Citation

Finigan-Carr NM, Gielen AC, Haynie DL, Cheng TL. J. Interpers. Violence 2017; 32(19): 3257-3281.

Affiliation

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260515584348

PMID

25944832

Abstract

Although research suggests gender differences in both forms and functions of aggressive behavior, there has been limited research into these types among African American early adolescents. This study examined the types and patterns of aggression in girls and boys in that group. Participants were 452 predominantly African American middle school youth (50.4% girls) aged 11 to 13 (M = 11.97) enrolled in three urban public schools. Students were invited to participate in a school-based intervention designed to prevent aggressive and deviant behaviors. Assessments occurred pre- and post-intervention. Surveys were analyzed to identify gender differences in the levels and types of aggressive behaviors, as well as differences in predictors of aggressive behaviors. Predictors were measured at baseline; aggressive behaviors at follow-up. There were significant gender differences in types of aggressive behaviors and their predictors indicating a need to develop and implement more suitable, gender-tailored prevention and treatment approaches.

Language: en