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Byrd KAD, Lohrmann DK, Obeng C, Agley J, Cate B, Wong YJ, Nolting TM, Wright B. Coping with Community Violence: Perspectives of African American Young Adult Men and Hispanic/Latino Young Adult Men. J Interpers Violence 2024; 39:676-706. [PMID: 37701965 PMCID: PMC10775636 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231197783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Further study is needed regarding the intersection of community violence exposure, coping strategies, and health behaviors among young adult African American men and Hispanic/Latino men. This study did so in Lake County, Indiana, which contains multiple areas with disproportionate prevalence of violence relative to population size. Approximately 22 miles from Chicago, Lake County includes noteworthy mid-sized cities such as Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago. This study explored the perceptions of African American men and Hispanic/Latino men ages 18 to 25 regarding coping strategies and both healthy and health risk behaviors after directly witnessing or indirectly experiencing a violent act or event. We used aspects of social cognitive theory to design this community-based participatory research study. Thirteen males who self-identified as African American, Hispanic/Latino, or both, completed 34- to 80-minute, audio-recorded phone interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed, and NVivo 12 Windows was used by the research team (primary researchers and two coders) to complete transcript analysis. Findings from this study provided insight around African American men and Hispanic/Latino men regarding (a) witnessing violence directly or indirectly experiencing violence; (b) changes in everyday life experiences; (c) coping strategies that involved socio-emotional health, spiritual health, social health, and risky health behaviors; (d) rationales for not asking for help; (e) observations of significant others' coping; (f) what to do differently in the future; (g) beliefs about mentors; and (h) beliefs about mental health providers. Delving into participants' experiences revealed that African American men and Hispanic/Latino men in Lake County, Indiana chose to adopt a range of health risk and health positive strategies after directly witnessing or indirectly experiencing violence. Becoming knowledgeable about African American men's and Hispanic/Latino men's diverse coping strategies and health behaviors may help inform the community about how best to cocreate spaces that aim to alleviate the traumatic experience of having directly or indirectly experienced community violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David K. Lohrmann
- Indiana University Bloomington, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Cecilia Obeng
- Indiana University Bloomington, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jon Agley
- Indiana University Bloomington, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Beth Cate
- Indiana University Bloomington, Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Y. Joel Wong
- Indiana University Bloomington, School of Education, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | | | - Brittanni Wright
- Indiana University Bloomington, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Allwood MA, Robinson JN, Kim H. Youth Exposure to Gun, Knife, and Physical Assaults: Assessing PTSD Symptoms Across Types of Assaults, Race, Ethnicity, Sex, and Context. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:11545-11568. [PMID: 37409648 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231185300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in relation to physical assaults and weapons-related victimization, as well as the moderating roles of demographic characteristics and the context of victimization. The sample consisted of 910 racially and ethnically diverse adolescents and young adults from an urban commuter college in the Northeast U.S. Findings include significant sex differences and racial differences in reported victimization and symptoms. Men reported significantly more physical assaults, gun victimizations, and knife victimizations than women. Black participants reported significantly more gun victimization than all other groups, and Black, White, and Asian participants reported significantly more physical assault experiences than Latinx participants. Individuals victimized by physical assault or by gun victimization were more than twice as likely to report clinically significant PTSD symptoms than individuals without such experiences, even after adjusting for demographic differences. In addition, for gun victimization in the community, a two-way interaction (gun victimization by race) and a three-way interaction (gun victimization by race by sex) were significantly associated with clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Gun victimization in the community, which disproportionately impacts Black men, was the only context in which PTSD symptoms were highest for men compared to women. The overall finding of lower PTSD symptoms among men suggests that clinical practice must include an intentional focus on violence victimization, including the use of weapons, as well as the various ways that distress might manifest among men. In addition to symptoms of PTSD, other symptoms of distress, including substance use, anger, and retaliatory aggression, should be considered. Public policy and public health must also direct attention to the use of weapons in violence victimization and the proliferation of weapons violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janelle N Robinson
- John Jay College, City University of New York, USA
- The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
| | - Hyun Kim
- John Jay College, City University of New York, USA
- University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA
