Adolescent Risk Behaviors and the Potential for Violence: A Look at What's Coming to Campus

Abstract

This study analyzed the types and predictors of violent behaviors reported by students in Grades 11 and 12 in South Carolina. Results are based upon responses of 2,299 students from 57 schools, approximately 3% of the total state enrollment in those grades. The 70-item self-report Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed and piloted by the Federal Centers for Disease Control was used to collect data. The authors performed a series of logistic regression analyses to explore the relation of the demographic and potential risk variables to fighting and carrying weapons. Results from the simple logistic analyses, adjusting for race and gender, indicated that alcohol use, binge drinking, sexual activity, and use of any drugs were significantly associated (p < .05) with reported fighting. These variables and poor academic self-image were significantly associated with carrying weapons. Comprehensive multivariable models indicated that, when considered simultaneously, being black, male, sexually active, and engaging in binge drinking and drug use were significant predictors of fighting. Gender, but not race, alcohol use, drug use, or sexual activity, remained a significant predictor of carrying a weapon. Findings suggest that college risk-reduction and health-promotion programs should direct efforts at environmental modification, policy development and enforcement, as well as at personal change, including effective conflict resolution, stress management, and communication skills.

Life Satisfaction and Violent Behaviors among Middle School Students

“…Empirical evidence on the correlates of weapon carrying suggests that this risk behavior is indicative of, and associated with, violent behavior and used for purposeful criminal activity for urban and inner-city adolescents rather than self-protection (DuRant et al, 1994;Valois et al, 1993). Studies analyzing data from the national and selected state youth risk behavior surveys found that weapon carrying is inter-correlated with other adolescent risk behaviors, including fighting that involves injuries, substance abuse, school truancy, and sexual risk-taking, thus suggestive of a syndrome of risk/antisocial behavior among troubled youth Sosin et al, 1995;Orpinas, Basen-Enquest, & Grunbaum, 1995;Valois et al, 1993Valois et al, , 1995Valois & McKeown, 1998). The study of handgun ownership among high school students in Seattle, Washington, by Callahan and Rivara (1992) lends support to the theory that weapons are associated with aggressive and violent behavior, delinquency, and other risk behaviors.…”

Dieting Behaviors, Weight Perceptions, and Life Satisfaction Among Public High School Adolescents

“…Difficulties in coping with stress and the challenges of adolescent psychosocial development could mediate the relationship between adolescent life dissatisfaction and the inability to cope with body weight or body image dissatisfaction. In a general sense, many adolescents are not "life skilled" in five domains: communication, stress management, decision making, problem solving, and goal setting (Valois et al, 1993). Adolescents dissatisfied with life might engage in inappropriate dieting behaviors as a result of poor communication, decision making and problem solving attempts related to unfulfilled aspirations and needs.…”

Agressão física e classe social

“…Para as drogas ilícitas, Valois et al 24 descrevem riscos maiores nos usuários. Hall et al 12 defendem que isto decorre principalmente das condições socioeconômicas.…”