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Mental illness, suicide, and 'intractable violence' creating 'lost generation' in Middle East

The study reveals a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety disorders affecting women more than men. Mental disorders contribute to nearly 11 million years lived in less than ideal health, exacerbating the problem by lack of mental health practitioners and funding.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateAug 7, 2017

Study shows adolescent depression increases risk for violence

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a consistent pattern of increased risk of later violence among adolescents with depression. The research team identified modest increases in risk of violence in depression, with an odds ratio of two-fold in one sample.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2017

Study links violence exposure, obesity in teens

A new study by Duke researchers found that teenagers who were exposed to violence consumed more unhealthy foods and beverages, including increased soda consumption, which is a strong predictor of weight gain. The study also revealed that adolescents took more steps on days they were exposed to violence, contrary to expectations.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 31, 2017

Exposure to violence hinders short-term memory, cognitive control

A study published in PNAS found that exposure to violent episodes hinders short-term memory and cognitive control, with significant impacts on school performance, job prospects, and overall life success. Researchers examined civilians in Colombia, finding long-lasting effects of violence on cognition and memory recall.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2017

Boyhood violence victims are more likely to commit similar acts on intimate partners

A study conducted by Case Western Reserve University found that 60% of male participants reported being both perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. The research highlights the need for behavioral programs that address unresolved trauma from childhood abuse, which can contribute to violent behavior in adulthood.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJun 20, 2017

Violence against conflict-affected teenage girls in Africa is widespread

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that over half of conflict-affected girls aged 13-19 were victims of violence, with intimate partners and family members being perpetrators. The researchers identified context-specific predictors of violence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Global Health·DateMay 30, 2017

The vicious circle of inequality

A study of 45,000 individuals across 27 nations found a clear association between societal inequality and increased social dominance orientation among dominant groups. This can lead to violent persecution of immigrants, racism, and sexism. The researchers also asked white Americans if they would participate in ethnic persecution, findi...

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Estimating wealth from outer space

Researchers found that nighttime illumination can accurately predict wealth levels in regions, including individual settlements. Satellite data on night light emissions was used to make inferences about local economic rank and compare wealth levels across countries.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Peace Research·DateApr 25, 2017

New study shows youth violence on decline

A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.

SourceBoston University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 25, 2017

When children see war as better than peace

A new study finds that children born of wartime rape in northern Uganda often endure post-war violence, stigma, and social-exclusion. The children, aged 12-19, reported feeling safer during the conflict and experiencing greater family cohesion within the rebel group.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 11, 2017

Researchers observe reduction in sexual violence among high school students

A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers found a 12-13% lower rate of sexual violence victimization in schools that implemented the Green Dot program, resulting in 120 fewer sexually violent events. The five-year program, funded by CDC and partnering with local organizations, was shown to be cost-effective and culturally im...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Study: Physicians not prepared for male patients who perpetrate intimate partner violence

A study found that family medicine physicians are unprepared to intervene with male patients known to have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health conducted interviews with primary care physicians who reported experiences with such cases. The findings highligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Predicting and preventing violence against criminal justice officials

A scoring system, known as Dr. Logan's triage tool, can help law enforcement identify high-risk individuals who may pose a threat to criminal justice officials. The tool assesses danger-related factors such as rule breaking, violence at a young age, and substance abuse to predict attacks against police, judges, and other officials.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalViolence and Gender·DateDec 28, 2016

Shooting, gang violence exposure leads to PTSD

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateDec 8, 2016

Brazil has improved health care for all, but inequalities persist

A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateNov 18, 2016

Ancient burials suggestive of blood feuds

Researchers found atypical burials with signs of violence, challenging traditional theories of witchcraft and blood feuds. The study suggests that violence was used to signal power and prestige, potentially leading to further conflict and biological fitness benefits.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 24, 2016

Targeting the social networks of group violence

A new study by Yale University researchers found that the initiation of violent raids among the Nyangatom nomadic tribal group depends on the presence of leaders who have participated in many raids and hold central positions in their social network. Non-leaders, however, had a bigger impact on raid participation due to their friendships.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016

Digital forms of dating violence are on the rise -- what school nurses need to know

School nurses play a critical role in identifying and preventing digital dating violence, which can involve harassment, stalking, or controlling a partner via technology and social media. The American Association of School Nurses emphasizes the importance of conversation about healthy relationships, safe internet use, and online behavior.

More than a few good men

A University of Utah study contradicts traditional expectations by finding that surpluses of men are associated with higher levels of marriage, relationship commitment and paternal involvement. This challenges the prevailing notion that an abundance of single men lead to outcomes of crime, violence and broken homes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2016

Talking back: Countering terrorist narratives may reduce recruitment

Researchers suggest that analyzing and countering terrorist narratives can be an effective way to reduce recruitment. By understanding the processes used by terrorists to persuade people to join their groups, experts can craft counter-narratives that contradict these themes and promote alternative messages.

SourcePenn State·JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism·DateAug 9, 2016