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Urban Adolescents' Exposure to Violence and Racial Discrimination: Gender Differences in Coping and Mental Health

NCJ Number
308878
Journal
Journal of Child and Family Studies Volume: 33 Dated: Mar 2024 Pages: 939-953
Author(s)
Belinda E. Hernandez; Heather L. McDaniel; Catherine P. Bradshaw
Date Published
March 2024
Length
15 pages
Annotation

This article describes a research study that explored the extent to which coping is adaptive or maladaptive for youth who have been exposed to violence and racial discrimination in relation to their behavioral and emotional health difficulties; it discusses the research methodology and outcomes, noting that findings suggest coping responses are gender specific.

Abstract

Exposure to violence and racial discrimination are linked with behavioral and emotional health concerns among youth. However, it is unclear which coping strategies are most adaptive versus maladaptive for youth in urban areas. This study explored the extent to which coping, by using self-reliance or ventilating feelings, is adaptive or maladaptive for youth exposed to violence and racial discrimination in relation to their behavioral and emotional health difficulties. Data come from 398 ninth graders, of which 51 percent were male, and 92 percent were Black. Multigroup analyses for males and females were conducted to explore the associations between coping strategies and emotional and externalizing symptoms, with racial discrimination and exposure to violence as potential moderators. Results suggested for females, ventilating feelings and exposure to violence were associated with increased emotional and behavioral symptoms; for males, a series of statistically significant interactions suggested that coping strategies and community stressors operated in concert, with self-reliance coping serving as a protective factor. (Published Abstract Provided)