Communication Skills

Behaviors Among Adolescents

Article Abstract

Youth violence is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Blacks and Latinos. Violent behaviors within Latino subgroups and the reasons for subgroup differences are not well understood. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 16,615), this study examined the risk for violent behaviors among an ethnically diverse sample of youth, with special attention to different Latino subgroups. Family dynamics were examined as moderators between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and violent behaviors who lived in neighborhoods with different racial/ethnic compositions. Results indicated that neighborhood SES was positively associated with risk for violent behaviors among youth living in predominately Black and Latino neighborhoods, but negatively in predominately White neighborhoods. Additionally, family cohesion, parental engagement, and adolescent autonomy differentially impacted the relationship between neighborhood SES and youth violent behaviors for youth living in predominately Latino neighborhoods.

Article Critique

APA-Formatted Reference:

Estrada-Martinez, L. (2013). “Families, Neighborhood Socio-Demographic Factors, and Violent Behaviors Among Adolescents.” Youth & Society, vol. 45 Iss: 2, pp. 221-242

Identify the research question

Null Hypothesis: Family influence, geographic location, and socio-demographic factors do not affect violent behaviors among adolescents. Alternative Hypothesis: Family influence, geographic location, and socio-demographic factors have an effect on positive or violent behaviors among adolescents.

Identify the independent variable/s

Family influence, geographic location, socio-demographic factors

Identify the dependent variable/s

Psychological development/reaction to independent variables, adolescent behavior outcomes

Describe the data type

Data was collected from research data and observational studies

Describe the data collection method/s used

Data collection was acquired by taking samples from different demographic areas. Dealt with White, Black, and Latino population. There were different surveys and questionnaires performed and data collected. Study dealt with results not only evidence collected, but observational studies taken and evaluated.

Summarize the research results

Different factors influenced the different results among the socio-demographic areas – higher risk for violence in predominately Black and Latino neighborhoods, while it was lower in White neighborhoods.