Chapter One The issue of gun violence and youth is a major topic among the academic discipline of psychology. Because of the broad nature of the topic, this research will focus on two methods of exposure, observation and engagement. Additionally, it will research what psychological impact this exposure has on youth. These young people are often left to cope with the wide-ranging consequences of exposure to gun violence. Bushman, Newman, Calvert, Downey, Dredze, Gottfredson, Jablonski, Masten, Morrill, Neill, Romer, and Webster (2016) define the term “psychological impact” as “referring to feelings or emotions experienced by youth that impact their ability to function normally.” These feelings or emotions can range from anger and/or aggressive behavior to withdrawal and/or antisocial behavior. Garbarino, Bradshaw, and Vorassi (2002) found that youth who are exposed to gun violence suffer from these negative psychological impacts. These youth can become desensitized to future acts of violence.
The mental health of youth …show more content…
Both youth living in urban and rural communities find themselves being exposed to gun violence. These youth are experiencing negative psychological effects as a result of this exposure. Slovak and Singer (2001) found that youth growing up in rural communities who have observed gun violence report feelings of “anger, dissociation, posttraumatic stress, and total trauma” (p.389). In rural environments, youth report being able to easily access to guns in the family home while their parents are at work or while parental monitoring is low (Slovak and Singer, 2001). This lack of parental monitoring may play a role in youth experimenting with guns because they are bored or feel like they will not get caught. This places these youth at an increased risk of physical harm as well as potential for psychological harm if a violent act occurs while they are handling a
The mental health of youth …show more content…
Both youth living in urban and rural communities find themselves being exposed to gun violence. These youth are experiencing negative psychological effects as a result of this exposure. Slovak and Singer (2001) found that youth growing up in rural communities who have observed gun violence report feelings of “anger, dissociation, posttraumatic stress, and total trauma” (p.389). In rural environments, youth report being able to easily access to guns in the family home while their parents are at work or while parental monitoring is low (Slovak and Singer, 2001). This lack of parental monitoring may play a role in youth experimenting with guns because they are bored or feel like they will not get caught. This places these youth at an increased risk of physical harm as well as potential for psychological harm if a violent act occurs while they are handling a