title: The contribution of different forms of violence exposure to internalizing and externalizing symptoms among young South African adolescents.
abstract: While many youth are exposed to multiple forms of co-occurring violence, the comparative impact of different forms of violence on the mental health of children and adolescents has not been clearly established. Studies from low and middle income countries in particular are lacking. The present study examined the contribution of different forms of violence to internalizing and externalizing symptoms among young adolescents in South Africa. A community-based sample of 616 high school learners completed self-report scales assessing exposure to six different forms of violence and the severity of depression, aggression and conduct disorder symptoms. In bivariate analyses, all six forms of violence were significantly associated with internalizing and externalizing difficulties. When the contribution of all forms of violence to mental health outcomes was examined simultaneously, domestic victimization emerged as the strongest predictor of both internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Cumulative exposure to other forms of violence contributed further to the prediction of aggression and conduct disorder, but not depression. Recommendations for future research, and the implications of the findings for prioritizing the development of violence prevention and intervention initiatives in the South African context, are considered.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
authors: Bernice
authors: B
authors: du Plessis
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Kaminer
authors: Statistical Consulting Service, Department of Statistical Science, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
authors: Anneli
authors: A
authors: Hardy
authors: Department of Educational Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Community Action Towards a Safer Environment (CASE), PO Box 32141, Ottery 7808, South Africa.
authors: Arlene
authors: A
authors: Benjamin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012574:Schools; D057566:Self Report; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Adolescents; Externalizing; Internalizing; Poly-victimization; South Africa