Examining the Reciprocal Nature of the Health-Violence Relationship: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample

• NCJ Number: 246808
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2014 Pages: 473-499
• Author(s): John Stogner; Chris L. Gibson; J. Mitchell Miller
• Date Published: June 2014
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using two waves of data collected on 14,738 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Add Health, a simultaneous structural equations modeling approach was used to determine whether there is a symbiotic relationship between health and violence.

Abstract

The correlation between health and offending is typically regarded as the result of confounding factors such as socioeconomic status and drug use, with little consideration given to the plausibility of reciprocal effects. Using two waves of data collected on 14,738 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Add Health, a simultaneous structural equations modeling approach was used to determine whether there is a symbiotic relationship between health and violence. Findings indicate that minor health problems have delayed effects on violence and that involvement in violence also negatively affects future health. Discussion centers on this reciprocal relationship, implications for future research, and public health and delinquency prevention policy. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.