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Although the negative consequences of traumatic exposure across various domains of functioning have been well-documented, gaps and discrepancies continue to exist in the understanding of the impact of complex trauma, such as interpersonal violence (IPV), and how outcomes may vary across diverse populations and identities. In this cross-sectional study investigating the impact of traumatic exposure on physiological domains of functioning, a sample of female-identifying college students completed a number of self-reported measures (assessing past and present trauma exposure, complex posttraumatic stress disorder [CPTSD] symptoms, racial-ethnic minority status, and age of onset of first traumatic exposure) and provided resting high-frequency heart rate variability (hfHRV) data, which served as a biomarker for the potential impact of trauma exposure on physiological domains. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength of relationships between variables and the predictive value of the models. Results indicated endorsement of IPV trauma was significantly associated with earlier age of onset, more severe levels of CPTSD symptoms, and higher hfHRV, but not racial-ethnic minority status. Racial-ethnic minority status was significantly related to more severe CPTSD symptoms. Type of trauma exposure was the only variable that emerged as having predictive value for changes in hfHRV. These findings suggest that experiencing IPV may have unique implications for trauma symptomatology and functioning above and beyond other forms of traumatic exposure, but that continued research must be conducted in order to draw more robust conclusions about the effects of exposure on physiological regulation across various racial-ethnic identities. / M.S. / Research has highlighted the consequences that extremely negative, stressful experiences, also called traumatic events, can have on the way humans think, emote, behave, and physically react. It can be more difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of interpersonal violence (IPV), or violence that occurs at the hands of another (i.e., family, partner, or community violence), due to the complex, severe, and long-term nature of symptoms that survivors experience. There is also limited research about what complex trauma looks like across diverse populations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of traumatic exposure on physiology, which falls under biology and broadly includes the functions of living things. A sample of female-identifying college students completed a number of self-reported measures (assessing trauma exposure, complex posttraumatic stress disorder [CPTSD] symptoms, racial-ethnic minority status, and age of onset of first traumatic exposure) and provided resting high-frequency heart rate variability (hfHRV) data, which measures variation in time between beats and served as a measure for the potential impact of trauma exposure on physiology. Results suggested that IPV exposure was associated with earlier age of first traumatic experience, more severe levels of CPTSD symptoms, and higher hfHRV. Racial-minority status was significantly related to more severe CPTSD symptoms. Type of trauma exposure significantly predicted changes in hfHRV. Findings suggest that experiencing IPV may uniquely influence trauma symptoms and functioning above and beyond other forms of traumatic exposure. Continued research will allow for stronger conclusions about the effects of traumatic exposure on physiology across various racial-ethnic identities.

The level of crime in South Africa as reflected by crime statistics affects a high number of adolescents. Trauma and stress associated with interpersonal violence can adversely affect the neurobiology of the individual, since social, emotional and cognitive influences interact in multifaceted ways with neurobiological systems to affect every-day adaptive functioning. This study was embarked upon to determine the difference in the expression of personality between adolescents exposed to community related interpersonal violence and those not exposed to such violence. The 183 research participants were selected from a group of 335 grade 12 learners from a single secondary school in a middle class community. The participants were placed into two sample groups by means of purposive sampling as follows: Sample 1 consisted of all the research participants that reported exposure to community related interpersonal violence during the past 5 years on the self-reporting questionnaire (n = 93). The research participants that did not report exposure to such violence formed Sample 2 (n = 90). Reflecting on the adolescent’s emotional, adaptive functioning and referring to high levels of anxiety and feelings of worthlessness, certain factors of the 16PF questionnaire were predicted to show a statistical significant difference after exposure to community related interpersonal violence after a period of 3 to 5 years. To assess the differences in personality profiles of adolescents exposed to community related interpersonal violence and those not exposed to violence, a MANOVA was used in analysing 16PF results. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups on Factor G (rule consciousness), Factor I (emotional sensitivity) and Factor Q4 (anxiety). This indicated that adolescents exposed to incidents of community related interpersonal violence are inclined to experience more tension, are emotional volatile, depressed and anxious. They tend to be more sensitive to environmental stressors and are likely to give up easily. The group exposed to interpersonal violence (Sample 1) experienced higher levels of PTSD as assessed with the PSD Questionnaire than the group that was not exposed to interpersonal violence (sample 2). The personality profiles of three groups (Sample 1 with high PTSD, Sample 1 with low PTSD and Sample 2) were compared by means of a MANOVA to test whether adolescents who experience high levels of PTSD express their personality different from others. The results identify differences in the expression of personality between adolescents of Sample 1 experiencing higher levels of PTSD and the adolescents who did not experience community related interpersonal violence (sample 2) on Factors G- (Selfindulgent and disregards obligations to people), I + ( Perception might be emotionally influenced) and Q4 + (Elevated levels of anxiety). The coping style (positive or negative coping) of adolescents exposed to community related interpersonal violence was assessed using the Kidcope. This was done to examine the possible influence of coping on the development of posttraumatic stress and differences in the expression of personality. There were no correlations between positive and negative coping and the level of PTSD symptoms and the 16PF. The research could therefore not identify coping as a medicating variable in the development of PTSD and differences in the expression of personality. However, research is required to evaluate coping closer to the time of the actual event. The results of this research are a clear indication that the experience of community-related violence has serious implications for the well-being and development of the personality of adolescents. Violence-exposed adolescents may experience symptoms characteristic of PTSD, including significant difficulty regulating one’s emotions and behaviour impacting on their social, cognitive, physiological and emotional functioning. The original target group for this study was the middle class income population and suburb with relatively good security. The sample was drawn from a typical middleclass environment and adolescents from communities with less protection may present different results if sampled for similar research. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Psychology / PhD / Unrestricted