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Mora AS, Ceballo R, Cranford JA. Latino/a adolescents facing neighborhood dangers: An examination of community violence and gender-based harassment. Am J Community Psychol 2022; 69:18-32. [PMID: 34581444 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While ample research examines community violence as a serious public health problem that disproportionately affects minority adolescents, less attention focuses on adolescents' experiences of gender-based harassment in poor, urban neighborhoods. Using data from 416 urban, low-income Latino/a adolescents (53% female; Mage = 15.5), this study examined (a) the relations between community violence exposure (CVE), gender-based harassment, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and (b) the role of parent-child cohesion as a moderator of the relations between CVE/harassment and PTSD symptoms. Whereas both CVE and gender-based harassment were associated with greater PTSD symptoms, the effect of gender-based harassment on PTSD symptoms was far greater than the effect of community violence. Additionally, the association between gender-based harassment and PTSD symptoms was exacerbated when parent-child cohesion was high, compared to when cohesion was low or average. Finally, Latino/a adolescents exposed to high levels of both CVE and gender-based harassment had worse PTSD symptoms compared to those exposed primarily to gender-based harassment, who in turn had worse PTSD symptoms than those exposed primarily to community violence. Findings highlight the importance of including adolescents' experiences with gender-based harassment when studying community violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Mora
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rosario Ceballo
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - James A Cranford
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Stickley A, Koposov R, Koyanagi A, Oh H, Ruchkin V. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Community Violence Exposure in Russian Adolescents. J Interpers Violence 2021; 36:NP9738-NP9756. [PMID: 31288607 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519861651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A large body of research has shown that exposure to community violence is common for many children across the world. However, less is known about exposure in particular subgroups such as those children with developmental disorders. To address this research gap, the aim of this study was to examine community violence exposure (CVE) in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the role of gender in this association. Data were analyzed from 2,782 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years from Arkhangelsk, Russia that were collected during the Social and Health Assessment (SAHA). ADHD status was assessed with the hyperactivity/inattention scale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Information was obtained on past-year witnessing and violence victimization in the community. Results showed that CVE was more prevalent in children with ADHD symptoms. Specifically, 75.1% of children with ADHD symptoms had been exposed to any violence versus 62.3% in the non-ADHD group (χ2 = 18.65, p < .001). Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) revealed that CVE was significantly higher for adolescents with ADHD symptoms for both witnessing and victimization, while exposure was significantly higher for ADHD boys compared with girls. The findings of this study suggest that CVE may be elevated in adolescents with higher ADHD symptoms. Given that CVE has been associated with a variety of negative social and psychological outcomes in typically developing children, an important task for future research is to determine what factors are associated with CVE in adolescents with ADHD symptoms including those relating to such phenomena as comorbid psychopathology, the family, and peer relations, so that interventions can be designed and implemented to reduce CVE and its detrimental effects in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stickley
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Roman Koposov
- University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hans Oh
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Vladislav Ruchkin
- Uppsala University, Sweden
- Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT, USA
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Schmitz JCS, Prenoveau JM, Papadakis AA, Johnson AJ, Lating JM, Mendelson T, Dariotis JK. Mindfulness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity in Urban African-American High School Students. Psychiatr Q 2021; 92:85-99. [PMID: 32458341 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-020-09774-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to examine the relations among mindfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, and stressful life events (SLEs) in African-American urban adolescents. Another aim was to examine mindfulness as a moderator of the relation between SLEs and PTSD symptom severity in this population. METHOD Eighty-eight African-American high school students from a low-income urban community completed measures of demographics, PTSD symptom severity, SLEs, and mindfulness. RESULTS Mindfulness was significantly negatively related to PTSD symptom severity, r(86) = -.70, p < .001, 95% CI [-.58, -79], and SLEs were significantly positively related to PTSD symptom severity, r(86) = .29, p = .003, 95% CI [.09, .47]. Mindfulness was an independent predictor of PTSD symptom severity after accounting for SLEs, B = -1.16, t(84) = -9.06, p < .001, 95% CI [-1.41, -0.90], and SLEs were an independent predictor of PTSD symptom severity after accounting for mindfulness, B = 0.49, t(84) = 2.92, p = .004, 95% CI [0.16, 0.82]. Mindfulness did not moderate the relation between SLEs and PTSD symptom severity, B = -.003, t(84) = -0.15, p = .89, 95% CI [-.04, .03]. IMPLICATIONS This study has implications for both mindfulness as a potential protective factor against PTSD symptom severity and SLEs as a potential risk factor for increased PTSD symptom severity in African-American urban adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C S Schmitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1308 Sherwood Avenue, Box 980489, Richmond, VA, 23220, USA.
