Relationship between Exposure to Community Violence and Depressive Symptoms and Aggressive Behavior among Youth in Kenya

Kristopher I. Stevens, Ph.D., Data Analytics and Innovation, Pacific Clinics, CA 91006; Charles N. Chege, Psy.D., Department of Clinical Psychology, Azusa Pacific University, CA 91702; & Eric R. Proffitt, Psy.D., Department of Pediatric Psychology, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, CA 92868

While most of the research on the link between exposure to community violence and psychosocial challenges among youth has traditionally focused on samples from Western countries, the past decade has witnessed a notable rise in studies conducted in non-Western regions, with a particular emphasis on sub-Saharan African countries. These studies have revealed that rates of witnessing community violence and their associations with psychosocial problems in non-Western regions, notably sub-Saharan African countries, are comparable to findings from research conducted in Western contexts. This study examined the rates of witnessing community violence and its associations with depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior among Kenyan youth.  Participants included 269 youth aged 13 to 19 years (55% male; mean of 16.49 years) who were students at a at a lower-tier private school in Ngong, Kenya (35 miles from the capital Nairobi). Youth completed measures that assessed the types and amount of community violence they witnessed (Survey of Exposure to Community Violence), their depressive symptoms (Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scales), and their aggressive behavior problems (Youth Self-Report).  Kenyan youth witnessed high rates of community violence; 85% witnessed at least one type of community violence exposure.  There were no significant statistical differences in the rates of witnessing community violence by gender.  Path analyses indicated that witnessing community violence was strongly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (β = .27, p < .001) and aggressive behavior problems (β = .47, p < .001).  Gender did not moderate the associations.  The sample of Kenyan youth witnessed community violence at rates comparable to Western youth, especially youth residing in U.S. inner cities.  Results demonstrated similar associations with problematic outcomes.  Findings add to the growing body of evidence that youth’s violence exposure is a global concern. 

Keywords: witnessing community violence, depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior problems, Kenyan youth, sub-Saharan youth