Exposure to community violence as a predictor of some behavioral problems among a sample of kindergarten children in Misurata

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between exposure to community violence and behavioral problems—specifically aggression and fear—among kindergarten children, and to assess whether violence exposure can predict these behavioral issues. The sample consisted of 177 children aged 5 to 6 years, including 91 boys and 86 girls. The researchers utilized the Community Violence Exposure Scale developed by Fox and Leavitt, along with the Behavioral Problems Checklist to assess aggression and fear. Results revealed a high level of exposure to community violence among children, with statistically significant differences between boys and girls. A significant correlation was found between exposure to violence and both aggression and fear. However, while exposure to community violence moderately predicted aggressive behavior, it did not significantly predict fear.