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Abdullah A, Cudjoe E, Jordan LP, Emery CR. Child polyvictimization in Zongo communities in Ghana: Young people's reflections on systemic resilience enablers. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 119:105075. [PMID: 33934894 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polyvictimization is often commonplace for young people living in violent communities. The situation is no different for young people in Ghanaian Zongo communities where poverty, social disorder and social vices are prevalent due to structural reasons. OBJECTIVE Using the social ecology approach to resilience, the study sought the perspectives of young people about how systemic aspects of community contribute to their positive development in high-risk communities. METHODS Following the short narrative approach, 23 young people ages 18-24 from two Zongo communities in Ghana were engaged in qualitative interviews. FINDINGS Cultural values of solidarity and peer support were common systemic enablers that facilitated young peoples' resilience. These enablers provided context and resources which ensured their survival in cases of neglect and abuse. Cultural values of solidarity exemplified by care for each other among residents created a safe environment and cultural capital contributed to the young peoples' resilience. Additionally, the "base" within Zongo communities provided a social structure that enabled peer support and promoted young peoples' resilience in the face of polyvictimization experiences. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The findings shift the resilience discourse from a conception of personality traits to one of collective aspects of community systems. They also identify cultural values of solidarity within the community that provide cultural capital for the social functioning of young people dealing with polyvictimization in high-risk environments. The findings provide pathways for professionals to promote resilience and develop resilience-oriented primary preventive measures for adolescents living in high-risk environments in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Abdullah
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, HKU Centennial Campus, Hong Kong.
| | - Ebenezer Cudjoe
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Lucy P Jordan
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, HKU Centennial Campus, Hong Kong.
| | - Clifton R Emery
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, HKU Centennial Campus, Hong Kong.
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Violence exposure, posttraumatic stress, and affect variability among African American Youth: A time sampling approach. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 33:1085-1096. [PMID: 32478650 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942000036x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The current study examines the immediate and short-term impact of daily exposure to community violence on same-day and next-day levels of posttraumatic stress symptomatology and various affective states (i.e., dysphoria, hostility, and anxiety), in a sample of 268 African American adolescents living in urban, low-income, high-violence neighborhoods (Mage = 11.65; 59% female). In addition, the moderating role of affective state variability on this relationship was examined. This study utilized experience sampling method and a daily sampling approach, which contributes a more robust investigation of the short-term effects of violence exposure in youth. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that community violence exposure was positively associated with same-day and next-day symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Violence exposure also exhibited an immediate effect on dysphoria, anxiety, and hostility levels. Youth variability in dysphoria exacerbated the effect of violence exposure on concurrent or next-day posttraumatic stress, dysphoria, and hostility. Moreover, variability in anxiety and hostility exacerbated the experience of next-day hostility. The clinical implications relating to these findings, such as the importance of implementing screening for posttraumatic stress following exposure, the incorporation of preventative treatments among those at risk of exposure, and the targeting of emotion regulation in treatments with adolescents, are discussed.
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Berg KL, Shiu CS, Feinstein RT, Acharya K, MeDrano J, Msall ME. Children with developmental disabilities experience higher levels of adversity. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 89:105-113. [PMID: 30974258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) experience significant health disparities. An overlooked risk factor for health disparities in the DD population is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The purpose of this study was to generate population prevalence data about level of adverse experiences among children with DD in comparison to children without DD and the extent to which potential confounders may influence observed associations between adversity and child DD status. METHODS Data from the 2011-12 National Survey of Child Health (NSCH) were analyzed to estimate prevalence of adversity among families of children with and without DD, age 3-17 years (N = 62,428; DD = 2622). Level of adversity was assessed via parent response to the Adverse Family Experiences questionnaire. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regressions were utilized to investigate the relationship between adverse family experiences (AFEs) and child DD status, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Child DD status was significantly and independently associated with higher probability of reporting 1-2 AFEs (RRR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.06, 1.5) and 3+ AFEs (RRR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.16, 2.21). CONCLUSION This study documents significant disparities in adversity among children with DD using a population-based sample. These adversities potentially compromise successful transition to adulthood and overall health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Berg
- University of South Dakota, Department of Social Work, Sioux Falls, SD, United States.
