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International Journal of Public Health

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01-08-2011 | Original Article

Experiences of violence among adolescents: gender patterns in types, perpetrators and associated psychological distress

Authors: Evelina Landstedt, Katja Gillander Gådin

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2011

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the psychological distress associations of experiences of several types of violence and the victim–perpetrator relationship of physical violence, a gender analysis was applied.

Methods

Data were derived from a cross-sectional questionnaire study among 17-year-old upper secondary school students (N = 1,663). Variables in focus were: self-reported psychological distress, experiences of physical violence, sexual assault, bullying and sexual harassment. Logistic regressions were used to examine associations.

Results

Experiences of physical violence, sexual assault, bullying and sexual harassment were associated with psychological distress in boys and girls. The perpetrators of physical violence were predominately males. Whether the perpetrator was unknown or known to the victim seem to be linked to psychological distress. Victimisation by a boyfriend was strongly related to psychological distress among girls.

Conclusions

Experiences of several types of violence should be highlighted as factors associated with mental health problems in adolescents. The victim–perpetrator relationships of violence are gendered and likely influence the psychological distress association. Gendered hierarchies and norms likely influence the extent to which adolescents experience violence and how they respond to it in terms of psychological distress.

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Title: Experiences of violence among adolescents: gender patterns in types, perpetrators and associated psychological distress
Authors: Evelina Landstedt
Katja Gillander Gådin
Publication date: 01-08-2011
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2011
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-011-0258-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Experiences of violence among adolescents: gender patterns in types, perpetrators and associated psychological distress

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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