South Asian Females’ Exposure to Childhood Violence and Perceived Stigma regarding Mental Health

Abstract

Exposure to violence during childhood can have a long term detrimental impact on psychological health and wellbeing of affected individuals. The current study investigated the moderating role of stigma in relation to early exposure to violence and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among South Asian females. For this purpose, convenient sampling strategy was used in which 128 South Asian females of ages18 to 30 (M=23, SD=3.63) completed an online survey. Multiple regression analysis was employed. The results highlighted that exposure to violence during childhood is associated to higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress experienced among South Asian females in adulthood. The findings indicated that stigma associated with exposure to violence in childhood moderated the relationship among early exposure to violence, anxiety and stress experienced as an adult. The discussion emphasize es the need for understanding the role of stigma, associated with exposure to violence during childhood, in the manifestation of mental health issues among South Asian females.