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Delinquent Behavior, Violent Victimization, and Coping Strategies Among Latino Adolescents

NCJ Number
215217
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 42 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 41-56
Author(s)
Zina T. McGee; Asha Barber; Ebone Joseph; Jocelyn Dudley; Robyn Howell
Date Published
2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study identified differences in reported problems--such as peer victimization, indirect victimization, direct victimization, internal symptoms, and external symptoms--among Latino youth exposed to violence.
Abstract
The study found that Latino girls experienced more indirect victimization (witnessing violence) and internal symptoms (anxiety and depression) compared to Latino boys, who were more likely to have experienced direct victimization (actual attacks) and external symptoms (delinquent behavior). Controlling for family structure and age, gender was the strongest predictor of peer victimization, indirect victimization, and direct victimization. Older youth were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior, including the use of crack, cocaine, heroin, and alcohol. The findings suggest that violent victimization and delinquency prevention and intervention measures for Latino youth should be tailored to gender and age. These findings are based on responses to self-administered questionnaires completed by 202 Latino youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who were living in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Fifty-five percent were boys. Parental income, educational, and occupational status were measures of the youths' socioeconomic background. The variables measured were peer victimization, direct victimization, indirect victimization, internal symptoms, and external symptoms. 6 tables and 23 references

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