01/06/2023
By Karen Mullins

The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Proposal Defense by Queencilla N. Hammond entitled, "The impact of childhood exposure to violence on young adults’ mental health and behavior in Ghana."

Date: Friday, Jan. 20, 2023
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: HSSB room 431


Committee:

  • April F. Pattavina, Ph.D., Chair
  • Melissa S. Morabito, Ph.D.
  • Joselyne Chenane Nkogo, Ph.D.
  • Jonathan Mensah Dapaah, Ph.D.

Abstract
Exposure to family violence has consequences for children's behavioral, emotional, and mental well-being. Childhood exposure as a victim and as a witness to intimate partner violence is also known as the double whammy effect. Research highlights that dual exposure is connected to high levels of trauma symptoms and behavioral issues later in life. However, most studies have focused almost exclusively on western populations. We know little about adolescents’ and young adults’ experiences with exposure to violence in African countries. Evidence suggests exposure to family violence is a concern in Africa. However, no known current research examines how exposure to violence in the family affects the mental health of victims in this context. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between exposure to childhood violence and adult mental health in a sample of students from a Ghanaian university. Using a retrospective cohort study, survey data will be collected from a convenience sample of students between 18 and 25 years old. Multiple regression analyses will be used to analyze data to determine the impact of any exposure experiences on their mental health as emerging adults.