NCJ Number
158716
Journal
Youth and Society Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 136-147
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A sample of inner-city children and young adolescents were studied to determine the relationship between exposure to violence and four other attitudes or behaviors: (1) experimentation with cigarettes and alcohol, (2) the intention to use cigarettes and alcohol, (3) health locus of control, and (4) health values.
Abstract
The participants were involved in a national summer program for economically disadvantaged youth. The program included instruction and participation in team sports, together with a series of enrichment classes that included drug education, nutrition and personal health and other topics. The 110 students were between ages 10 and 13. Half were male and half were female. The students completed self- report questionnaires during the smoking and drug abuse prevention classes. Results revealed that intentions to smoke cigarettes were positively correlated with greater exposure to violence. In addition, Internal and Powerful Others Health Locus of Control scales were negatively correlated with exposure to family and community violence. Findings suggested that growing up in a violent environment affects the development of health-related behaviors and intentions. Tables and 17 references