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<p>While the negative health consequences of community violence (CV) are well-known, the experience of contemporary young adolescents exposed to urban environments with CV is less well-understood. To address this gap, this article explores the perceptions among adolescents exposed to high levels of violence in their communities. Data were gathered as part of a study on adolescent social hierarchies. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 were interviewed after being approached during a primary care or mental health visit at urban outpatient centers of a Mid-Atlantic city. Sixteen (16) patients disclosed perceptions related to CV when discussing their physical and social environments, and were prompted to share their experiences. Themes related to adolescents’ perceptions of CV mapped the dimensions of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s socio-ecological model of violence that includes individual, relationships, community and societal factors. We discuss prior research showing that several aspects of the youth’s perception of violence have remained constant over the past two decades. We also discuss the opportunities and barriers to integrating CV prevention into health systems. More specific screening related to CV exposure and brief stepped interventions in clinical settings could address trauma related to CV and help prevent future health complications in youth exposed to CV.</p>

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Voices from the City’s Youth: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Experiences of Urban Outpatient Adolescents Exposed to Community Violence

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月1日

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  • Carol Vidal,
  • Stephanie Taldo,
  • Ekaterina Stepanova,
  • Rheanna Platt

摘要

While the negative health consequences of community violence (CV) are well-known, the experience of contemporary young adolescents exposed to urban environments with CV is less well-understood. To address this gap, this article explores the perceptions among adolescents exposed to high levels of violence in their communities. Data were gathered as part of a study on adolescent social hierarchies. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 were interviewed after being approached during a primary care or mental health visit at urban outpatient centers of a Mid-Atlantic city. Sixteen (16) patients disclosed perceptions related to CV when discussing their physical and social environments, and were prompted to share their experiences. Themes related to adolescents’ perceptions of CV mapped the dimensions of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s socio-ecological model of violence that includes individual, relationships, community and societal factors. We discuss prior research showing that several aspects of the youth’s perception of violence have remained constant over the past two decades. We also discuss the opportunities and barriers to integrating CV prevention into health systems. More specific screening related to CV exposure and brief stepped interventions in clinical settings could address trauma related to CV and help prevent future health complications in youth exposed to CV.