on Mental Health and Hopefulness in an Iranian Adolescents Sample

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family violence and both mental health and hope. It was also designed to investigate the roles of gender and ethnicity on these constructs in an Iranian context. Participants included 300 adolescents from Eghid City, Fars Province, Iran selected through systematic random sampling within a survey design. A demographic questionnaire and three inventories were administered. Results indicated significant correlation coefficients between family violence, mental health, and hope. Males in general had a greater childhood history of physical assault and neglect, and experienced more overall family violence compared to females. Females showed higher psychopathology, including somatic complaints, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression. Ethnicity also played a significant role in nonviolent discipline and psychological aggression toward children.