Aggression, Victimization and Problem Behavior Among Inner-City Minority Adolescents

Jennifer A. Epstein, Gilbert J. Botvin, Tracy Diaz, Christopher Williams, Kenneth Griffin
2000 Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse  
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among problem behaviors during early adolescence. Specifically this investigation examined the association between drug use and aggression among a sample of inner-city adolescents. Eighth graders (N = 517; 49% boys) attending three New York City schools completed an anonymous questionnaire. Self-reported aggressive and unsafe behavior were associated with initiation of drug use (smoking, drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana). Sex
more » ... ces were also found for aggressive behavior, victimization, and unsafe behavior. The data have implications for prevention because reducing drug use might also decrease aggressive and unsafe behavior. Social competence skills training, which has been found effective in drug use prevention programs, can be expanded to cover aggressive behavior and engagement in unsafe behavior. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document
doi:10.1300/j029v09n03_04 fatcat:aflluvaznvd2tkkvqccdseg3qe