The prevalence of violent behavior increases throughout the teen years and peaks in late adolescence. Understanding the interrelationship of factors predictive of violence both within and across time is necessary if effective prevention strategies are to be formulated. The purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the predictive relationship anger, anger control, relational victimization, and gateway and hard drug use to violence in three adolescent age samples cross-sectionally; and 2) to determine which of these relationships was invariant across age. Subjects were 2,128 8th graders, 811 10th graders, and 983 12th graders measured on a variety of health-related behaviors in the Spring of 1998. Eighth graders were 52% female and 30% non-White, tenth-graders were 50% female and 36% non-White, and twelfth-graders were 49% female and 30% non-White. Multiple-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate relationships. Results indicated that being a victim of relational aggression positively predicted anger, and that anger positively predicted violence at all grades levels. Additionally, anger control was negatively related to anger which, in turn, predicted violence across all grades. Finally, anger control was also directly negatively predictive of violence at all grade levels. These results suggest that interventions which target anger or predictors of anger may have the greatest likelihood of reducing violence among adolescents.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will: 1) understand the cross-sectional relationship of anger, anger control, relational victimization, and gateway and hard drug use to violence among 8th graders, 10th graders, and 12th graders; 2) identify invariant relationships of anger, anger control, relational victimization, and gateway and hard drug use to violence from early (8th grade) to late (12th grade) adolescence. 3) gain an understanding of which violence predictors may be most easily targeted for intervention
Keywords: Violence, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not applicable
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.