The Impact of Violence on Urban Adolescents

This longitudinal school-based study examined school connection and family support as protective factors for adolescent mental health in the context of exposure to violence. After controlling for seventh grade functioning, recent exposure to violence uniquely predicted worsening of functioning from seventh to eighth grade across multiple self- and teacher-reported measures including self-reported internalizing symptoms, self-reported aggression, and teacher-reported competencies. Adolescents who felt more connected to school showed decreased psychological problems from seventh to eighth grade. Perceived school connection, however, did not moderate the relationship between exposure to violence and psychological functioning. Findings highlighted family support as a moderator of the relationship between exposure to violence and adolescent mental health. Implications for interventions to promote healthier adolescent functioning under stress are discussed.