Pathologic Adaptation Trajectory Profiles in Contexts of Ethno-Political Violence

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Exposure to high levels of violence may lead to pathologic adaptation, which involves emotional desensitization to violence while displaying aggressive behavior. These effects have been shown with respect to youth exposure to violent crime in the community (Boxer et al., 2008; Ng-Mak et al., 2002). However, there have been no efforts to explore this process among youth exposed to violent crimes associated with ethno-political conflict. In this study, we analyze data from a longitudinal, cohort-sequential study following 600 Palestinian youth and their caregivers exposed to persistent ethno-political violence. We explore joint trajectories (Nagin, 1999) of aggressive behavior and emotional distress over time to test hypotheses about pathologic adaptation.

Analyses revealed three stable groups on aggression (Low=48%; Moderate=41%; High=11%) and three on emotional distress (Low-stable=20%; Moderate-stable=50%; High-decreasing=30%). Jointly, 6% of the sample was classified as pathologically adapted (high aggressive behavior and either low-stable or high-decreasing emotional distress). Pathologically adapted youth were more likely to be males (χ 2=6.59, p≤.01) and older (χ 2=5.24, p=.07). Additional analyses will examine related risk and protective factors, and results will be discussed with respect to different patterns of adaptation to persistent exposure to violence over time.

Authors

• Erika Niwa, Rutgers University

• Paul Boxer, Rutgers University

• Eric Dubow, Bowling Green State University

• Rowell Huesmann, University of Michigan

• Khalil Shikaki, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research

• Simha Landau, Hebrew University

• Shira Dvir Gvirsman, Netanya Academic College