The effects of exposure to community violence on Khmer refugee adolescents

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between exposure to violence and mental health outcomes among Khmer refugee adolescents. Seventy-six Khmer junior and senior high school students and their parents participated in a cross-sectional survey study. Half of the adolescents survived violence directed at them, and two thirds witnessed violence. Although approximately one quarter either partially or fully met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most were functioning adequately. Ordinary least squares regression analyses indicated that the number of violent events they were exposed to in their lifetime significantly predicted their level of functioning and PTSD. Recommendations for future research and implications for clinicians and educators working with Khmer and other refugee adolescents are discussed.