| | - Jason M Prenoveau
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison A Papadakis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adanna J Johnson
- Office of the Provost, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jeffery M Lating
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tamar Mendelson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacinda K Dariotis
- College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, Evaluation Services Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Metzner F, Dahm K, Richter-Appelt H, Pawils S, Moulaa-Edmondson MJ, Stellermann-Strehlow K. [Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) in children and adolescents - results from a patient population at the special consultation hour for traumatized children and adolescents]. Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother 2018; 47:300-312. [PMID: 29683375 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) in children and adolescents - results from a patient population at the special consultation hour for traumatized children and adolescents Abstract. Objective: Children and adolescents who have experienced interpersonal Type-II-trauma often develop symptoms going far beyond the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Van der Kolk (2009) suggested the Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) to define the extensive symptomatology; however, research on DTD is limited. Method: Frequency and group differences of DTD were examined based on physicians' letters of n = 161 patients between one and 18 years (61 % female) from an out-patient unit for traumatized patients at a paediatric and adolescent psychiatry. Physicians' letters were rated and analysed using an adapted DTD algorithm. Results: In total, 77 % of the patients experienced interpersonal Type-II-trauma, 6 % met the criteria for the adapted DTD diagnosis. DTD criteria were found more frequently in interpersonal Type-II-trauma victims than in patients with accidental or Type-I-trauma, but group differences only reached statistical significance for the DTD criteria B (affective and physiological dysregulation) and G (impairments) at the adjusted 0,2 % significance level. No statistically significant differences for age or gender were found. The posttraumatic symptoms of children younger than seven years were analysed descriptively. Conclusions: The results show that, although many children and adolescents have developed symptoms beyond the PTSD, only a small proportion have met the DTD diagnosis. In view of the partially unspecific and contradictory findings, further studies on DTD considering larger samples, the complete DTD criteria, and diagnosis-specific instruments seem to be reasonable and necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franka Metzner
- 1 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Hamburg
| | - Kristina Dahm
- 1 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Hamburg
| | - Hertha Richter-Appelt
- 2 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Poliklinik und Institut für Sexualwissenschaft und Forensik, Hamburg
| | - Silke Pawils
- 1 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Hamburg
| | - Miriam Juliane Moulaa-Edmondson
- 3 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Hamburg
| | - Kerstin Stellermann-Strehlow
- 3 Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Hamburg
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Suarez-Morales L, Mena M, Schlaudt VA, Santisteban DA. Trauma in Hispanic youth with psychiatric symptoms: Investigating gender and family effects. Psychol Trauma 2016; 9:334-343. [PMID: 27797565 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hispanic youth in the general community experience traumatic events and display symptoms of psychological distress more frequently than do Caucasian youth. However, little is known about how traumatic experiences in this ethnic minority population relate to psychopathology in clinical samples and whether these outcomes vary by gender and are impacted by family functioning. We hypothesized that traumatic stress reactions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and internalizing and externalizing symptoms, would vary by gender and by family functioning in a clinical sample of Hispanic youth. METHOD The current study utilized baseline data from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) involving 200 Hispanic adolescents (122 boys and 78 girls) referred to treatment for experiencing clinical symptoms of 1 or more behavioral disorders and conflictual family relations. The rate of traumatic events, differences in outcomes depending on trauma exposure, and the effects gender, family functioning, and trauma on psychopathology and PTSD symptoms were examined. RESULTS Analyses revealed that 61% of Hispanic youth in this clinical sample experienced at least 1 traumatic event. Although only 12% of the sample reported PTSD scores in the clinical range, girls reported higher PTSD scores than did boys. Poor family cohesion was particularly detrimental to girls compared with boys and related to internalizing and PTSD symptoms. High family conflict predicted PTSD symptoms in boys but not in girls. CONCLUSIONS These findings have clinical implications for working with Hispanic populations, suggesting that culturally sensitive interventions should incorporate family-based interventions for individuals who experience trauma to strengthen family bonds and decrease family conflict. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maite Mena
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Miami
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Gaylord-Harden NK, So S, Bai GJ, Henry DB, Tolan PH. Examining the Pathologic Adaptation Model of Community Violence Exposure in Male Adolescents of Color. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol 2016; 46:125-135. [PMID: 27653968 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1204925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined a model of desensitization to community violence exposure-the pathologic adaptation model-in male adolescents of color. The current study included 285 African American (61%) and Latino (39%) male adolescents (W1 M age = 12.41) from the Chicago Youth Development Study to examine the longitudinal associations between community violence exposure, depressive symptoms, and violent behavior. Consistent with the pathologic adaptation model, results indicated a linear, positive association between community violence exposure in middle adolescence and violent behavior in late adolescence, as well as a curvilinear association between community violence exposure in middle adolescence and depressive symptoms in late adolescence, suggesting emotional desensitization. Further, these effects were specific to cognitive-affective symptoms of depression and not somatic symptoms. Emotional desensitization outcomes, as assessed by depressive symptoms, can occur in male adolescents of color exposed to community violence and these effects extend from middle adolescence to late adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanna So
- a Department of Psychology , Loyola University Chicago
| | - Grace J Bai
- a Department of Psychology , Loyola University Chicago
| | - David B Henry
- b Institute for Research and Policy , University of Illinois at Chicago
