ABSTRACT
The present study examined the long-term outcomes of parental verbal aggression, as well as the influence of possible protective factors. Participants completed measures of physical and psychological maltreatment, family cohesion, parental emotional bonding, use of coping strategies, depression, aggression, self-esteem, and interpersonal sensitivity. Results indicated that an association existed between verbal aggression and negative outcomes. However, protective factors, particularly family cohesion, were found to be better predictors of psychological adjustment than verbal aggression alone. Furthermore, although overall psychological adjustment and available protective factors were found to be similar for males and females, a history of verbal aggression was more likely to be related to negative outcomes in females. Theoretical, research, and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.