The comparative and cumulative impact of different forms of violence exposure during childhood and adolescence on long-term adult outcomes

Abstract

Violence exposure during childhood and adolescence is associated with a range of negative psychosocial outcomes. Research examining the impact of violence exposure has been limited by the compartmentalization into separate bodies of research (e.g., community violence, domestic violence). There is also a paucity of research examining long-term adult outcomes. Using a large and racially diverse sample (n = 754; male = 58%; Black = 46%), the current longitudinal study aimed to elucidate the comparative and cumulative effect of different types of violence exposure (witnessing vs. victimization) across different locations (home, school, neighborhood) in childhood and adolescence (lifetime through Grade 8) on long-term internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems; substance use; and intimate partner violence in adulthood (age 25). Victimization, but not witnessing violence, predicted all five adult outcomes. Specifically, being victimized at home was associated with the widest range of negative outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems), while school victimization was associated with substance use. Further, when youth experienced multiple types of violence across multiple locations (cumulative violence exposure), they experienced a more diverse range of negative outcomes in adulthood (composite score). The current study highlights the stronger effects of violence exposure in more proximal contexts, and how these locations are important for emotional and behavioral development.

Longitudinal effectiveness of a woman-led, nurse delivered health promotion intervention for women who have experienced intimate partner violence: iHEAL randomized controlled trial

“…The impacts of iHEAL on PTSD symptoms were initially more modest than for depession, but grew stronger over time. As a complex trauma, the traumatic effects of IPV may be more difficult to shift in the short-term [ 29 ], particularly when women have also experienced other forms of violence or trauma in their lifetimes [ 5 , 62 ]. Concurrent chronic stressors (i.e., economic challenges, or experiences of stigma or discrimination when seeking help) can reinforce and activate trauma responses.…”

Healthy Lifestyle in Adolescence: Associations with Stress, Self-Esteem and the Roles of School Violence

“…However, higher self-esteem is related to a lower probability of being a victim of school violence [ 29 ]. Studies address that youth exposed to violence have risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and worse life satisfaction [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In addition, adolescents who lead a healthy lifestyle are less likely to be involved in school violence [ 34 ].…”

“…The roles of violence can play a significant role in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in adolescence. Adolescents who are exposed to violence, in this case within the school setting, face difficulties in maintaining healthy habits and tend to be at high risk for risky behaviors, such as substance use, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet [ 30 , 31 ]. Peer victimization can negatively affect young people’s life satisfaction, decreasing their perception of community support and impairing their development and quality of life [ 32 ].…”

The Effects of Interpersonal Violence on Sleep Following the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order

“…2 This exposure can harm cognitive development, behavioral regulation, and mental health. 3 Another type of interpersonal violence that affects health is community violence, including assaults and homicides. Among adults, even indirect exposure to community violence can result in stress and challenges to social function at school or work.…”

“…4 There is a paucity of research on the effects of interpersonal violenceboth domestic and community violenceon health in adulthood, and this merits more research. 3,5 This research is particularly important as scholars have documented increased risks for interpersonal violence during the COVID-19 pandemic's stay-at-home order that disproportionately affected lower income households and communities of color. [6][7][8] In addition to increased risks for interpersonal violence, there is evidence that health and health-related behavior changed during the pandemic.…”