Citation

Madan A, Mrug S, Windle M. J. Adolesc. 2011; 34(5): 1093-1096.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Ave South, CH415, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.06.003

PMID

20584547

PMCID

PMC2962686

Abstract

Adolescent gang members are at higher risk for internalizing problems as well as exposure to community violence and delinquency. This study examined whether gang membership in early adolescence is associated with internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior) and whether these associations are mediated by delinquency and witnessing community violence. In a sample of 589 ethnically diverse early adolescents, gang membership was related to suicidal behavior but not depression or anxiety. Both delinquency and witnessing community violence mediated this association. Professionals working with gang members should assess these youth for suicidal behavior and provide interventions as needed.

Language: en