Search

Gun violence disproportionately impacts Black young adults living in economically marginalized urban communities and results in increased risk for injury and death. This study identifies protective factors across the ecological model for Black young adults experiencing peer-based physical and relational aggression and victimization that can mitigate the likelihood of gun carriage. The sample included 141 Black young adults living in economically marginalized communities who had experienced violence. Regression and moderation analyses indicated (1) peer-based physical and relational aggression and victimization negatively associated with gun carriage, and (2) personal assets, positive outlook, student status, and neighborhood attachment interacted with peer-based violent experiences and had protective associations with gun carriage. Findings from this study indicate a need for tailored prevention, policy efforts in order to support Black young adults and decrease gun carriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence is a major public health concern that particularly impacts Black young adults living in under-resourced, urban communities. There is limited research on promotive and protective factors that mitigate the impact of violence exposure on aggressive behavior. This study aims to address this gap by exploring positive factors across the ecological model in a sample of 141 predominantly Black young adults ages 18 to 22 years living in low-income communities. Regression analyses indicated that generally factors at the individual/peer and family level were more likely to be promotive. Additionally, nine significant interactions found in the moderation analyses highlighted a complex relation between ecological protective factors and aggressive behaviors for these young adults. Implications for future empirical work are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]