Adolescent Social Networks and Violence in Rural Colombia

Abstract

This dissertation examines violence in adolescent social networks in the context of a rural and resource-limited community in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Utilizing mixed methods data (focus groups and surveys) from 242 school-enrolled adolescents, three empirical studies explored adolescent violence experiences in their community, school, and intimate partner violence relationships. Study one utilizes a social complexity framework and mixed methods design to address victimization. Social network data showed that adolescents' psychological and physical violence victimizations occurred across their community, household, school, and emotionally adverse relationships; and were more likely in girl-nominated relationships, a relationship that shared more alters or included an adult. Qualitative findings highlight cycles of violence that were salient across inter-generational and community settings. Cultural beliefs about violence emerged as critical to consider, particularly as participants perceived differential effects and values of victimization by gender and age.