Citation

Eitle D, Günkel S, Gundy KV. J. Crim. Justice 2004; 32(2): 95-111.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2003.12.001

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine risk factors that predict gang membership among a cohort of South Florida boys. Using both prospective and retrospective data, the authors evaluated the role of early exposure to stressful life events in predicting joining a gang, controlling for other risk factors. The analysis revealed that while cumulative preteen stress exposure was not found to be a significant predictor of gang membership, the association between such exposure and the dependent variable might be mediated through other factors. A subsequent analysis of associations with gang members/gang-like behavior revealed a similar pattern–race, family financial problems, and preteen cumulative exposure to stressful life events were each found to predict association/behavior and involvement with gangs.