Perceptions of Parenting Practices as Predictors of Aggression in a Low-Income, Urban, Predominately African American Middle School Sample

• NCJ Number: 230546
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2010 Pages: 174-193
• Author(s): Kantahyanee W. Murray; Denise L. Haynie; Donna E. Howard; Tina L. Cheng; Bruce Simons-Morton
• Date Published: April 2010
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relation between aggression and perceived parenting practices in a sample of low-income, urban, predominantly African-American adolescents.

Abstract

This research examined the relation between early adolescent aggression and parenting practices in an urban, predominately African-American sample. Sixth graders (N = 209) completed questionnaires about their overt and relational aggressive behaviors and perceptions of caregivers' parenting practices. Findings indicated that moderate levels of parental expectations for peaceful solutions at Time 1 were associated with a lower likelihood of overt aggression at Time 2. Furthermore, findings suggest that when caregivers' support and knowledge of adolescents' whereabouts were relatively low or when caregivers' exerted high psychological control, moderate levels of parental expectations for peaceful solutions protected early adolescents against engagement in both overt and relational aggression. The implications of the findings for schools and other youth violence prevention settings are discussed. Figures, tables, and references (Published Abstract)