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The objective of this study was to examine the physical and mental health impact of violence against youth with and without disabilities. We analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (2008–2016), a nationally representative survey on crime in the United States. Respondents included 729 adolescents (12–17 years) and 953 young adults (18–24 years) who experienced violence in the previous 6 months. Disability status was determined using a six-item screener. Outcome measures included several physical and mental health symptoms experienced for at least one month following violence. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic, Poisson, and negative binomial regression models. The results indicated that, for at least one month following a violent incident, adolescents and young adults with disabilities were more likely to experience headaches, sleep difficulty, changes in eating or drinking habits, fatigue, muscle pain, and severe distress compared to peers without disabilities. Young adults with disabilities were also more likely to experience stomach problems, depression, and anxiety. Adolescents and young adults with disabilities experienced a greater number of concurrent physical and mental health symptoms compared to peers without disabilities. The results suggest that the health effects of violence are worse for youth with disabilities compared to their nondisabled peers. These findings emphasize the importance of screening young people with disabilities for violence exposure and ensuring that trauma and health services are universally accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing interest in the role of contextual factors in promoting well-being among parents of children with developmental disabilities. This study aimed to examine whether social network types moderate the impacts of having a child with a developmental disability on parents' health. Using cross-sectional data from the Midlife in the United States survey (MIDUS 2 and Refresher cohorts), we analyzed a sample of 363 parents of children with developmental disabilities and 4,919 parents of children without developmental disabilities. K-means cluster analysis was implemented to identify a social network typology. Modified Poisson and negative binomial regression models estimated the effect of having a child with a developmental disability and the typology on parents' physical health (self-rated health, number of chronic conditions) and mental health (self-rated mental health, major depression). The cluster analysis revealed two social network types. Parents of children with developmental disabilities were more likely to have "restricted/unsupported" networks, whereas parents in the comparison group were more likely to have "diverse/supported" networks. Social support was more important for differentiating the network types of parents of children with developmental disabilities, while social integration was more salient for the comparison group. Parents of children with developmental disabilities fared worse on all outcomes relative to parents of children without disabilities. However, the typology had a compensatory psychological effect; the diverse/supported network type conferred greater mental health benefits to parents of children with developmental disabilities than to those in the comparison group. The diverse/supported network type was also associated with better physical health, but the associations did not differ between the two parent groups. The results of this study emphasize the importance of social determinants of well-being for those with exceptional parenting responsibilities. Strengthening social networks may have a particularly positive impact on such parents' mental health. • Parents in midlife can be classified into two social network types. • Social support is paramount for parents of children with developmental disabilities. • Social integration matters more for other parents. • Diverse and supported network type is beneficial for parents' health. • Network type buffers the effects of having a child with developmental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]