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Deane K, Richards M, Mozley M, Scott D, Rice C, Garbarino J. Posttraumatic Stress, Family Functioning, and Externalizing in Adolescents Exposed to Violence: A Moderated Mediation Model. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol 2016; 47:S176-S189. [PMID: 27588608 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2016.1197836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to community violence disproportionately impacts low-income, minority youth and is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms and maladaptive adjustment. This study investigates whether posttraumatic stress mediates the relation between exposure to community violence and externalizing symptoms and the moderating role of family cohesion and daily family support in buffering these effects on later externalizing. Low-income, African American 7th-grade students (M age = 12.57 years; N = 254) from high-crime neighborhoods participated in a 2-year longitudinal study measuring the effects of community violence exposure. The students completed questionnaires administered by research staff over 5 consecutive days for each year of the study. Family cohesion and daily family support exhibited a significant buffering effect for several outcomes. Posttraumatic stress significantly mediated the effect of witnessing community violence on subsequent aggression. The strength of these indirect effects depended on level of family cohesion. The findings provide evidence in support of interventions provided at both individual and family levels. Mental health providers working with this population should be aware of the intertwined nature of exposure to community violence, posttraumatic stress, and subsequent maladaptive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Deane
- a Department of Psychology , Loyola University Chicago
| | | | | | - Darrick Scott
- a Department of Psychology , Loyola University Chicago
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Purtle J, Adams-Harris E, Frisby B, Rich JA, Corbin TJ. Gender Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Participants of a Violence Intervention Program at a Pediatric Hospital: A Pilot Study. Fam Community Health 2016; 39:113-119. [PMID: 26882414 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have emerged as a strategy to address posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms among violently injured patients and their families. HVIP research, however, has focused on males and little guidance exists about how HVIPs could be tailored to meet gender-specific needs. We analyzed pediatric HVIP data to assess gender differences in prevalence and type of PTS symptoms. Girls reported more PTS symptoms than boys (6.96 vs 5.21, P = .027), particularly hyperarousal symptoms (4.00 vs 2.82, P = .002) such as feeling upset by reminders of the event (88.9% vs 48.3%, P = .005). Gender-focused research represents a priority area for HVIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Purtle
- Department of Health Management & Policy, Drexel University School of Public Health Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Drs Purtle and Rich); Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Drs Adams-Harris and Corbin and Ms Frisby)
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to examine links between concerns about community violence and objective and subjective sleep parameters in an adolescent sample. Sex was considered as a moderator of effects. DESIGN The study used a cross-sectional design. PARTICIPANTS The community-based sample included 252 adolescents (53% girls) with an average age of 15.79 years (SD = 0.81) from the Southeastern United States. The sample included 34% African American and 66% European American adolescents from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. MEASUREMENTS Adolescent-reported community violence concerns were assessed using a composite of 3 separate subscales that measured perceived community safety and threats of community and school violence. Sleep duration and quality were assessed using actigraphy, and subjective sleep problems and daytime sleepiness were measured with subscales of the School Sleep Habits Survey. RESULTS Community violence predicted lower sleep efficiency, more long-wake episodes, and more sleep/wake problems and sleepiness. Sex-related moderation effects revealed that girls in the sample were more vulnerable to the effects of violence concerns on their objective sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the role of community violence concerns on adolescents' sleep, revealing that greater community violence concerns are linked with lower levels of actigraphy-based and subjective reports of sleep quality, particularly for adolescent girls. Consideration of the mechanisms by which violence concerns may affect sleep is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Bagley
- Psychology Department, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St, Allentown, PA, 18140
| | - Kelly M Tu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849
| | - Joseph A Buckhalt
- Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling, Auburn University, 3084 Haley Center, Auburn, AL, 36849
| | - Mona El-Sheikh
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849.
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Andrews AR 3rd, Jobe-Shields L, López CM, Metzger IW, de Arellano MA, Saunders B, Kilpatrick DG. Polyvictimization, income, and ethnic differences in trauma-related mental health during adolescence. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2015; 50:1223-34. [PMID: 26048339 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-015-1077-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to investigate ethnic differences in trauma-related mental health symptoms among adolescents, and test the mediating and moderating effects of polyvictimization (i.e., number of types of traumas/victimizations experienced by an individual) and household income, respectively. METHODS Data were drawn from the first wave of the National Survey of Adolescents-replication study (NSA-R), which took place in the US in 2005 and utilized random digit dialing to administer a telephone survey to adolescents ages 12-17. Participants included in the current analyses were 3312 adolescents (50.2 % female; mean age 14.67 years) from the original sample of 3614 who identified as non-Hispanic White (n = 2346, 70.8 %), non-Hispanic Black (n = 557, 16.8 %), or Hispanic (n = 409, 12.3 %). Structural equation modeling was utilized to test hypothesized models. RESULTS Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants reported higher levels of polyvictimization and trauma-related mental health symptoms (symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression) compared to non-Hispanic Whites, though the effect sizes were small (γ ≤ 0.07). Polyvictimization fully accounted for the differences in mental health symptoms between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites, and partially accounted for the differences between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites. The relation between polyvictimization and trauma-related mental health symptoms was higher for low-income youth than for high-income youth. CONCLUSIONS Disparities in trauma exposure largely accounted for racial/ethnic disparities in trauma-related mental health. Children from low-income family environments appear to be at greater risk of negative mental health outcomes following trauma exposure compared to adolescents from high-income families.