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Research in Latin America regarding interpersonal violence and adolescents is rare if not nonexistent. In a collaborative effort with the Costa Rican Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Women (INAMU), qualitative data were collected from three high schools and one after-school program from rural and urban locations of the Central Valley. The discussion groups/open-ended questionnaires were done with a total of 154 students ranging from ages 14 to 17 and grade levels 8th to 12th. Information was obtained concerning students' perceptions, definitions and opinions on issues relating to interpersonal violence and gender roles and rules. The results show that the students made distinctions between acceptable and unacceptable uses of violence, supporting the idea behind a dichotomy of deviant and non-deviant interpersonal violence behaviors. In addition, students also recognized the overarching and detrimental existence of the machismo culture in society, which, in their eyes, perpetuates interpersonal violence. They were also generally unaware of any help that existed for abused adults, adolescents or children. Results show that the machismo culture that affects the socialization of adolescents is well recognized among adolescents and perceived as a detriment to people through gender role expectations and the use and perpetuation of interpersonal violence.

Initial research on moral injury has shown the construct to be associated with many negative mental health outcomes such as depression, suicidal ideation, reduced sense of belonging, anxiety, anger, and spiritual distress. In addition, moral injury among service members has also been shown to be related to experiences of interpersonal violence occurring pre-deployment. Given that social support has consistently been found to play a key role in moderating the relationship between experiences of interpersonal violence and stress and trauma related symptoms and disorders, this study will be the first to explore the relationship between experiences of interpersonal violence and moral injury, and the moderating role of social support. This study will use stepwise regression analysis to examine secondary data collected from 935 U.S. military personnel primarily from the Army National Guard. / MS / Research has found that bearing witness to or engaging in an act that goes against an individual’s own moral beliefs can lead to many negative mental health outcomes such as depression, suicidal ideation, reduced sense of belonging, anxiety, anger, and spiritual distress. Researchers and clinicians have developed the term moral injury to describe the moral distress and individual may experience after they are exposed to a morally injurious event. Moral injury among service members has also been shown to be related to traumatic experiences involving intentional harm of one individual by another, also known as interpersonal violence. Given that social support has consistently been found to play a key role in decreasing the relationship between experiences of interpersonal violence and stress and trauma related symptoms and disorders, this study will be the first to explore the relationship between experiences of interpersonal violence and moral injury, and the diminishing role of social support.

Utilizing qualitative methodology, this study examines how, from their perspective, a sample of lower-class black men ages 20-35 justify their participation in violent confrontations and define the concept of disrespect. The purpose of this study is to glean whether or not a relationship exists between the rationales offered for participating in violent confrontations and being "dissed." This study also seeks to examine the interpersonal dynamics that compose a violent confrontation, shifting the level of analysis from macro-level arguments of the past. The research demonstrates that the rationales for interpersonal violence surround four themes: (1) Self-defense; (2) trespassing on territory; (3) acting in the defense of third parties; and (4) threatening behavior. It was declared by the respondents that the following actions were found to be disrespectful: (1) verbal insults/derogatory comments/mockery directed at the individual or a third party, openly or covertly; (2) being yelled at; (3) threats of physical harm or violence directed at the individual or a third party; and finally (4) physical infringements on personal boundaries and/or territories real or perceived. The findings of the study suggest that the actions identified by the respondents as their rationales for participating in violent confrontations are largely consistent with behaviors, verbalizations and/or gestures that they defined as being disrespectful. Findings deduced from this study resulted in the construction of a model of how disrespect potentially leads to violent confrontations. Subsequent to the research this study contrasts its findings with the subculture of violence theory postulated by Wolfgang and Ferracuti (1967), thereby demonstrating the need for an expansion of the initial corollaries. / Ph. D.