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Kruti Acharya
- University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Michael E Msall
- University of Chicago Medicine, Comer Children's Hospital, Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Chicago, IL, United States
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Borisova II, Betancourt TS, Willett JB. Efforts to Promote Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Traumatized Former Child Soldiers: Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone: The Role of Caregivers and Their Awareness of the Violence Adolescents Experienced During the War. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2013; 22:803-828. [PMID: 29249893 PMCID: PMC5730280 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2013.824059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article explores the role of caregivers in the reintegration of former child soldiers from Sierra Leone. Using data on 282 youth and their respective caregivers, our aim is to focus on the caregiver-child relationship after reintegration. We investigate the extent to which caregivers know about child soldiers' experiences of direct and indirect violence, as well as involvement in war activities. We further examine variables that might shape the degree of caregiver knowledge of child's war experiences. Finally, we examine if caregiver knowledge of war experiences is associated with child's psychosocial outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of developing thoughtful programs that consider the needs of the child in the context of the family and caregivers with whom he or she is reunified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivelina I Borisova
- Department of Education and Child Development, Save the Children US, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Theresa S Betancourt
- Department of Global Health and Population, François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John B Willett
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Tolan P, Lovegrove P, Clark E. Stress mitigation to promote development of prosocial values and school engagement of inner-city urban African American and Latino youth. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY 2013; 83:289-98. [PMID: 23889020 DOI: 10.1111/ajop.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Studies of predictors of development of young men of color have been primarily focused on factors that impede positive development rather than factors that promote it. There are also few examples of longitudinal studies of positive development of this population and few that consider multiple protective factors simultaneously. Little is also known about how such positive outcomes might relate to prediction of problematic functioning. This study tests a developmental-ecological framework of positive and risky development among a sample of young men of color growing up in high-risk urban environments. African American and Latino adolescent males (148 African American, 193 Latino) were followed from early to late adolescence. Stress in early adolescence was related to school engagement and prosocial values as well as depressive symptoms and problems assessed 2 years later. The role of family and individual protective factors as direct effects and as mitigating the stress-outcome relation were also tested. Stress predicted problem outcomes but not positive functioning. Early engagement in prosocial activities and coping skills did predict positive outcomes. In contrast, problem outcomes were predicted directly by stress, with some indication of interaction with some protective factors for both such outcomes. Overall results suggest value in focusing on positive outcomes along with negative outcomes, as they are not the antithesis and have some shared but some different predictors. Implications for supporting positive development are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tolan
- UVA Center to Promote Effective Youth Development, University of Virginia, PO Box 400281, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
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Hartinger-Saunders RM, Rittner B, Wieczorek W, Nochajski T, Rine CM, Welte J. Victimization, Psychological Distress and Subsequent Offending Among Youth. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2011; 33:2375-2385. [PMID: 21984856 PMCID: PMC3187546 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Rittner
- University at Buffalo 685 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1050, USA
| | - William Wieczorek
- Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue # 8203 Buffalo, NY 14222-1004, USA
| | - Thomas Nochajski
- University at Buffalo 685 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1050, USA
| | - Christine M. Rine
- Plymouth State University, Mary Taylor House 102, Plymouth, New Hampshire, 03264-1595, USA
| | - John Welte
- Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue # 8203 Buffalo, NY 14222-1004
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Betancourt TS, Borisova II, Williams TP, Brennan RT, Whitfield TH, de la Soudiere M, Williamson J, Gilman SE. Sierra Leone's former child soldiers: a follow-up study of psychosocial adjustment and community reintegration. Child Dev 2010; 81:1077-95. [PMID: 20636683 PMCID: PMC2921972 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01455.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This is the first prospective study to investigate psychosocial adjustment in male and female former child soldiers (ages 10-18; n = 156, 12% female). The study began in Sierra Leone in 2002 and was designed to examine both risk and protective factors in psychosocial adjustment. Over the 2-year period of follow-up, youth who had wounded or killed others during the war demonstrated increases in hostility. Youth who survived rape not only had higher levels of anxiety and hostility but also demonstrated greater confidence and prosocial attitudes at follow-up. Of the potential protective resources examined, improved community acceptance was associated with reduced depression at follow-up and improved confidence and prosocial attitudes regardless of levels of violence exposure. Retention in school was also associated with greater prosocial attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy Philip Williams
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard School of Public Health,
| | - Robert T. Brennan
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School,
| | | | | | - John Williamson
- Senior Technical Advisor for Displaced Children and Orphans Fund of USAID,
| | - Stephen E. Gilman
- Departments of Society, Human Development & Health and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health,
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Black BM, Peterson BL, Weisz AN, Kernsmith PD, Lewandowski LA, Hegde KK. Definitions of Violence: African-American and Iraqi Refugee Adolescents' Perceptions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2009.9748012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Guterman NB. Advancing prevention research on child abuse, youth violence, and domestic violence: emerging strategies and issues. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2004; 19:299-321. [PMID: 15005994 DOI: 10.1177/0886260503261153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Prevention research on the related problems of child abuse, youth violence, and domestic violence has grown at an accelerating pace in recent years. In this context, a set of shared methodological issues has emerged as investigators seek to advance the interpersonal violence prevention knowledge base. This article considers some of the persistent methodological issues in these areas and points out emerging research strategies that are forging advances in garnering valid, rigorous, and useful knowledge to prevent interpersonal violence. Research issues and emerging strategies in three key domains of prevention research are considered, including complexities in validly conceptualizing and measuring varying forms of violence as specific targets for preventive intervention, research issues and strategies designed to reliably predict and identify future violence risk to be targeted by preventive intervention, and research issues and emerging strategies in the application of empirical methods to forge specific advances in preventive intervention strategies themselves.
