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Adolescents’ Perceptions of Family Violence Risks

  • The Impact of Community and Family Violence on Adolescents
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Abstract

Nearly one-third (28.4 %) of adolescents experience some form of physical assault in the home. A survey of 176 adolescents documents optimistic bias; adolescents believe they are less likely than others to become victims of family violence. Elements of the Health Belief Model, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, predicted optimistic bias. The study also considers the impact vicarious experience through the media on adolescent risk perception.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of the staff of Crisis Center North to this project. The authors also wish to thank the editors and reviewers of this journal on feedback throughout the revision process.

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Correspondence to John Chapin.

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Chapin, J., Coleman, G. Adolescents’ Perceptions of Family Violence Risks. J Fam Viol 29, 757–761 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9634-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9634-1

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