U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Role of Attachment as a Protective Factor in Adolescent Violent Behavior

NCJ Number
189435
Journal
Adolescent & Family Health Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2000 Pages: 40-51
Author(s)
Todd M. Franke Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined how attachment relationships, cognitive attributes, and sociodemographic characteristics function as protective and risk factors across a range of specific violent behaviors.
Abstract
The study analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Wave I). A multistage sample design was used to represent the U.S. population of 7th-12th graders. The five outcomes examined in the study represented two different types of violent behavior: violence against property and violence against persons. Study results showed the importance of attachment to family and school as protective factors against a range of violent behaviors in adolescence. Although an intact family structure (presence of both biological parents) was apparently a protective factor against violence, the data supported the view that the meaning attached to a particular family structure was more important than the structure itself. Adolescents who reported attendance at a religious service with a parent showed lower levels of involvement in all forms of violent behavior. Given the fundamental importance of attachment, these results supported the importance of providing all children with the skills and opportunities necessary to form secure attachments with parents, families, and schools. Prevention and intervention programs must incorporate a developmentally appropriate multidimensional approach that fits the individual needs of the adolescent and family. 3 tables and 55 references