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William-Hayes M, Dulmus CN, Nugent WR, Sowers KM. Policy recommendations for the use of victim-offender mediation to redress criminal actions. JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL POLICY 2004; 18:53-69. [PMID: 15447881 DOI: 10.1300/j045v18n04_04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how to respond effectively and efficiently to crime victims and their offenders, and identifying what policies assist victims in having their victimization redressed is a major social concern. Social workers have contact with these vulnerable populations in many different ways, yet the social work profession, in general, is unfamiliar with how to redress victims through restorative justice. Restorative justice is an innovative method of viewing crime, and a paradigm shift is required when considering the application and implication of various forms of restorative justice. It is imperative to keep various justice options available, as the effects of crime are detrimental. Though reported rates of juvenile and adult crime have decreases during the last decade, the costs associated with crime to society remain high. Many victims do not report crimes, and if professionals such as medical personnel fail to identify crimes, then these costs may be even higher than currently reported. Regardless, however, of the costs associated with crime, victims deserve having justice evaluated, at least in part, in terms of what they need and want. Likewise, it is imperative to evaluate the effects of victim- offender mediation (VOM), a form of restorative justice, on offenders as they too deserve potential rehabilitation and the chance to redress the harm they caused their victim(s). This paper discusses crime effects, provides an overview of VOM, and concludes with policy recommendations concerning the use of victim-offender mediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona William-Hayes
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37996-3333, USA
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Wilson WC, Rosenthal BS. The relationship between exposure to community violence and psychological distress among adolescents: a meta-analysis. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 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] [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
As demonstrated by several studies, there is an increase in levels of female violence. This study attempts to more fully understand the increasing phenomenon of violence in girls by exploring motivations to engage in violent behavior. The hypothesis that a girl's perceived sense of competence is influenced by social and environmental variables that motivate her to engage in violent behavior is tested. Research studies of female adolescent violence have focused on the study of risk factors predisposing the individual to violent behavior. This study uses a health behavior framework (C.L. Cox, Advances in Nursing Science, October 1982, 41-56) to explore the links between perceived sense of competence and both the risk and protective factors that motivate girls to act violently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela P DiNapoli
- Department of Nursing, School of Health of and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durbam, NH 03824, USA.
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Abstract
Chronic illness during adolescence adds a dimension to a developmental stage that already has the potential to be tumultuous. Consequences of marginalization that predispose well adolescents to risk behaviors such as low self-worth and feelings of isolation are compounded in the chronically ill. In the author's proposed model, it is essential that nurses promote strategies that empower chronically ill adolescents. Care should be community-based and have an integrated multidisciplinary approach involving nursing, medicine, allied health care providers, and, (very importantly) the social networks of the adolescent [38,39]. For optimal health outcomes, we must begin to empower the chronically ill to meet their developmental need both within their social and medical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela P DiNapoli
- Department of Nursing, School of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, 247 Hewitt Hall, Durham, NH 03824, USA.
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Itzhaky H, York AS. Child sexual abuse and incest: community-based intervention. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2001; 25:959-972. [PMID: 11523871 DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2134(01)00249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this article is to determine the effectiveness of community intervention in the case of child sexual abuse. The article describes and analyses an actual case in a small urban community in Israel. METHOD After several incidents of child sexual abuse, much of it incestuous, were brought to light in the community, they were discussed openly, contained, and punished. A community campaign, in which community activists as well as all the service providers were involved, was organized by community social workers. Individual, group, and community interventions were used. RESULTS The continuation of the abuse has been checked, and, so far, there is no evidence to suggest its resurgence. Community apathy to child sexual abuse seems to have been halted and reversed. The involvement of community residents, particularly the activists, has increased, and this appears to be the major factor in changed community norms toward child sexual abuse. CONCLUSION Implications of the individual, group, and community interventions are discussed. An integrated program of intervention practices is advocated to contain and prevent the incidence of child sexual abuse and incest.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Itzhaky
- School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
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