What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the relationship between various forms of violence exposure and psychological functioning in adolescents.

May 25, 2026Open Access

Violence exposure in South African adolescents: differential and cumulative effects on psychological functioning

Key Points

The aim is to explore the relationship between various forms of violence exposure and psychological functioning in adolescents.
Cross-sectional survey involving 1,574 adolescents from the Western Cape Province.
Participants reported experiences of violence and completed assessments for psychological outcomes.
Diverse ethnic backgrounds included Black, White, mixed heritage, and Indian/Asian descent adolescents.
Indirect and direct community victimization predicted higher levels of psychological distress.
Indirect political victimization was also a predictor of negative psychological outcomes.
Victimization within home and school contexts was not significantly associated with psychological functioning.

Abstract

This study examined the associations between different types of violence victimization and psychological functioning in South African adolescents. Both differential and cumulative effects of violence were investigated. A multi-ethnic (Black, White, people of mixed heritage, and people of Indian/Asian descent) sample of adolescents in secondary schools in the Western Cape Province (N = 1,574; boys = 46.5%, girls = 53.5%; Mage = 16 years) completed a survey on their experiences of exposure to violence (across different contexts and polyvictimization) and their levels of hopelessness, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and suicidal ideation. The results showed that indirect and direct victimization in the community, and indirect political victimization were consistent predictors for adverse psychological functioning, whereas victimization in home and school contexts did not emerge to be significant.

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