Aggression, Victimization and Problem Behavior Among Inner-City Minority Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 183665
• Journal: Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 51-66
• Author(s): Jennifer A. Epstein; Gilbert J. Botvin; Tracy Diaz; Christopher Williams; Kenneth Griffin
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Data from 517 students in 8th grade at 3 inner-city schools in New York City were analyzed to determine the relationship among juvenile drug use and aggression.

Abstract

The participants were 51 percent female and 49 percent male, and had an average age of 14.07 years. They completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire during a regular class period. Self-reported aggressive and unsafe behavior were associated with initiation of drug use, including smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana. Results revealed sex differences for aggressive behavior, victimization, and unsafe behavior. Findings have implications for prevention, because reducing drug use might also reduce aggressive and unsafe behavior. Findings suggested the desirability of expanding social skills training, which is effective in drug use prevention programs, to cover aggressive behavior and engagement in unsafe behavior. Tables and 27 references (Author abstract modified)