| Abstract: | This study investigated the role that depression, deviant behaviors, and exposure to violence may play in youths' fears of victimization. In-school youth (ages 11 to 20 years) completed an anonymous, self-administered health behavior questionnaire that measured a variety of psychosocial variables. Included in the questionnaire were items concerning fears of personal victimization, demographics, depression, deviant behaviors, and previous exposure to violence. Logistic regressions revealed that gender, grade, ethnicity, depression, and previous exposure to violence were significantly associated with high fears of victimization. The implications of this study for future research into children's fears and for prevention programs are discussed. |