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Abstract
Given the consistent growth of the Latino population in the United States, there is a critical need for validated Spanish measures to assess posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children. The current study examines the psychometric properties of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS). We examined 259 children (8-17 years) who had experienced a recent traumatic event. Study measures were completed in Spanish (n = 106; boys = 58, girls = 48) or in English (n = 153; boys = 96, girls = 57). In addition to internal consistency, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted by testing four models to examine construct validity: (1) PTS single-factor, (2) DSM-IV three-factor, (3) Numbing four-factor, and (4) Dysphoria four-factor models. Findings demonstrated good internal consistency for both the English and Spanish versions of the CPSS. The English version revealed superior fit to the data for several models of PTS symptoms structure compared to the Spanish version. The current study demonstrated construct validity for the English CPSS, but not for the Spanish CPSS. Future studies will examine additional alternative models as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the Spanish CPSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika M. L. Meyer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jeffrey I. Gold
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Departments of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Virginia N. Beas
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christina M. Young
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nancy Kassam-Adams
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Musa R, Draman S, Jeffrey S, Jeffrey I, Abdullah N, Halim NAM, Wahab NA, Mukhtar NZM, Johari SNA, Rameli N, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR, Das S, Sidi H. Post tsunami psychological impact among survivors in Aceh and West Sumatra, Indonesia. Compr Psychiatry 2014; 55 Suppl 1:S13-6. [PMID: 23318005 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2004, the province of Aceh, Indonesia was rocked by tsunami and in September 2009, West Sumatra, Indonesia was hit by an earthquake. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term psychological impact on the residents inhabiting these regions and to identify factors associated with it. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was used to measure their psychological well-being. RESULTS Out of 200 respondents, 1 in 5 (19%) was found to suffer from a high level of depression, 1 in 2 (51%) had anxiety and 1 in 5 (22%) experienced stress. Factors found to be significantly associated with depression, anxiety and stress were female, young age, unemployed, and single (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The psychological impact following the tsunami persisted in the population after many years post-disaster. It is recommended that the psychological profile of the population be evaluated for the vulnerable group following any natural disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramli Musa
- Kulliyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
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Curtis S, Pain R, Fuller S, Khatib Y, Rothon C, Stansfeld SA, Daya S. Neighbourhood risk factors for Common Mental Disorders among young people aged 10–20 years: A structured review of quantitative research. Health Place 2013; 20:81-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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16
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Badour CL, Feldner MT, Blumenthal H, Bujarski SJ, Leen-feldner EW, Babson KA. Specificity of Peritraumatic Fear in Predicting Anxious Reactivity to a Biological Challenge among Traumatic Event-Exposed Adolescents. Cogn Ther Res 2012; 36:397-406. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-011-9380-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Gaylord-harden NK, Cunningham JA, Zelencik B. Effects of Exposure to Community Violence on Internalizing Symptoms: Does Desensitization to Violence Occur in African American Youth? J Abnorm Child Psychol 2011; 39:711-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-011-9510-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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O'Donnell DA, Roberts WC, Schwab-Stone ME. Community violence exposure and post-traumatic stress reactions among Gambian youth: the moderating role of positive school climate. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2011; 46:59-67. [PMID: 19921080 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-009-0162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community violence exposure among youth can lead to various negative outcomes, including post-traumatic stress symptoms. Research in the Western world indicates that a number of social support factors may moderate the relation between violence exposure and internalizing symptoms. Little research has been carried out in non-Western countries. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the relations among violence exposure, parental warmth, positive school climate, and post-traumatic stress reactions among youth in The Republic of The Gambia, Africa. METHODS A school-based survey of youth behaviors, feelings, attitudes, and perceptions was administered to 653 students at senior secondary schools in four Gambian communities. RESULTS Students reported high levels of exposure to violence. Over half of students reported witnessing someone threatened with serious physical harm, beaten up or mugged, attacked or stabbed with a knife/piece of glass, or seriously wounded in an incident of violence. Nearly half of students reported being beaten up or mugged during the past year, and nearly a quarter reported being threatened with serious physical harm. There were no sex differences in levels of exposure. Traumatic stress symptoms were common, especially among females. Both violence witnessing and violent victimization significantly predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms, and positive school climate moderated the relationship. Among youth victimized by violence, positive school climate was most strongly correlated with lower levels of post-traumatic stress at low levels of exposure. Among youth who had witnessed violence, positive school climate was most strongly correlated with lower levels of post-traumatic stress at high levels of exposure. CONCLUSION Community-based programs that bring together parents, schools, and youth may play an important role in combating the negative effects of some types of violence exposure among Gambian youth. Youth experiencing high levels of violent victimization represent a sample of particular concern and merit special research and clinical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A O'Donnell
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, 18952 E. Fisher Road, St. Mary's City, MD 20686, USA.
