NCJ Number
222234
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 18 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 1132-1148
Date Published
October 2003
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study used a cross-sectional design to explore the impact of peer relations, family relations, and attitudes on aggressive behavior among a sample of adolescents in Israel.
Abstract
The results of the study emphasize the relevance of adolescents’ social domains. The findings clearly show that attitudes tolerating violence are related to disadvantaged neighborhoods in which low-income families and delinquency are common. This supports the strain framework suggesting that low socioeconomic status and blocked opportunities are the cradle of delinquency. The findings are also in line with differential association theory, which holds that the influence of delinquent peers is a key element. In addition, the study has shown that adolescents who are involved in negative relationships with their parents and peers are inclined to aggressive behavior. Thus, poor relations with parents might be a risk factor of aggressive behavior insofar as it fails to protect the adolescent from negative relations with peers. This study is an attempt to contribute to the growing body of literature on adolescents’ aggressive behavior by focusing on the behaviors of adolescents and parental behavior. Specifically, the study explored the differences between aggressive and nonaggressive adolescents in terms of the quality of their social relationships, their experience of negative treatment by others, and their association with delinquent peers. It begins by examining how relationships with significant others (family and peers) are related to the experience of negative treatment by others. It then investigates whether adolescents exposed to negative relationships are more likely to be exposed to delinquent peers, to have attitudes supporting violence, and to be involved in aggressive behavior. Tables, references