Childhood Exposure to Community Violence and its Effects on Self-Esteem

Abstract

Exposure to community violence is a pervasive issue that is known to affect children in many ways. Children who have been exposed to community violence tend to show greater distress symptoms as well as externalizing problems. The present study investigated the relationship between exposure to community violence in childhood and self-esteem in adolescence, as well as the possible mediating effects of family support and depressive symptoms. Data were collected as a part of a school intervention program implemented in 18 public schools in New York City. Results did not show a significant correlation between exposure to community violence and self-esteem. Family support did not have a statistically significant mediating effect, but the results suggested a trend toward significance. Depressive symptoms did not have a mediating effect. Children who scored higher on the measure of family support generally reported fewer incidents of exposure to community violence. The results of this study can be used to help educate parents about the best ways to protect their children from violence in their communities.