Parent and peer predictors of violent behavior

Parent and Peer Predictors of Violent Behavior of Black and White Teens

Haggerty, K.P., Skinner, M.L., McGlynn-Wright, a., Catalano, R.F. & Crutchfield, R.D. (2013). Parent and Peer Predictors of Violent Behavior of Black and White Teens. Violence and Victims, 28 (1), 145-160.

This article seeks to examine whether deviant peers and parenting practices have any impact/effect on the frequency of violent behavior (self-reported) amongst 10th graders. In so doing, the authors of this article also "examine race differences in mean levels and the impact of these risks and protective factors on self-reported behavior." It is important to note from the onset that very few studies have attempted to examine the link between teen violent behavior and parenting practices.

Discussion

In the year 2008, FBI records according to the authors "indicated that youth younger than age 18 years in the United States were responsible for 16.2% of all violent crime arrests…" Crimes in this particular case ranged from aggravated assault to murder. As the authors further point out, the official crime statistics presented by the FBI in regard to violent crime are much lower than those revealed by youth violence self-reports. One of the key issues the authors sought to examine is "the relationships between positive parenting practices and deviant peers and the frequency of self-reported violent behavior in the 10th grade." Pursuant to their study, the authors put a lot of emphasis on peer affiliation and violence and families and violence. In regard to family and violence, the authors are of the opinion that the fewer economic resources Black families have access to could be a contributing factor to the racial disparities observed in violent behavior. However, not all of the disparity can be explained using economic factors. According to the authors, other factors that play a key role in this case as research studies have indicated in the past include but they are not limited to inconsistent and harsh discipline. This is a finding supported by Lerner, Lerner, and Finkelstein (2001) who point out that parents who discipline their children harshly create an impression in the minds of the concerned children that the world is indeed a harsh place. This according to Lerner, Lerner, and Finkelstein sets the stage for such children's own aggressive assaults. Amongst other things, the level of parental supervision is also regarded a key determinant of deviant behavior. As the authors of this particular article point out, children who are aware they are closely monitored are less likely to engage in any behavior regarded undesirable or establish close relations with deviant peers.

When it comes to peer affiliation and violence, the authors observe that it is during the adolescence life stage that peer influence becomes much more intense on adolescent behavior and thought. In the words of the authors, during this stage, "youth commonly adopt group norms, values, and behavior and seek peer support and acceptance." Indeed, as Mendel (2002) points out, risk factors when it comes to peers could include association with anti-social or deviant peer groups such as gangs. Haynie and Payne (as cited in Haggerty et al., 2013) also note that if exposure to negative peer influences is higher amongst Black youth, then the relationship between behavior of a violent nature and race could be mediated by negative peers. In an attempt to further examine racial disparity in violent offending, the authors in this case as I have already pointed out in the introductory section also seek to "examine race differences in mean levels and the impact of these risks and protective factors on self-reported behavior." This is particularly important especially given that in the past, crime statistics have indicated that race disparities in violent crime do exist. Indeed, according to Puzzanchera (as cited in Haggerty et al., 2013), "Black juveniles are five times more likely to be arrested for violent crime than are White juveniles." Studies that have been conducted in an attempt to explain this disparity largely point to economic variables.

It is important to note that the authors of this particular article further enhance its relevance by conducting an extensive review of past and present literature. In addition to providing an excellent background to the study, the said literature review also helps in the identification of gaps existing in current research in regard to the topic. The authors also clearly define the methods they make use of to generate data. The selection of participants in this case is also well reasoned. In the analysis section, the authors clearly demonstrate how they made use of the relevant data to derive findings. The article's conclusions (as highlighted in the section below) were also appropriate and largely consistent with the findings of the study.