The Impact of Community Violence on Children's Level of Distress and Depression in Latency Age Children Seen in an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
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Authors
Franzen, Elizabeth Buck
Issue Date
2000
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to raise awareness about the magnitude of violence in our communities to which children are being exposed and to contribute a better understanding of the potential importance of the association of community violence to reports of depression and distress symptoms in children. This study used a correlational design to examine the relationship between children's exposure to violence in their community and their symptoms of distress and depression. Thirty children at a community mental health clinic were assessed for exposure to violence and symptoms of distress and depression. The study's results indicated that 100% of the sample had witnessed at least one violent event in their community, and 90% had experienced at least one violent event. Those children with higher levels of violence exposure also reported significantly higher levels of depression and anxious thoughts. The results of the study are significant because many mental health clinics generally do not include an interview on children's exposure to violence as part of their standard intake procedure. Clinicians working with children may find the results of this study valuable in their efforts to provide effective interventions at an individual and community level.