Early Adolescent Pathways of Antisocial Behaviors in Poor, Inner-City Neighborhoods

• NCJ Number: 222433
• Journal: Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 185-205
• Author(s): Nan S. Park; Beom S. Lee; John M. Bolland; Alexander T. Vazsonyi; Fei Sun
• Date Published: May 2008
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This longitudinal study examined pathways of antisocial behavior among predominantly African-American adolescents living in inner-city, poor neighborhoods.

Abstract

Study findings support previous research findings in identifying multiple pathways of antisocial behavior among inner-city African-American youth. The study identified three groups of youth based on their pattern of antisocial behavior: "high starter," "incremental," and "steady." The high-starter group became highly involved in antisocial behavior at an earlier age than the other groups, and group members tended to live in a family environment with less discipline. Youth in this group had the lowest levels of self-esteem and poorest self-evaluations. Incremental offenders began their offenses later than high starters, and their antisocial behaviors increased over the first 3 years and peaked at age 15. They expressed high levels of hopelessness about their future at age 12. The "steady" group faced no fewer challenges than the other two groups, but their antisocial behaviors were minor and of lower frequency than the other groups over the period examined. The study supports previous research in finding that the intensity of antisocial behaviors was related to risky behaviors such as substance abuse, suicide ideation, hopelessness, and parental monitoring of their children. Data were collected on 354 youth ages 12 through 15 living in 13 neighborhoods of the inner-city of Mobile-Prichard, Alabama. The neighborhoods were relatively similar regarding poverty rates and composition. Data on the youth were collected annually between 1998 and 2002 (5 years). The youth completed the Mobile Youth Survey, which measured antisocial behavior (physical fighting, getting other kids to fight each other, carrying a knife or razor, carrying a gun, pulling a knife or a gun on someone, cutting or stabbing someone, shooting a gun at someone, and hanging out with gang members). 1 figure, 1 tables, appendix, and 43 references