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Relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior among urban African American youths from adolescence to emerging adulthood: A longitudinal study

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  • Xue, Y.
  • Zimmerman, M.A.
  • Cunningham, R.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined developmental trajectories of alcohol use and violent behavior among urban African American youths and the longitudinal relationship between these behaviors from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Methods. Our sample included 649 African American youths (49% male) followed for 8 years. We assessed violent behavior and alcohol use by asking participants how often they had engaged in each behavior in the preceding 12 months. Growth curve analyses were conducted to identify the developmental trajectories of the 2 behaviors and to explore the longitudinal relationship between them. Results. Violent behavior peaked in middle to late adolescence and declined thereafter, whereas the frequency of alcohol use increased steadily over time. These developmental trajectories varied according to gender. Among both male and female participants, early violent behavior predicted later alcohol use, and early alcohol use predicted later violent behavior. Moreover, changes in one behavior were associated with changes in the other. Conclusions. Our results support a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior. Efforts to reduce one problem can be expected to reduce the other. Programs and policies aimed at reducing violence or alcohol use among adolescents should take into account this relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Xue, Y. & Zimmerman, M.A. & Cunningham, R., 2009. "Relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior among urban African American youths from adolescence to emerging adulthood: A longitudinal study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(11), pages 2041-2048.
  • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2008.147827_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.147827
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    Cited by:

    1. Elias-Lambert, Nada & Boyas, Javier F. & Black, Beverly M. & Schoech, Richard J., 2015. "Preventing substance abuse and relationship violence: Proof-of-concept evaluation of a social, multi-user, tablet-based game," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 201-210.
    2. Reed, Karen P. & Nugent, William & Cooper, R. Lyle, 2015. "Testing a path model of relationships between gender, age, and bullying victimization and violent behavior, substance abuse, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in adolescents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 128-137.
    3. Jennings, Wesley G. & Piquero, Alex R. & Rocque, Michael & Farrington, David P., 2015. "The effects of binge and problem drinking on problem behavior and adjustment over the life course: Findings from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 453-463.

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