Youth Exposure to Community Violence: Association with Aggression,Victimization, and Risk Behaviors |
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Authors: | Cristina S. Barroso Steve Kelder Nancy Murray Pamela Orpinas |
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Affiliation: | 1. University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Brownsville Regional Campus , Brownsville, TX;2. University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Austin Regional Campus , Austin, TX;3. University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Houston Regional Campus , Houston, TX;4. Department of Health Promotion and Behavior , University of Georgia , Athens, GA |
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Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to community violence and aggression, victimization, and risk-taking behaviors among young adolescents. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a cross-sectional survey of 8,259 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from eight urban schools in Texas. Results indicated that students exposed to a high level of community violence were 7.7 times more likely to carry a handgun, 5.2 times more likely to be involved in a gang were 6.4 times more likely to use marijuana, 5.3 times more likely to binge drink, and 2.8 times more likely to be injured as a result of fighting. This suggests the need for an interdisciplinary approach to violence prevention that targets all the environments of youth, including schools, homes, neighborhoods, and other community units. |
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Keywords: | Students for Peace adolescent violence community aggression crime victims |
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