RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AMONG MEXICAN ADOLESCENTS

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between family functioning and exposure to violence among Mexican adolescents. The design of this study was transversal, descriptive, and correlational. Participants were 133 high school students, ages 15 to 18. Two instruments were administered: La Escala de Evaluacion de la Cohesion y Adaptabilidad Familiar, in English The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, (FACES IV-Esp) by Rivero, Martinez-Pampliega and Olson (2010), and Cuestionario de Exposicion a la Violencia, in English Exposure to Violence Questionnaire, by Orue and Calvete (2010). Results showed statistically significant gender differences related to observing violence in the streets, and victimization in the school and in the street. Gender differences were also significant in family functioning variables such as: flexibility, cohesion, satisfaction, and family communication. Results from the correlational analysis suggested that the higher the flexibility, cohesion, satisfaction and family communication, the lower the violence observation at school and at home, and the lower victimization at home. Predictive validity was also observed for family cohesion over victimization at home. As a conclusion, it is important to strengthen family ties and to promote a positive and balanced family functioning, with the purpose of families being a protective factor against violence exposure.