Citation

Farrell AD, Erwin EH, Bettencourt A, Mays S, Vulin-Reynolds M, Sullivan T, Allison KW, Kliewer W, Meyer A. J. Clin. Child Adolesc. Psychol. 2008; 37(2): 397-411.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15374410801955821

PMID

18470776

Abstract

This qualitative study examined individual-level factors that influence adolescents' responses to problem situations involving peers. Interviews were conducted with 106 middle school students (97% African American) from an urban school system. Participants described factors that would make it easier and those that would make it more difficult for adolescents to make specific responses to problem situations. Responses included effective nonviolent responses and fighting. Qualitative analysis identified 17 individual-level themes representing personal resources, beliefs and values, perceived consequences, and appraisal of the situation. The identification of factors that influence fighting and nonviolent behavior has important implications for efforts to reduce aggression and promote effective nonviolent responses to problem situations.

Language: en