Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Exposure to Violence among Venda and Nothern Sotho Adolescents

ABSTRACT

In this study; two research questions were posed. In the first place; this study investigated the levels of exposure to violence among the adolescents as a total group (Venda- and Northern Sotho-speaking); as well as the exposure levels of the two ethnic groups. The relationship between the groups' exposure to violence and their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was investigated in the second place; as well as the question whether a difference existed between the two ethnic groups in respect of this relationship. The participants were comprised of 186 Venda and 151 Northern Sotho adolescents; who completed the Child PTSD Checklist (PTSDC) and the Child Exposure to Violence Form (CEVF). A large proportion of participants reported high levels of exposure to violence. Venda youth appeared to be subjected to a higher rate of victimisation than the Northern Sotho adolescents. A strong correlation was found between exposure to violence and PTSD symptoms