Adolescent Violence: The Protective Effects of Youth Assets

Author: Aspy CB / Oman RF / Vesely SK / McLeroy K / Rodine S / Marshall L
Publication: Journal of Counseling and Development
Topics: Age Group Ethnicity Gender Gun Carrying Students
Keywords: Gun carrying inner-city interview physical fighting
Bibliographic information +

The authors examined the association between demographic and social characteristics, and the prevalence of physical fighting and weapon carrying in adolescents attending school and in Grades 6 through 12, using parent and teen interviews in randomly selected households in inner-city areas of two midwestern cities with populations of approximately 500,000. Some characteristics (“assets”) they explored included: Non-Parental Adult Role Models, Peer Role Models, Family Communication, Constructive Use of Time (groups/sports), Constructive Use of Time (religion) Community Involvement, Future Aspirations, Responsible Choices, and Good Health Practices (Exercise/ Nutrition). Overall, assets may protect youth from physical fighting and carrying a weapon. Specifically, Family Communication and Responsible Choices, were associated with no physical fighting in the past 12 months. The Peer Role Models asset is more protective from physical fighting for females than males. Being in high school, being female, having higher parental income, and living in a two-parent household were significantly associated with no physical fighting in the past 12 months. African Americans and Hispanics were more likely to report not carrying a weapon.