ArticlePsychology and psychotherapy2026
Living in the Aftermath: Narratives on the impact of exposure to community and school violence in childhood on mental health and adjustment outcomes in later life.
Article in Psychology and psychotherapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Formal comment: Diagnostic labelling of mental health in young people: Perspectives from Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.PLOS mental health · 2026Article
- Biopsychosocial risk pathways to school violence in youth: a scoping review of stress reactivity, mental health outcomes, and prevention.Frontiers in child and adolescent psychiatry · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
objectivesTo understand the impact of and subsequent reactions to exposure to extreme violence in young adults in South Africa exposed during school years. In particular, to get an in-depth understanding of its immediate consequences and factors that ameliorate or exacerbate it.
designAn exploratory qualitative research design was used, using purposive sampling.
methodsSemi-structured interviews with 21 young South African adults aged 19-31 were conducted online. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
resultsViolence exposure was found to result in trauma reactions with themes of a continued sense of being unsafe, feeling damaged and defective because of having these reactions, and mistrust towards others. In terms of coping reactions, a theme of avoidance and/or reacting with aggressive behaviour was identified, which likely exacerbated the challenges they experienced. By contrast, a more positive theme was identified in some, focused on having a sense of community and connectedness, which was experienced as ameliorating these challenges.
conclusionsExposure to community and school violence in childhood has a lasting impact on mental health and adjustment in later life. The impact is likely worsened by mistrust of others, a continued sense of feeling unsafe and counterproductive coping mechanisms, while connectedness and community seem to lessen the impact. Further research can refine these findings to build an understanding of these mechanisms to inform secondary prevention and treatment interventions in low- and middle-income countries.
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