The Role of Attachment as a Protective Factor in Adolescent Violent Behavior

Citation

Franke, T. M. (2000). The Role of Attachment as a Protective Factor in Adolescent Violent Behavior. Adolescent and Family Health. vol. 1 (1) pp. 40-51

Abstract

Examined how attachment relationships, cognitive attributes and sociodemographic characteristics function as protective and risk factors across a range of specific violent behaviors. The study analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Wave 1; 18,924 Ss aged 12-18 yrs). A multistage sample design was used to represent the US population of 7th-12th graders. The results indicate the importance of attachment to family and school as protectivc factors against a range of violent behaviors in adolescence. While an intact family structure appears as a protective factor against violence, the data supports the idea that the meaning attached to a particular family structure is more important than the structure itself. Adolescents reporting attendance at a religious service with a parent reported lower levels of involvement in all forms of violent behavior. Given the fundamental importance of attachment, these results support the importance of providing all children with the skills and opportunities necessary to form secure attachments with parents, families and schools and that prevention and intervention programs need to incorporate a developmentally appropriate multi-dimensional approach, which is fit to the individual needs of the adolescent and family. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

URL

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-10876-005

Keyword(s)

protective factors

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Adolescent and Family Health

Author(s)

Franke, T. M.

Year Published

2000

Volume Number

Issue Number

Pages

40-51

ISSN/ISBN

1533-9890

DOI