Analyzing Children's Perception of Violence Through Their Writing

Direct exposure to violence affects approximately three out of every five children in America. Using data available from the "Do the Write Thing" (DtWT) Challenge, this study explored children's views of violence using 1,165 essays written by students from 13 middle schools in nine districts within Region V of Texas. Data analysis from students' writing found that students wrote more about bullying than other forms of violence. Most children identified themselves as indirect observers or witnesses rather than victims or perpetrators during such instances of bullying. Pairing the anti-bullying campaigns with violence prevention programs could better inform and educate students about the risks and consequences of violence, particularly as they move into late adolescence and adulthood.

Exposure to Family Violence and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Spanish Adolescents

Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment may have devastating consequences on children's development. The aim of this research was to examine the predictive associations between exposure to violence at home (witnessing violence against the mother and/or direct victimization by the parents) and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 613 Spanish adolescents (13-18 years) took part in this study. Results indicate that psychological victimization by the parents predicted an increase in anxious/depressive symptoms, aggressive and rule-breaking behavior, and substance abuse at Time 2. In addition, rule-breaking behavior predicted an increase in adolescents' substance abuse at Time 2. Concerning gender, psychological victimization predicted an increase in anxiety/depression, aggressive behavior, rule-breaking behavior, and substance abuse in boys; whereas in girls, psychological victimization only predicted an increase in anxiety/depression.