Feeling unsafe as a source of psychological distress in early adolescence

Abstract

Symptoms of psychological distress at an early age have proved to undermine adolescents’ academic achievements, as well as their personal and social well-being. The literature acknowledges a wide range of risk factors that cause psychological distress, while at the same time emphasizing the role of social support as a protective factor. On the other hand, feelings of unsafety as a possible source of psychological distress have been so far largely overlooked in the literature.

The present study explores the consequences of a specific stressor (feeling unsafe) and asks whether social support can act as a moderator in the association between subjective unsafety and psychological distress.

Valente, R. and Crescenzi-Lanna, L. (2022). Feeling unsafe as a source of psychological distress in early adolescence. Social Science and Medicine, 293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114643

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