Trajectories of Adolescent Aggression and Family Cohesion: The Potential to Perpetuate or Ameliorate Political Conflict

Abstract

Objective Correlations between intergroup violence and youth aggression are often reported. Yet, longitudinal research is needed to understand the developmental factors underlying this relation, including between-person differences in within-person change in aggression through the adolescent years. Method Multilevel modeling was used to explore developmental and contextual influences related to risk for youth aggression using four waves of a prospective, longitudinal study of adolescent/mother dyad reports (N = 820; 51% female; 10 to 20 years old) in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a setting of protracted political conflict. Results Experience with sectarian (i.e., intergroup) antisocial behavior predicted greater youth aggression; however, that effect declined with age and youth were buffered by a cohesive family environment. The trajectory of aggression (i.e., intercepts and linear slopes) related to more youth engagement in sectarian antisocial behavior; however, being female and having a more cohesive family were associated with lower levels of youth participation in sectarian acts. Conclusions The findings are discussed in terms of protective and risk factors for adolescent aggression, and more specifically, participation in sectarian antisocial behavior. The paper concludes with clinical and intervention implications which may decrease youth aggression and the perpetuation of intergroup violence in contexts of on-going conflict.

Empathy to action: Child and adolescent out‐group attitudes and prosocial behaviors in a setting of intergroup conflict

“…Thirdly, previous research in Northern Ireland indicates that families can contribute to the socialization of intergroup attitudes and behaviors throughout childhood and adolescence (Taylor et al, ), particularly around perception of the conflict (Taylor et al, ). Children's understanding of the past conflict or current tensions also may influence intergroup relations (Bar‐Tal et al, ).…”

“…In conflict settings, research often focuses on understanding how cycles of violence are perpetuated through negative attitudes and behaviors, such as prejudice (Turner, Tam, Hewstone, Kenworthy, & Cairns, ) and aggression (Merrilees et al, ; Taylor, Merrilees, Goeke‐Morey, Shirlow, & Cummings, ). Less is known about the development of youth outcomes that may promote more constructive intergroup relations (Taylor, Merrilees, Goeke‐Morey, Shirlow, & Cummings, ).…”

Political Violence, Armed Conflict, and Youth Adjustment: A Worldwide Perspective

“…Young children may have an increased sensitivity to conflict, as early childhood exposure may initiate negative long-term developmental trajectories (see Cummings, George, McCoy & Davies, 2012a;Davies, Sturge-Apple, Boscoe, & Cummings, 2014), including in contexts of political violence Merrilees et al, 2013;Taylor, Merrilees, Goeke-Morey, Shirlow, & Cummings, 2016). During and after periods of active conflict, youth are often exposed to multiple risk factors, including acts of violence, bodily danger, poverty, displacement from their homes and communities, and disruptions of their attachment relationships and educational experiences.…”

Emotional insecurity in the family and community and youth delinquency in Northern Ireland: a person‐oriented analysis across five waves

“…Of particular concern are the effects on adolescent delinquency, which may contribute to the intergenerational continuation of antisocial behavior in contexts of political violence (Betancourt, McBain, Newnham, & Brennan, 2013;Dubow et al, 2010;Merrilees et al, 2013). Although correlational and cross-sectional links between political violence and youth's adjustment problems are well-established (e.g., Cairns & Dawes, 1996;Dubow, Huesmann, & Boxer, 2009), limited progress has been made in understanding the pathways of development of antisocial behavior in contexts of political violence (for an example, see Taylor, Merrilees, Goeke-Morey, Shirlow, & Cummings, 2015). This study focuses on dynamic patterns of socioemotional processes, based on Emotional Security Theory (EST, Davies & Cummings, 1994) that may underlie adolescent delinquency in Northern Ireland.…”