Work

Violent crime victimization and mental health among adolescents in Mexico

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To understand the association between violent crime victimization and mental health outcomes among adolescents in Mexico, and to define the link between the nominal classification of violent crime and mental health outcomes. We used fixed-effects linear and logistic regressions and survey data from the 2018–2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey ( n = 26,187). Survey waves were conducted in all 32 Mexican states during: July 2018–June 2019, July–December 2021, July–December 2022, and July–October 2023. Violent crime victimization was associated with higher scores of having depressive symptoms (CESD-7) (b = 1.93 points, ± 0.26), and greater likelihood of suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.32, ± 0.86) and suicide attempts in the last twelve months (aOR = 6.87, ± 2.74). More serious classes of violent crime relate to worse mental health outcomes among adolescents. Specifically, kidnapping, the most serious class of violent crime in our data, correlates with worse mental health outcomes when compared to robbery or aggravated assault. Violent crime victimization is linked to increased depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents. More serious classes of violent crime are associated with worse mental health outcomes in this population. • Does violent crime victimization affect mental health among the adolescent population? • Is there a link between the degree of violent crime and mental health outcomes? • Results indicate that crime victimization is associated with worse mental health. • The treated group showed more depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and attempts. • The severity of violent crime correlates with worsening adolescent mental health.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103062

Authors: Jose Balmori-de-la-Miyar, Sharon Tennyson, Adan Silverio-Murillo, José A. Pagán

Institutions: Universidad Anáhuac, Cornell University, Tecnológico de Monterrey, New York University

Language: English

Topic: Crime Patterns and Interventions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610