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19
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Kimonis ER, Ray JV, Branch JR, Cauffman E. Anger Mediates the Relation Between Violence Exposure and Violence Perpetration in Incarcerated Boys. Child Youth Care Forum 2011; 40:381-400. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-010-9121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Theoretically informed models are required to further the comprehensive understanding of children's ETV. We draw on the stress process paradigm to forward an overall conceptual model of ETV (ETV) in childhood and adolescence. Around this conceptual model, we synthesize research in four dominant areas of the literature which are detailed but often disconnected including: (1) exposure to three forms of physical violence (e.g., child physical maltreatment, interparental violence, and community ETV); (2) the multilevel correlates and causes of ETV (e.g., neighborhood characteristics including concentrated disadvantage; family characteristics including socio-economic status and family stressors); (3) a range of consequences of ETV (e.g., internalizing and externalizing mental health problems, role transitions, and academic outcomes); and (4) multilevel and cross domain mediators and moderators of ETV influences (e.g., school and community factors, family social support, and individual coping resources). We highlight the range of interconnected processes through which violence exposures may influence children and suggest opportunities for prevention and intervention. We further identify needed future research on children's ETV including coping resources as well as research on cumulative contributions of violence exposure, violence exposure modifications, curvilinearity, and timing of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Foster
- Department of Sociology, Texas A&M University, MS 4351 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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21
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Abstract
Although few studies dispute that there are gender differences in depression, the etiology is still unknown. In this review, we cover a number of proposed factors and the evidences for and against these factors that may account for gender differences in depression. These include the possible role of estrogens at puberty, differences in exposure to childhood trauma, differences in stress perception between men and women and the biological differences in stress response. None of these factors seem to explain gender differences in depression. Finally, we do know that when depressed, women show greater hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation than men and that menopause with loss of estrogens show the greatest HPA axis dysregulation. It may be the constantly changing steroid milieu that contributes to these phenomena and vulnerability to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Young
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Maikovich AK, Koenen KC, Jaffee SR. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and trajectories in child sexual abuse victims: an analysis of sex differences using the national survey of child and adolescent well-being. J Abnorm Child Psychol 2009; 37:727-37. [PMID: 19221872 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-009-9300-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Very few studies have prospectively examined sex differences in posttraumatic stress symptoms and symptom trajectories in youth victimized by childhood sexual abuse. This study addresses that question in a relatively large sample of children, drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, who were between the ages of 8-16 years and who were reported to Child Protective Services for alleged sexual abuse. Sex differences were examined using t tests, logistic regression, and latent trajectory modeling. Results revealed that there were not sex differences in victims' posttraumatic stress symptoms or trajectories. Whereas caseworkers substantiated girls' abuse at higher rates than boys' abuse and rated girls significantly higher than boys on level of harm, there were not sex differences in three more objective measures of abuse severity characteristics. Overall, higher caseworker ratings of harm predicted higher initial posttraumatic stress symptom levels, and substantiation status predicted shallower decreases in trauma symptoms over time. Implications for theory and intervention are discussed.
