Abstract
Previous research has linked higher levels of hopelessness about one’s future to violent behavior during adolescence; however,
little is known about this relationship over time for adolescents. Using growth curve modeling, we tested the association
between future orientation and violent behavior across the high school years of adolescence in a sample of African American
youth (n = 681). Variation based on demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, SES, previous violence) was explored. At baseline, differences
in violent behavior varied by demographic characteristics. Overall, violent behavior decreased with age. Higher levels of
future orientation were associated with greater decreases in violent behavior over time. Demographic characteristics were
not associated with change in violent behavior overtime. Our findings suggest that future orientation can act as a promotive
factor for at risk African American youth. Interventions that help support the development of future goals and aspirations
could play a vital role in violence prevention efforts.
little is known about this relationship over time for adolescents. Using growth curve modeling, we tested the association
between future orientation and violent behavior across the high school years of adolescence in a sample of African American
youth (n = 681). Variation based on demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, SES, previous violence) was explored. At baseline, differences
in violent behavior varied by demographic characteristics. Overall, violent behavior decreased with age. Higher levels of
future orientation were associated with greater decreases in violent behavior over time. Demographic characteristics were
not associated with change in violent behavior overtime. Our findings suggest that future orientation can act as a promotive
factor for at risk African American youth. Interventions that help support the development of future goals and aspirations
could play a vital role in violence prevention efforts.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-010-9383-0
- Authors
- Sarah A. Stoddard, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Marc A. Zimmerman, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- José A. Bauermeister, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562