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Youths' Family Bonding, Violence Risk, and School Performance: An Empirical Investigation

NCJ Number
216627
Journal
Journal of Knowledge and Best Practices in Juvenile Justice & Psychology Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 59-66
Author(s)
Ghodratollah Arabian; Kojo A. Quartey
Date Published
2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of family bonding on violence risk and school performance.
Abstract
The results of this investigation are considered preliminary. However, the findings are encouraging since several factors were identified as significant risk and protective predictors of violence risk and academic performance. The conflict, control, and active recreation components of family bonding were all positive and statistically significant. Therefore, all can be classified as risk factors. Researchers found no significant predicators for Violence Risk Assessment Index (VRAI). For spelling performance, the family bonding--individual protective index was positive and significant at 10 percent, and the reading score was also positive and significant. In reviewing the literature on studies related to family characteristics and attributes, there is no doubt that family characteristics can influence the behavior of youth. Attributes, such as this can be classified as risk factors. Regression models were developed to investigate the statistical relationship between family bonding, violence risk, and academic performance. The data used came from the Lincoln University Family Center Program, 2004-2005. The youths were selected by the school system in Jefferson City, MO. From a total of 85 youths, 35 of the participants were in the under 12 age group and 50 were in the 12 or older age group. Tables and references