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23
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Hanson RF, Borntrager C, Self-Brown S, Kilpatrick DG, Saunders BE, Resnick HS, Amstadter A. Relations among gender, violence exposure, and mental health: the national survey of adolescents. Am J Orthopsychiatry 2008; 78:313-21. [PMID: 19123750 DOI: 10.1037/a0014056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Using a nationally representative sample of 4,008 adolescents, this study examines gender differences in violence exposure, major depressive episode (MDE) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and characteristics of violence incidents. It was hypothesized that there would be gender differences in the types of violence exposure reported and in the prevalence of MDE and PTSD and that gender would moderate the relationship between violence exposure and mental health outcomes. Results indicated significant gender differences in rates of violence exposure, PTSD, and MDE. Additionally, gender was a moderating variable in the relation between sexual assault and PTSD, but not in the other violence exposure?mental health relations examined. It thus appears that the pathways for developing PTSD may be different for male and female victims of sexual abuse. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle F Hanson
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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24
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Schmaus BJ, Laubmeier KK, Boquiren VM, Herzer M, Zakowski SG. Gender and stress: differential psychophysiological reactivity to stress reexposure in the laboratory. Int J Psychophysiol 2008; 69:101-6. [PMID: 18453025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Research has shown that women are more prone to the development of depression and anxiety disorders throughout their lifetimes. Stress reactivity and adaptation to repeated stressors have been linked to depression and anxiety, but studies examining gender differences in psychophysiological responses to repeated stressors are very limited. This study examined gender differences in response to initial and repeated exposure to a laboratory stressor as well as potential mechanisms for these differences. Participants viewed a Holocaust video on two occasions with a 2-day interval between sessions. Self reported negative affect and cardiovascular reactivity were recorded at both sessions. Although gender differences were not found following initial exposure, women exhibited significantly greater heart rate (HR) and negative affect (NA) reactivity to the second exposure as compared to men. Women also reported significantly greater intrusive thoughts and avoidance after the first exposure than men, but these were not found to be significant mediators. The findings indicate that women may be more vulnerable to repeated stress exposures compared to men suggesting sensitization. The implications of our findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Schmaus
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicagi, Illinois 60064, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Cohen
- a School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Studies , Haifa University Haifa , Israel
| | - Jawdat Eid
- b Salvatorian Sister's Greek Catholic School , Nazareth Israel
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Schiff M. Living in the shadow of terrorism: Psychological distress and alcohol use among religious and non-religious adolescents in Jerusalem. Soc Sci Med 2006; 62:2301-12. [PMID: 16290916 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the effects of prolonged exposure to terrorism in 600 religious and non-religious Jewish adolescents living in Jerusalem, particularly post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, coping strategies and social support. The youth in Jerusalem reported high exposure to terrorist acts. This exposure was associated with high PTS, depressive symptoms and alcohol use. Despite an apparently greater exposure to terrorism, religious adolescents reported lower levels of PTS and alcohol consumption, but similar levels of depressive symptoms to non-religious adolescents. Problem-solving coping predicted higher depressive symptoms for religious adolescents exposed to terrorism but not for similarly exposed non-religious adolescents. In contrast, emotion-focused coping predicted more alcohol consumption among highly exposed non-religious adolescents, while emotion-focused coping predicted more alcohol consumption among religious adolescents with low exposure. The overall findings suggest that religiosity may buffer the negative consequences of exposure in other ways than through coping or support.
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Self-Brown SR, LeBlanc M, Kelley ML, Hanson R, Laslie K, Wingate A. Effects of community violence exposure and parental mental health on the internalizing problems of urban adolescents. Violence Vict 2006; 21:183-98. [PMID: 16642738 DOI: 10.1891/vivi.21.2.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has documented an association between adolescent community violence exposure (CVE) and poor psychological functioning. The purpose of this study is to delineate the relations of CVE, parental mental health, and adolescent PTSD and depression. Participants consisted of 121 pairs of junior high and high school students and their parents. Adolescents completed measures to assess their history of violence exposure and current psychological functioning. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire and measures assessing their psychological functioning. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, and results indicated that, after controlling for demographic variables and family violence exposure, parental mental health emerged as a moderating variable in the relation between CVE and adolescent-rated PTSD, but not in the association between adolescent CVE and depression. Clinical implications of this study and directions for future research are discussed.
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28
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Brandt R, Ward CL, Dawes A, Flisher AJ. Epidemiological measurement of children's and adolescents' exposure to community violence: working with the current state of the science. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2006; 8:327-42. [PMID: 16362258 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-005-8811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A number of measures have been used in epidemiological studies of children's exposure to community violence, yet the quality of these instruments is not uniformly good. This paper undertakes a systematic review of the most commonly used (or most promising) self-report or interview-administered instruments, with regard to their conceptual bases and psychometric properties. Based on the review, recommendations are made for working with the current state of the science in order to move the field forward. A key recommendation is for sounder conceptualization of work in the field and greater transparency in the reporting of research, in order to facilitate the comparability of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Brandt
- Child, Youth and Family Development, Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
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29
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Feldman BJ, Conger RD, Burzette RG. Traumatic Events, Psychiatric Disorders, and Pathways of Risk and Resilience During the Transition to Adulthood. Research in Human Development 2004. [DOI: 10.1207/s15427617rhd0104_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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30
