Citation

Vasquez EA, Wenborne L, Peers M, Alleyne E, Ellis K. Aggressive Behav. 2017; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

School of Psychology, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, International Society for Research on Aggression, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/AB.21581

PMID

25604330

Abstract

In non-gang populations, the degree of identification with an in-group and perceptions of out-group entitativity, the perception of an out-group as bonded or unified, are important contributors to group-based aggression or vicarious retribution. The link between these factors and group-based aggression, however, has not been examined in the context of street gangs. The current study assessed the relationship among in-group identification, perceptions of out-group entitativity, and the willingness to retaliate against members of rival groups who did not themselves attack the in-group among juvenile gang and non-gang members in London. Our results showed the predicted membership (gang/non-gang) × in-group identification × entitativity interaction. Decomposition of the three-way interaction by membership revealed a significant identification × entitativity interaction for gang, but not for non-gang members. More specifically, gang members who identify more strongly with their gang and perceived a rival group as high on entitativity were more willing to retaliate against any of them. In addition, entitativity was a significant predictor of group-based aggression after controlling for gender, in-group identification, and gang membership. Our results are consistent with socio-psychological theories of group-based aggression and support the proposal that such theories are applicable for understanding gang-related violence. Aggr. Behav. 9999:XX-XX, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en