RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To present the views of predominantly African American public housing residents as they discuss violence prevention. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted with 38 parents of adolescents. Data were analyzed inductively and in relation to an appraisal-coping theoretical framework. RESULTS: Parents enumerated cues that signaled neighborhood danger and signs and symptoms that suggested youth distress. Narratives reflect both ad hoc and systematic coping responses to incidences of violence that involve their children. CONCLUSION: Parents used a variety of coping strategies and diverse resources such as personal skills, family strengths, and community agencies in an attempt to decrease youth exposure and involvement in violence.
Asunto(s)
Adaptación Psicológica , Actitud , Población Negra/psicología , Padres/psicología , Vivienda Popular , Población Urbana , Violencia/psicología , Adolescente , Baltimore , Niño , Planificación en Salud Comunitaria , Participación de la Comunidad , Femenino , Grupos Focales , Humanos , Masculino , Medio Social , Apoyo Social , Violencia/prevención & controlRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To explore whether violence victimization and witness experiences of predominantly African-American, low-income, urban adolescents were associated with distress and whether psychosocial factors contributed to symptomatology. METHODS: Data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 349 youth between the ages of 9 and 15 years who resided in any of 10 low-income public housing communities in an East Coast city. Survey instruments assessed exposure to violence, distress symptomatology, youth psychosocial functioning, and family dynamics. Data were analyzed by computing Pearson correlation coefficients and a series of multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Witnessing violence was related to youth reports of intrusive thoughts and feelings, difficulties with concentration, and vigilant or avoidant behavior. Violence victimization was correlated with feelings of despondency about having either a happy or long life, as well as feelings of being unloved, uncared for, and afraid. Younger youth, boys, and active problem solvers were more likely to report intrusive thoughts. Problematic family communication was related to intrusive thoughts, distraction, feeling a lack of belonging, and expressions of emotional numbing. CONCLUSIONS: The act of witnessing violence may be associated with a set of distinct symptoms. Youth who witness violence also need to be identified so they may be aided in dealing with their distress. Family communication, particularly problematic family communication, and problem solving also contribute to symptomatology.