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Predicting early adolescent gang involvement from middle school adaptation
Thomas J Dishion1, Sarah E Nelson, Miwa Yasui
1Child and Family Center, University of Oregon, Eugene 97401-3408, USA. tomd@uoregon.edu
Summary
Early adolescent problem behaviors and negative school experiences predict gang involvement. Interventions should address individual behaviors and the school environment to prevent youth gang formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for social development and risk-taking behaviors.
- Understanding factors contributing to gang affiliation is crucial for prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how early middle school adaptation predicts gang involvement by late middle school.
- To identify specific risk factors in academic performance, behavior, and peer relations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 714 European American and African American students (grades 6-8).
- Utilized academic grades, antisocial behavior reports, and peer relations data.
- Employed multiple measures of gang involvement including self, peer, teacher, and counselor reports.
Main Results:
- Peer rejection, academic failure, and antisocial behavior in 6th grade predicted 8th-grade gang involvement.
- Significant differences in gang involvement were observed based on gender and ethnicity.
- Self-report measures of gang involvement showed lower correlations with other reports than expected.
Conclusions:
- Early adolescent problem behaviors and negative school ecology (peer rejection, academic failure) are key predictors of gang involvement.
- Interventions should target individual risk factors and the broader school environment to prevent youth gang formation.