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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
Variables associated with physical fighting among US high-school students.
Emmanuel Rudatsikira1, Adamson S Muula, Seter Siziya
1Department of Community Health, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi. muula@email.unc.edu.
Summary
Physical fighting among adolescents on school property is a significant public health issue. This behavior is linked to victimization and other risky activities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Adolescent violence is a critical public health concern in the United States.
- Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with physical fighting on school property is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of physical fighting on school property among adolescents in the United States.
- To identify factors associated with this behavior in school-going adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the 2005 United States Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
- The study included a national sample of private and public school students.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations between variables.
Main Results:
- 13.5% of respondents reported physical fighting on school property in the past 12 months.
- Males, younger adolescents, and certain racial/ethnic minority groups (American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic) were more likely to report fighting.
- Fighting was associated with substance use (smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs), property crime victimization, weapon-related victimization, and excessive video game play.
Conclusions:
- Physical fighting among US high school students is prevalent and linked to victimization and other risky behaviors.
- Intervention programs addressing these interconnected issues are recommended.
- Further longitudinal research is needed to explore the relationship between physical fighting and victimization.
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