Aggression as risk for delinquency and substance abuse in adolescents

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the role of aggression (i.e. physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility) in the development of delinquency and drug abuse in adolescents. Hypotheses were formulated where delinquent adolescents would score high on the variables of physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. Adolescents who abuse drugs would score high on the variable of aggression as compared to non-users. Total sample of study comprised of 200 adolescents out of which 101 were juvenile delinquents and 105 were non-delinquents of 12 to 18 year olds (mean age=15years) belonging to a low socioeconomic status. The sample (delinquents) of the study was selected from central jail of Karachi and non-delinquents were selected from various public sector schools in Ka-rachi by using random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics were used to get a precise and better view of the characteristics of sample of the data. Independent sample t-test was used to determine the differences of aggression (physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility) between juvenile delinquents and non-delinquent (control) groups and between drug-users and non-users. The results show significant differences on variables of aggression between delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents. Delinquents are found to exhibit a high level of aggression as depicted by their mean scores on the aggression questionnaire. When subtypes of aggression are analysed delinquents are found to score high on physical aggression, verbal aggression and hostility. However, no significant difference is found between delinquents and non-delinquents on anger subtype. Similarly, t-test analysis and mean difference suggest that those who use drugs have a high level of aggression than those who do not use drugs. Prospects for future research have also been recommended on the basis of limitations drawn from the study. The role of aggression is well established in this study and a disorganised environment is significant in inculcating aggression among adolescents. Parents of high-risk children must be guided on their role in discouraging antisocial and deviant behaviour among their children. Also, results are useful for teachers who can identify a positive role they can play in teaching, coping skills to high risk children. Moreover, education is found