In the United States, Community Violence (CV) is a public health crisis, especially among the youth and emerging adults. This study considers CV “episodes of violence that one either directly experiences, witness, or learns about near their home, school, or neighborhood.” CV is related to the acceptability of violence and aggression, including the concept that violence is an appropriate method to resolve conflict and maintain respect; this is called Code of the Streets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cumulative CV exposure, Code of the Streets (COS), posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and aspects of delinquency.
The sample population of this study consisted of 547 trauma-exposed undergraduate students. Students completed online Qualtrics surveys. Demographics such as age, sex, racial and ethnic background, sexual orientation, marital status, education level, and annual household income were collected. Trauma exposure, community violence exposure, delinquency, illicit substance use, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and code of the streets were also measured.
Results of this study supported pre-existing literature that CV exposure is tied to PTSS, stronger belief that violence is acceptable, delinquency, and substance misuse. PTSS and COS may be key modifiable targets for intervention efforts. Mindfulness-based interventions have been known to cause a reduction in PTSS in CV-exposed students. This is an example of something that could be implemented on college campuses to target PTSS. Overall, this study concludes that COS and PTSS have differential indirect effects on delinquency and illicit substance use but are critical targets for intervention and prevention efforts.
Takeaway: Posttraumatic stress symptoms and Code of the Streets are key modifiable targets for prevention and intervention efforts.