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Early predictors of adolescent violence
1RAND, Santa Monica, Calif. 90407-2138, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Early adolescent problem behaviors, poor grades, and weak school bonds predict later violence. Prevention programs should address these issues, with tailored strategies for girls and boys to reduce adolescent violence.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent violence is a significant public health concern.
- Identifying early predictors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify early predictors of adolescent violence.
- To examine sex differences and variations across violence types and levels.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal self-report survey of over 4300 high school students.
- Regression analysis of violence measures on predictors from 5 years prior.
Main Results:
- Seventh-grade deviant behavior, poor grades, and weak middle school bonds predicted later violence.
- Early and peer drug use predicted increased predatory violence.
- Low self-esteem in girls and multiple elementary schools for boys were linked to specific violence types.
Conclusions:
- Violence prevention should target early behavioral issues and academic performance.
- Interventions for girls should focus on self-esteem; for boys, on resisting deviant influences.
- Drug use prevention may offer an additional benefit in violence reduction.