Systematic Review of Parenting Among Latina Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Background/Purpose: Among Latinas in the U.S., intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent concern associated with numerous negative outcomes (e.g., physical and mental health concerns, financial insecurity). For Latina mothers experiencing IPV, the violence victimization itself along with potentially negative sequalae may impact their ability to parent to their full capacity, suggesting a need for parenting support in this population. Notably, IPV parenting interventions have generally been found to improve maternal mental health, parenting, and child well-being. To inform the development and adaptation of IPV parenting programs tailored to the unique needs of Latinas, this study aimed to synthesize empirical research on parenting among Latina IPV survivors. The study was guided by the following research questions: (1) What is known about parenting among Latina IPV survivors? and (2) What are the strengths and limitations of the literature on parenting among Latina IPV survivors?

Methods: A systematic search of eleven electronic databases was conducted in the Fall of 2024 using terms related to IPV, Latina, and Parenting. All database search results were imported into Covidence for title/abstract screening followed by full-text screening. At both stages, each study was reviewed independently by two members of the team, with discrepancies addressed through discussion and consensus. Studies were included if they were peer-revised, available in English or Spanish, empirical, conducted in the U.S., Latinas served as either the focal/majority sample (i.e., ≥75%) or sub-focal sample for which results were presented separately, and the study focused on IPV and some aspect of parenting. A total of 18 studies were included in the review and abstracted for key study elements (e.g., aim, theory, design, sample, measurement, analysis, and findings).

Findings: Participants included mothers (n=12), couples (n=3), youth (n=1), and mother-youth dyads (n=2). About two-thirds of the studies (n=12) were guided by a theoretical framework, including ecological framework, family systems theory, social learning theory, attachment theory, and spillover effect. Parenting—measured by self-report (n=11) and observation (n=7)—centered on parenting behaviors (n=10), aggression (n=6), parenting stress/hassles (n=6), acceptance of negative emotions (n=2), and other parenting domains (e.g., self-efficacy, attitudes, style, competence, sensitivity, and support). Among Latinas, IPV was associated with lower maternal self-efficacy and increased spanking, with parenting stress moderating the impact of IPV on parenting behaviors. Notably, foreign-born Latinas reported more positive parenting behaviors than their U.S.-born counterparts. Child behavior problems were associated with parenting stress, low parental reinforcement, and inconsistent parenting.

Conclusions/Implications: Study findings highlight the importance of IPV parenting interventions and supports for Latina mothers that address maternal self-efficacy, discipline strategies, and parenting stress. Given that parenting stress is a broad construct influenced by a variety of contributing factors, research is needed to better understand Latina IPV survivors’ experiences of parenting stress to inform both practice and policy efforts. Further, given that being foreign-born emerged as a protective factor, more research is needed to understand the role of culture as well as discrimination and oppression experienced while navigating parenting in the U.S.