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Community violence exposure in young adults
1Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0436, USA.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Young adults in the U.S. experience high rates of violence exposure, leading to significant psychological distress and aggression. Interventions are needed for urban and rural areas.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- The United States exhibits high rates of violence exposure among young adults.
- Lifetime exposure rates range from 76% to 82% for victimization and 93% to 96% for witnessing.
- High exposure rates persist even in lower-risk rural samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the psychological impact of violence exposure on young adults.
- To explore the cycle of violence exposure and later aggression perpetration.
- To suggest implications for intervention and prevention programs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing data on young adult violence exposure.
- Review of studies on psychological maladjustment linked to violence.
- Discussion of psychophysiological processes in the violence cycle.
Main Results:
- Young adults with high violence exposure report increased psychological maladjustment.
- Maladjustment includes depressed mood, aggressive behavior, PTSD symptoms, and interpersonal problems.
- Violence exposure may contribute to later aggression perpetration through psychophysiological pathways.
Conclusions:
- Violence exposure significantly impacts young adults' mental health and behavior.
- Understanding the cycle of violence is crucial for effective interventions.
- Targeted intervention and prevention programs are needed in both urban and rural settings.
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