The Stressful Effects of Organized Violence on Teenagers’ Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

The study explored the impact of organized violence on teenagers' mental health and coping mechanisms. Various scales were used to assess between exposure to violence, coping strategies, and mental health. A sample of 300 teenagers aged 14 to 24 participated. The findings indicated reliable and consistent instruments. Correlations revealed a positive link between organized violence and internal health, and a negative link with cerebral well-being. Fear of terrorism and violence predicted both internal health and cerebral torture. Coping strategies such as avoidance and denial negatively affected cerebral well-being, while problem-concentrated coping had a positive impact. Gender differences were observed, with females reporting higher fear levels. Managing strategies accounted for variance in cerebral well-being and torture. Lastly, managing strategies acted as a moderator, influencing the relationship between violence and mental health. Avoidance and denial management were negatively associated with cerebral well-being, while problem-concentrated management positively predicted it. Multiple regression analysis revealed that managing strategies accounted for 32.1% of the variance in cerebral well-being. Managing strategies also explained 31.8% of the variance in cerebral torture. Additionally, the study found that managing strategies acted as a moderator and influenced the relationship between violence and mental health, accounting for 96 variations in the outcome variables of internal health.