Patterns of Violent Behavior and Victimization Among African American Youth

Abstract

This study examines differences in reported problems among African American youth exposed to violence and victimization. Results suggest that a substantial number of African American youth are exposed to direct victimization while in transit to and from school, while others are indirectly victimized by way of peer victimization. Additional support is found for the impact of violence on mental health status, in that subjects exposed to violence reported greater post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms compared to youth who were not exposed to violence. In light of these findings, it is suggested that future studies continue to examine the impact of violence on the emotional development of youth.