Volume 26, Issue 6: December, 1999

Abstract

PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON STUDENTS' AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS AND WEAPON CARRYING

Pamela Orpinas, PhD, MPH, Nancy Murray, DrPH, and Steven Kelder, PhD, MPH

This article presents data gathered from young people in a poor urban community in New York City, the South Bronx. It seeks to help public health professionals better understand young people's perceptions of violence in the context of their daily lives. Sources of data include a street survey, five focus groups, interviews with incarcerated young males, and observations of several youth programs. These data suggest that violence is pervasive in the lives of both young men and women, although gender plays an important role in shaping the experience of violence. Other factors that influence the experience of violence include patterns of substance use, avail-ability and use of weapons, and a perception that the police do not respect young people. Despite numerous challenges, many young people do take actions to reduce violence. The article suggests actions public health professionals can take to strengthen the ability of families, schools, youth organizations, and young people themselves to reduce violence in low-income urban communities.