NCJ Number
225736
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2008 Pages: 404-427
Date Published
December 2008
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study identified the predictors of youth violence and violent victimization among Dominican adolescents.
Abstract
Results supported an ecological-oriented model that included person, situation, and environmental influences on a broad spectrum of violence-related behaviors. Findings indicated that alcohol use and victimization such as being hit, slapped, or physically hurt increased the likelihood of engaging in violent acts, such as carrying a weapon or physical fights. Early onset of alcohol use was also associated with involvement in violence-related behaviors. However, Dominican adolescents who delayed the onset of alcohol use were less likely to engage in violent acts. Students who reported depressive symptoms were less inclined to commit acts of violence. Moreover, alcohol and marijuana use on school property was also identified as a salient predictor of violence-related behaviors. Students who identified feeling unsafe in and around school were more likely to be involved in violent acts and those who reported a lowered sense of personal safety were more likely to engage in acts of violence. Physical abuse toward a boyfriend or girlfriend increased with alcohol and alcohol use in general and marijuana use on school property contributed to forced sexual intercourse. Data were collected from 115 Dominican adolescents attending high school in a northeastern urban community. Tables and references