A violência interpessoal/bullying (VIP-B) pode ser comum no ensino superior e afetar o ajustamento e adaptação de estudantes à Universidade e a sua saúde mental. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e validar o conteúdo de uma escala sobre violência interpessoal (\"bullying\") no contexto da graduação. Um estudo exploratório anterior identificou diferentes categorias, incluindo violência na relação veteranocalouro, na relação professor-aluno, devido à orientação sexual e gênero; devido a características pessoais, origem étnica e classe social. Essas categorias deram origem à construção de uma versão inicial, com 83 afirmativas em uma Escala Likert de 5 pontos. Dez juízes especialistas com experiência profissional em violência e construção de escalas avaliaram esta versão e a concordância entre eles (valor do índice de validade do conteúdo: > 0,80) foi utilizada para manutenção dos itens da escala. A avaliação dos juízes levou à exclusão de 27 afirmativas e à adoção de uma escala Likert de quatro pontos para as respostas. Os juízes concordaram que os itens restantes eram pertinentes, significativos e estavam apresentados na ordem correta, com clareza, coerência e abrangência suficientes. Linguagem, layout e instruções para preenchimento e resposta também foram considerados apropriados. A versão final foi aplicada a estudantes (N=20) que concordaram que a escala era totalmente compreensível (18/20) ou quase compreensível (2/20), com todos os itens fáceis de responder. Com base no julgamento dos juízes e na opinião dos estudantes que participaram da aplicação piloto, a versão final de 56 itens da escala VIP-B foi composta e está pronta para ser submetida a outros procedimentos para validação completa (homogeneidade, fidedgnidade, consistência interna). Este estudo seguiu as etapas recomendadas na literatura para a construção e validação de conteúdo de instrumentos estruturados. O trabalho adicional com maior número de alunos permitirá completar a validação psicométrica da escala. A medição de VIP-B usando um instrumento válido e confiável é importante, pois essas situações podem afetar o ajustamento do estudante à Universidade e influenciar negativamente a aprendizagem e permanência estudantil. / Interpersonal violence/bullying (IPV-B) may be common in higher education and may affect the adjustment and adaptation of students to the university and their mental health. This study aimed at developing and validating the content of a scale on interpersonal violence (\"bullying\") in the context of undergraduate courses in health sciences. An earlier exploratory study identified different categories, including violence: in the veteran-freshman relationship, in the teacher-student relationship, against the woman, motivated by sexual orientation, personal characteristics, ethnic origin and social class. These categories gave rise to the construction of an initial 83- item version in a 5-point Likert Scale. Ten expert referees with professional experience in violence and scale construction evaluated this version and the agreement between them (value of content validity index: > 0.80) was used to maintain or exclude items from the scale. Referee evaluation led indeed to the exclusion of 27 items and the adoption of a 4-point Likert Scale. Referees did agree that the remaining items were relevant, meaningful and presented in the correct order, with sufficient clarity, coherence and comprehensiveness. Language, layout and instructions for completion and response were also considered appropriate. The final version was applied to undergraduate students (N = 20) who agreed that the scale was fully understandable (18/20) or almost comprehensible (2/20), with all items considered easy to answer. Based on referee judgment and students opinion, a final 56-item version of the IPV-B scale was composed and is ready for procedures aiming at completing validation (homogeneity, reliability, internal consistency). This study followed the steps recommended in the literature for the construction and content validation of structured instruments. Additional work with larger number of students will allow the psychometric validation of the scale to be completed. The measurement of IPV-B using a valid and reliable instrument is important, since these situations may affect student adjustment to the University and negatively influence learning and permanence.

Forskning om brottsoffer är i Sverige en relativt ny disciplin. Statistik från Brottsförebyggande Rådet visar en kontinuerlig ökning av misshandelsbrott sedan 1975, framför allt en ökning av våldets grovhet och feghet. Den största offergruppen utgörs av män. De våldsdrabbade patienterna möter sjuksköterskan framför allt på akutmottagningarna. Sjuksköterskan står i en maktposition till patienten och denna makt ska användas på ett för patienten positivt sätt. Genom att vara införstådd med att de unga männen kan befinna sig i en krisreaktion kan sjuksköterskan bättre förstå patientens reaktioner och lidande. Syftet med uppsatsen är att beskriva unga mäns levda erfarenheter av att ha blivit utsatta för gatuvåld. Preciserade frågeställningar är: Vad är innebörden i den våldsdrabbade personens tankar och känslor som traumat medfört? Vad är innebörden i den våldsdrabbade personens upplevelser av sig själv och omgivningen efter traumat? Uppsatsen är en litteraturbaserad studie med kvalitativ grund. Tretton unga män berättar i två biografier och en intervjustudie om deras upplevelser där alla blivit utsatta för misshandel av en eller flera gärningsmän. Resultatet visar att de vanligaste känsloyttringarna i männens berättelser är rädsla, ilska, ångest och oro, samt känslan av att vara frånvarande. Dessa känslor tog sig uttryck i olika livsinskränkande handlingar. Männen talade också om att de upplevde att de inte blev bekräftade i sitt lidande och att de ibland möttes av attityder från omgivningen som att de efter misshandeln förväntades klara sig på egen hand. Resultatet diskuteras utifrån kristerorin beskriven av Lagerbäck, Erikssons lidandeteori samt Wiklunds teori om vårdrelationen. Dessutom ligger fokus i diskussionen på rådande fördomar i samhället om män, våld och offerskap. Genom att skaffa sig bättre förståelse av de våldsdrabbade männens lidande kan sjuksköterskan bättre bemöta och vårda patienten. / Program: Sjuksköterskeutbildning