Article

The role of fortitude in relation to exposure to violence among adolescents living in lower socio-economic areas in South Africa

Published in: Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Volume 28 , issue 2 , 2016 , pages: 153–162

DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2016.1200587

Author(s): Tyrone B Pretorius Department of Psychology, South Africa , Anita Padmanabhanunni Department of Psychology, South Africa , Jerome Campbell Melomed Private Clinic, South Africa

Keywords: adolescents , fortitude , psychological outcome , violence , South Africa

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Abstract

Objective: There is compelling evidence that a significant proportion of adolescents exposed to violence do not develop trauma-related symptoms, but adapt successfully. This differential vulnerability has propelled research into identifying factors that promote coping. This study focused on the role of fortitude in the relationship between violence and trauma-related symptoms among South African adolescents living in two low-income communities. Fortitude is derived from positive cognitive appraisals of the self, the family and external sources of support.

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