Violent youths in southern public schools in America

Abstract

The purpose of the present study of 600 adolescents from three Southern public schools in the United States was to examine the differential effects of elements of social control and social learning theories on violence according to age groups (13 to 15 and 16 to 18 years of age). As hypothesized, developmental (differences were found that have implications for theory and intervention. Attachments to caregivers and self-esteem were significantly related to violence only among young adolescents. Sexual and physical abuse, beliefs, religiosity, and feelings of frustration and alienation, and use of excuses were predictive of violence irrespective of age. On the other hand, deviant peer associations, modeling, drug use, carrying a weapon, and gang membership was predictive of violent deeds only among older adolescents. Conceptual and practice implications of these findings are discussed. © 2001 A B Academic Publishers.