Youth with high levels of community violence exposure reported more fears, anxiety, internalizing behavior, and negative life experiences than those with low exposure. No depression or externalizing behavior differences were observed. In a psychophysiological assessment in which adolescents watched a montage of media violence, youth exposed to high levels of community violence had lower baseline heart rates than those with low exposure. There were no between-group differences in physiologic reactivity. Regression analyses revealed that community violence exposure predicted post-traumatic stress and separation anxiety symptoms. The results suggest a significant link between community violence exposure and anxiety symptomatology.

Emotional and Behavioral Impact of Exposure to Community Violence in Inner-City Adolescents: Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology: Vol 30, No 2

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