Relationship of Substance Use and Associated Predictors of Violence in Early, Middle, and Late Adolescence

• NCJ Number: 206552
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 97-117
• Author(s): Michelle D. Weiner; Mary Ann Pentz; Silvana N. Skara; Chaoyang Li; Chih-Ping Chou; James H. Dwyer
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined relationships among selected predictors of violence in 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade adolescents.

Abstract

Understanding the predictors of violent behavior is critical to comprehending the behavior and reducing its occurrence. While the body of research literature concerned with violent behavior has revealed many predictors, none have examined the complex relationship among predictors. The current study examined conflict management efficacy, relational victimization, hostile anger, drug use, and violence in three grade cohorts of adolescents in order to understand predictors of violence in early, middle, and late adolescence. It was hypothesized that relational victimization and low conflict management efficacy would predict hostile anger, which would in turn predict gateway drug use, which would lead to hard drug use and then violent behavior. It was also hypothesized that relational victimization, conflict management efficacy, and hostile anger would predict violence directly. Model fit and strength of predictive relationships were expected to increase with age. Data were drawn from a population-based, cross-sectional survey of health behaviors among adolescents. Results of structural equation modeling indicated support for the hypothesis that relational victimization and low conflict management efficacy would predict hostile anger, which in turn would predict gateway drug use, which would eventually lead to hard drug use and violent behavior across adolescence. One exception was noted: hard drug use did not predict violent behavior among the 8th-graders. Limited support was found for the hypothesis that the strength of the predictive relationship would increase with age. Findings hold implications for treatment, especially the finding of a progressive hostile anger-drug use-violence relationship in each grade level. Limitations of the current research include the use of a cross-sectional sample rather than a longitudinal one, which rendered it impossible to test causal paths between violence and the hypothesized predictors. Despite the limitations, the results suggest support for early school-based violence prevention programs. Figures, tables, references