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Maercker A, Michael T, Fehm L, Becker ES, Margraf J. Age of traumatisation as a predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression in young women. Br J Psychiatry 2004; 184:482-7. [PMID: 15172941 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.184.6.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings in developmental psychopathology suggest that traumatisation in childhood may increase the risk of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder, whereas traumatisation in adolescence is more likely to lead to elevated PTSD risk. AIMS To estimate the impact of traumatisation in childhood or adolescence in a community sample. METHOD A representative sample of 1966 young women from Dresden aged 18-45 years were interviewed for occurrence of traumatic events and the onset of PTSD and major depression. The sample was subdivided into a childhood trauma group (trauma up to age 12 years) and an adolescent trauma group (trauma from age 13 years). RESULTS A quarter of all participants reported traumatic events meeting the DSM AI criterion. In the childhood group conditional risks for PTSD and major depressive disorder were 17.0% and 23.3%, respectively, compared with risks of 13.3% and 6.5%, respectively, in the adolescent group. In 29% of those with PTSD, major depression was also present. CONCLUSIONS The risk of developing major depressive disorder after traumatisation in childhood is approximately equal to the risk of developing PTSD. After age 13 years, the risk of PTSD is greater than the risk of major depression after traumatisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Maercker
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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31
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Wilson WC, Rosenthal BS. The relationship between exposure to community violence and psychological distress among adolescents: a meta-analysis. Violence Vict 2003; 18:335-352. [PMID: 12968662 DOI: 10.1891/vivi.2003.18.3.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This article is concerned with the "size of the relationship" between exposure to chronic community violence and psychological symptoms among adolescents. It analyzes all relevant empirical studies in the published literature during the last 20 years; uses quantitative methods to summarize findings; and estimates the effect size using meta-analysis. The 37 independent samples (n = 17,322) were coded on 19 categories, including size and characteristics of sample, and characteristics of the independent and dependent variables. Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between exposure to community violence and psychological distress; and that the effect size (r = .25) of this relationship is low-medium. The estimated effect size of the relationship points to new issues such as the characteristics of the psychosocial dynamics of resilience in the face of exposure to community violence and how exposure to community violence interacts with other potentially traumatic experiences in the producing of psychological distress.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate relationships between exposure to community violence (witnessing and victimization) and reported substance use (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and hard drugs) in a cross-national sample of adolescents, after controlling for the level of the adolescents' own violent behavior. METHOD A self-report survey was conducted in 3380 14- to 17-year-old adolescents in urban communities of 3 different countries: Antwerp, Belgium (N = 958); Arkangelsk, Russia (N = 1036); and New Haven, Connecticut (N = 1386). RESULTS In all 3 countries, levels of reported smoking, alcohol use, marijuana use, and hard drug use showed increases with adolescent exposure to violence. Although positively related, substance use was increased less markedly in US adolescents who witnessed violence. CONCLUSION Current findings further emphasize the association between violence exposure and potential severe physical and psychosocial health problems in adolescents. In addition, the findings suggest that violence exposure and its consequences are a worldwide urban phenomenon. Cross-national differences were found, however, that warrant additional research, and prospective studies are needed to investigate the pathways from violence exposure to substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Vermeiren
- University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Middelheimhospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Stevens SJ, Murphy BS, McKnight K. Traumatic stress and gender differences in relationship to substance abuse, mental health, physical health, and HIV risk behavior in a sample of adolescents enrolled in drug treatment. Child Maltreat 2003; 8:46-57. [PMID: 12568504 DOI: 10.1177/1077559502239611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Research on traumatic stress (TS) among adolescent substance users is limited, with research indicating that not all adolescents who experience trauma are substance users and not all adolescent substance users report symptoms of TS. In the general adolescent population, research on TS symptoms indicates gender differences, with more females reporting traumatic life events and more symptoms associated with traumatic stress. A gap in research exists, however, with regard to gender differences among adolescent substance users who report low versus acute levels of TS symptoms. This study included 274 male and 104 female adolescents enrolled in four drug treatment programs in Arizona. Comparisons between males and females and those with low versus acute levels of TS symptoms were examined with regard to substance use, mental health, physical health, and HIV risk-taking behavior. Results indicate significant differences between males and females and between those reporting low versus acute TS. In general, females and those with acute levels of TS symptoms had higher levels of substance use, mental health, and physical health problems as well as greater HIV risk behaviors when compared to males and those with low levels of TS symptoms. Results of this study indicate the need to assess adolescents for TS, including victimization and maltreatment histories, when entering substance abuse treatment and the need to simultaneously address issues of substance use, TS, and related mental health, physical health, and HIV sex risk behavior while in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Stevens
- Southwest Institute for Research on Women, University of Arizona, USA
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Abstract
The prevalence of violence exposure is relatively unexplored in adolescents in European communities, and reports on the association between exposure to community violence and suicidal behavior are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence of community violence in a European urban adolescent sample, (2) the relationship between exposure to community violence and suicidal ideation/deliberate self-harm, and (3) the influence of depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior on this relationship. Self-report surveys were administered to a representative school-based sample of 1509 adolescents in Antwerp (Belgium). The prevalence rate of violence exposure was still high but lower than that reported in U.S. communities. Suicidal ideation and deliberate self-harm were both related to violence exposure. The gender-specific influence of depressive symptomatology and aggressive behavior on the association between exposure to violence and suicidal behavior suggests the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Vermeiren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCKJA Middelheimhospital, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
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