NCJ Number
173342
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 1997 Pages: 25-31
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Based on a literature review, this study examines variables that contribute to interpersonal conflicts in the African- American adolescent population.
Abstract
According to Paperny and Deisher (1983), adolescents who are abused by their parents are likely to use violence to resolve their conflicts, and Helfer and Kempe (1976) suggest that children who are exposed to violence either directly or indirectly are at risk for using violence. Spivak, Huusman, and Prothrow-Stith (1989) examined several key variables that produce adolescent violent behaviors. They suggest that homicide most often occurs in environments that have high population density, poor housing, and high unemployment rates. Regarding research on conflict resolution methods, McFarland and Culp (1992) investigated the effectiveness of an interpersonal training program for adolescents as a method of improving their conflict resolution skills. The study showed that trained female students reported using significantly more nonconfrontational strategies than untrained female students; the same result was achieved among male students. Martin et al. (1987) found that teens with nonviolent parents were able to resolve conflict more effectively than those whose parents used either verbal or physical violence. Albert Bandura (1977) developed the social cognitive theory to explain the process of social behavior. This theory posits that behavior is not only influenced by external reinforcement but by observation of a model; the observer tends to imitate the model's behaviors. Research limitations and strengths are discussed. 27 references