Samoan Adolescents in American Samoa and Hawaii: Comparison of Youth Violence and Youth Development Indicators - A Study by the Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center

• NCJ Number: 228852
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2009 Pages: 478-487
• Author(s): Pavela A. Fiaui; Earl S. Hishinuma
• Date Published: December 2009
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): R49/CCR918619-05; 1 U49/CE000749-01
• Sponsoring Agency: Ctr's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This study compared youth violence and youth development indicators between Samoan youths residing in American Samoa (SAS) and those residing in Hawaii (SH).

Abstract

Findings indicate that SAS were overall at higher risk than SH in violence victimization and perpetration, in substance use, and in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Also found was that SH had a higher suspension rate and greater involvement in youth violence (had attacked someone) than SAS as well as higher levels of overall alcohol and marijuana use. Compared to SH, SAS had higher levels of protective factors such as importance of religion, affirming and belonging to an ethnic identity, ethnic identity achievement, and family support. However, SH had higher scholastic aspirations than SAS, despite having lower average GPAs. Those who did not self-report any violence had higher scholastic aspirations and ethnic identity achievement (especially females) and lower levels of more negative means of parent discipline. Data were collected from 339 Samoan students in Hawaii in 2003-2004 using the Asian/Pacific Islander Youth Violence Prevention Center. Tables and references