Using the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Framework to Understand Belief Systems and Types of Awareness in Young Men Exposed to Chronic Community Violence

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to give voice to urban young men who have had exposure to chronic community violence. A qualitative, phenomenological method was used to explore and describe eight participants' exposure to violence, their beliefs about the event, and the resulting types of awareness. Four distinct types of awareness were identified, and their implications for counseling are explained. The findings suggest that it is important to understand the different types of awareness when providing treatment of any kind for the exposure.