OBJECTIVE: This study aims to: 1) identify and measure the type, frequency, and intensity of exposure to community violence experienced by 90 pairs of Latino and African-American mothers and their children attending two public middle schools in the same low income neighborhood; 2) measure the behavioral and psychological effects of community violence exposure upon the sample population; and 3) examine and specify the pathway of influence (moderator and/or mediator) of maternal distress symptomatology, specifically, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, upon child symptomatology.
METHODS: Utilizing a random stratified sampling design in which children were stratified according to gender and race/ethnicity, this study gathered comprehensive information from children, mothers, and teachers. Multiple regression equations were conducted to ascertain if maternal distress symptomatology acts as a moderator or a mediator of child symptomatology.
RESULTS: The mother-child pairs have substantial exposure to community violence. One in three children were victims of violence and 76.2% were witnesses to violence in their lifetime. Over 58% of the mothers had been a victim of violence. Analysis reveals that maternal distress symptomatology acts as a mediator of child symptomatology.
IMPLICATIONS: Findings highlight that maternal distress symptomatology is more important than community violence exposure in contributing to the child's heightened psychological and behavioral problems. Schools and mental health practitioners should assess for parent's exposure to community violence when conducting assessments of children and intervene with the parents.