Identifier

etd-01102016-181109

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Community violence, in the form of direct victimization or witnessing violent acts, is a prevalent public safety concern in many communities. Individuals who are exposed to community violence often exhibit a variety of associated mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. One of the most common negative outcomes associated with violence exposure among adolescents is engaging in aggressive or violent behavior. In order to mitigate the health, safety, and legal consequences associated with this outcome, it is worth examining factors that may protect adolescents from exhibiting behavior problems subsequent to community violence exposure. In the present study, family management factors (i.e., family routines, disciplinary practices, and monitoring/supervision) were investigated as potential moderating factors in the relationship between violence exposure and adolescent aggression. Community violence exposure, along with two family management variables (i.e., poor parental monitoring and inconsistent discipline), significantly predicted aggressive behavior. Family management factors were insignificant as moderators of the relationship between community violence exposure and aggression. This pattern of results suggests that the specific parenting practices examined are general “protective” factors for adolescents, as they appear beneficial for reducing negative behavioral outcomes regardless of the context of risk.

Date

2015

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Kelley, Mary L

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.2442

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Psychology Commons

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