Related Experiment Videos
Protective factors related to antisocial behavior trajectories
Gale M Morrison1, Laurel Robertson, Beth Laurie
1School of Public Policy and Social Research, University of California, Santa Barbara 90095-1656, USA.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|February 12, 2002
Summary
Student engagement in school and strong social support systems significantly reduce antisocial behavior in adolescents transitioning to middle school. Parental supervision is also key to this positive behavioral change.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for behavioral development.
- Transitioning to middle school can be associated with increased risk for antisocial behaviors.
- Identifying protective factors is crucial for supporting positive youth development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine predictors of antisocial behavior in Latino students before their transition to middle school.
- To identify individual, social, and behavioral protective factors associated with decreased antisocial behavior.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal survey design.
- Participants: 115 fifth- and sixth-grade Latino students.
- Measures: Antisocial behaviors, social support, parental supervision, classroom participation.
Main Results:
- Student perceptions of social support were significant predictors of reduced antisocial behavior.
- Parental supervision and classroom participation also strongly predicted decreases in antisocial behavior.
- These factors remained significant beyond initial behavior ratings and gender.
Conclusions:
- Keeping students engaged in academic work is vital for preventing antisocial behavior.
- Developing skills to access academic support enhances protective factors.
- Interventions should focus on strengthening social support, parental involvement, and school engagement.