Aggression and Violence Among Alternative School Youth

This study sought to describe and examine sociodemographic factors related to violent behavior and aggression by analyzing baseline survey data from a planned educational program. Findings were compared with nationwide rates of self-reported violence as measured by the 1998 Alternative Youth Risk Behavior Survey (ALT-YRBS).

The survey was individually given to nearly 500 students (8 and 9th graders) attending ten alternative schools in one city. Students used laptop computers with headphone so they could privately see and hear each question and then receive a cue to select a response.  The demographic variables were age, ethnicity, family structure, school grades, primary caretaker’s education, student’s marital status and economic status.

Aggression measured within the past one week included teasing, pushing, name calling, hitting, encouraging fights, threatening to hurt or hit others and getting angry easily. Weapon (gun, knife or club) carrying within the past 30 days was measured by five questions from the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The number of fights and times of being hurt in a fight within the past year were asked.

On average, the students reported 11.8 aggressive acts during the past week with the highest rate among other (White, Asian, American Indian, or mixed) ethnic group but no significant age or gender differences. Over half (50.6%) the students reported being in at least one fight in the past year (compared to 59.7% in the national YRBS), and 6.5% were treated for injuries due to a physical fight. Weapon carrying within the last 30 days was reported by 22.7% of the students (compared to the national rate of 32.9%). Males indicated higher rates (32.5%) than females with the rate for Latino males (39.1%) significantly higher than for Black males (23.4%).

Scoring high on aggression was the only variable associated with being in a fight and/or carrying a weapon. Male gender and Latino ethnicity were the only sociodemographic variables associated with being likely to engage in both behaviors.
Since aggression level was associated with fighting and weapon carrying, the Aggression Scale may be useful for screening youth who need earlier preventive intervention.

(Escobar-Chaves S et al. J Sch Health 2002;72(9):357-362.)

Comment: Schools, parents and communities need to address aggression together and consistently to help youth live more safely.         –  J.O.