Showing papers in "Journal of gang research in 1998"

Bullying behavior in school: a predictor of later gang involvement

Abstract: This study analyzes self-reports by incarcerated youths of experiences with violent behavior, and extends research linking bullying behavior in school to later development of antisocial, criminal and gang-related behaviors. Abstract: The purpose of the study was to collect a significant body of data describing familial, sociological and personal predictors of violent behavior and gang membership in order to discern implications for identifying, preventing and effectively intervening with such behavior; particular emphasis was placed on defining the relationship between bullying behaviors and later affiliations with gangs. Approximately 10,000 confined offenders from 85 correctional institutions ranging from boot camps to juvenile detention centers and prisons in 17 States were surveyed. The article discusses differences in findings for males and females as well as families characterized by high and low dysfunction. Results indicate that early experiences as a bully in school are significant predictors of later gang membership. Study results support the need for continued research into effective identification and intervention with bullying behavior in young children. (NCJRS Abstract)