The Effects of Exposure to Community Violence upon Latina Mothers and Preschool Children

Abstract

Community violence is a stressor experienced by children and their parents. This exploratory study examines the psychological and behavioral effects of exposure to community violence on a sample of 31 Latina mothers and their children enrolled in a Head Start program. Based on maternal reports, the mother-child dyads have substantial exposure to community violence. Also, mothers exposed to community violence manifest significant levels of distress symptomatology (post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression, and anxiety). Multiple regression analyses reveal that maternal distress symptomatology acts as a mediator of child behavioral problems. These findings highlight that maternal distress symptomatology is more important than community violence exposure in contributing to heightened child behavior problems. Schools and mental health practitioners should assess for parents’ exposure to community violence.