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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
15:01
Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
Youth and parental attitudes toward fighting
Barry S Solomon1, Catherine P Bradshaw, Joseph Wright
1Johns Hopkins University, USA.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|February 16, 2008
Summary
Parental attitudes toward fighting significantly impact youth aggression and injury risk. Interventions for at-risk adolescents should address both parent and child fighting attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Parenting behaviors are linked to youth aggression, but parental attitudes toward fighting are less understood.
- Social cognitive theory posits parental beliefs influence children's attitudes toward fighting and aggression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine associations between parental/youth attitudes toward fighting, parent-child relationships, and adolescent aggressive behavior.
- To identify risk factors for youth aggression and future injury in high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Study included 72 parents and adolescents (12-17 years) presenting to an emergency department for assault injuries.
- Data collected on parental and youth attitudes toward fighting, parent-child relationships, and aggressive behaviors.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between parents' and youth's attitudes toward fighting.
- Both parental and youth attitudes toward fighting were associated with aggressive behavior, fighting, and school suspension.
- Parental attitudes predicted youth aggressive behavior, independent of youth attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Parental attitudes toward fighting are a significant risk factor for youth aggression.
- Interventions for high-risk youth should incorporate strategies targeting both parents' and youth's fighting-related attitudes.
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