The UTC Graduate School is pleased to announce that Berri Rawls will present Master’s research titled, Exploring Community Violence Exposure, Substance Use, and Anxiety among Black Adults on 03/17/2025 at 9:00 am in 540 Mcallie Rm 357. Everyone is invited to attend.
Psychology
Chair: Ruth Walker
Co-Chair:
Abstract:
The impact of community violence on individuals, particularly among Black communities, remains a concern. Despite the well-documented statistics showing the disproportionate rates of violent victimization among Black individuals, there is a gap in understanding its effects on Black adults. This aims of this research is to address this gap by focusing on the relationship between exposure to community violence (ECV), anxiety, and substance use among Black adults. I will be drawing from the cognitive appraisal theory, which suggests that individuals’ perceptions of events shape their emotional responses. This study examines how the perception of community violence influences anxiety levels among Black adults. It is suggested that heightened anxiety, stemming from exposure to violence, contributes to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance use, as individuals attempt to alleviate distress. I hypothesize that there will be a positive correlation between (i) ECV and substance use, (ii) ECV and anxiety, and (iii) anxiety and substance use. It is also expected that the (iv) association between appraisals of community violence and anxiety will vary by appraisal and (vi) the relationship between ECV and SU will be moderated by anxiety. Ultimately, this research will help in creating interventions and support systems to address the mental health effects of community violence within marginalized communities, with an emphasis on reducing anxiety and preventing substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism.