title: The role of fortitude in relation to exposure to violence among adolescents living in lower socio-economic areas in South Africa.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is compelling evidence that a significant proportion of adolescents exposed to violence do not develop trauma-related symptoms, but adapt successfully. This differential vulnerability has propelled research into identifying factors that promote coping. This study focused on the role of fortitude in the relationship between violence and trauma-related symptoms among South African adolescents living in two low-income communities. Fortitude is derived from positive cognitive appraisals of the self, the family and external sources of support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adolescents (n = 498) completed an adapted version of the Harvard Trauma Scale (HTS) and the Fortitude Questionnaire (FORQ).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Moderated regression analysis demonstrated that fortitude had a health-sustaining and stress-buffering role. Adolescents who displayed high levels of fortitude had lower levels of trauma symptoms in relation to exposure to violence (stress-buffering) and were able to maintain their levels of wellbeing irrespective of the nature and extent of such exposure (health-sustaining).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study provides evidence for fortitude as a protective factor by highlighting the role of specific cognitive appraisals related to fortitude in facilitating adaptation in relation to trauma. The study also underscores the relevance of using clinical interventions that target problematic cognitive appraisals and strengthen perceptions of coping.
authors: a Department of Psychology , University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors: Tyrone B
authors: TB
authors: Pretorius
authors: a Department of Psychology , University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Padmanabhanunni
authors: b Melomed Private Clinic , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors: Jerome
authors: J
authors: Campbell
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000069581:Exposure to Violence / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology*; D000067073:Psychological Trauma / Q000208:ethnology*; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D013019:South Africa
keywords: South Africa; adolescents; fortitude; psychological outcome; violence