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Predictors of Violence Among Adolescent Females
Bethany Griffin Deeds, M.A., Ph.D.
School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Though overall arrest rates for youth violent crime have declined over the past decade (Butts & Travis, 2002), female rates were steadily increasing during this same time period (Potter, 1999; Poe-Yamagata, Butts, 1996; Kelly, Huizinga, Thornberry, Loeber, 1997). Additionally, the literature predominantly focuses on research with all male samples (Potter, 1999; Catalano, Hawkins, 1998), with few studies investigating gender differences (Statin, Magnusson, 1989; White, Hansell, 1996; Williams, 1994; Espelage et al, 2003). This study is designed to investigate what places young women at risk for youth violence in light of their increasing arrest rates (Regoli, Hewitt, 2000; FBI, 1997). This study will investigate the impact of demographic characteristics, substance use experimentation, other risk behaviors, systemic factors, and economic factors on violent behavior among adolescent females. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Wave I and II home surveys of 7th-12th grade youth 12-24 years of age are used to examine study questions. Models that predict violent behavior will be tested using regression analysis for both the average female youth (Wave I) and the female youth who initiates violence (Wave I & II). A logit analysis will be used to predict violence activity, which is measured by four nominal dichotomous variables: weapon use in fight, shot or stabbed someone, physical assault where victim needed care, and robbery. Since the data for this study is from a national sample of adolescents it is very likely that additional extramural funding and publications will result from this proposed study. Data will support the development of effective youth violence prevention interventions for at-risk females. This information is important since an investigation of 200 violence and delinquency intervention studies have shown that 94% included principally male or all male samples (Lipsey, Wilson, 1998) leaving few options to protect the health of young women.
