Psychological Predictors of Community Violence Exposure in Ethnic Minority Male Adolescents

Urban, minority males are disproportionately impacted by community violence exposure (ECV). However, person-based analyses have demonstrated variability in rates of ECV, suggesting that demographic risk factors do not always result in increased ECV, and it may be important to examine the utility of psychological factors in this relationship. Research suggests that depressive symptoms may actually exacerbate the risk of ECV. The current study examines the effect of internalizing symptoms on future ECV. Data were derived from a larger longitudinal study of adolescents who had committed a criminal offense. This subset of 184 participants ranged in age from 14-18. Results indicated that higher levels of depressive cognitions predicted more ECV over time, above and beyond demographic variables, somatic symptoms, affective symptoms, and prior levels of ECV. There was no significant indirect relationship between depressive symptoms and ECV. Implications for intervention and further research are discussed