Exposição de Adolescentes à Violência em Diferentes Contextos: Relações com a Saúde Mental

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss the issue of exposure of adolescents to violence in different contexts and their relationships with mental health. Through a systematic review of the SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library Online), MEDLINE and PsycINFO, from 2009 to 2013, 19 articles were recovered from inclusion and exclusion criteria. Categories defined a priori were used from three main areas of analysis: (a) methodological characteristics; (b) type of violence and context of investigation and (c) impact of violence on the mental health of adolescents. The violence in the family and in other developmental contexts produces negative effects on the mental health of adolescents. This study highlights the need for investment in prevention and promotion of mental health in adolescence, as well as interventions in pursuit of preventing exposure to violence through identification of risk and protective factors in the various contexts of adolescent development.