Toward an Understanding of Risk and Protective Factors for Violence Among Adolescent Boys and Men: A Longitudinal Analysis

Purpose To understand the etiology of violence among ethnically diverse men using a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of youth. Methods Participants included 4,322 adolescent men observed from ages 13 to 32 years from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). We estimated trajectories of violence and used multinomial regression procedures to evaluate multiple domains of risk and protective factors for violence. Results We identified three profiles of violence (nonviolent, desistors, and escalators). There were no substantial differences in the patterns of violent behavior across race or ethnicity; however, the prevalence of violence differed by racial or ethnic group. After accounting for violent behavior at Wave I, we identified peer marijuana use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20), alcohol use (OR = 1.50), group fighting (OR = 2.23), and Wave I violence (OR = 4.34) as risk factors for desistance, whereas only Wave I violence predicted escalation (OR = 2.27). Conclusions We identified three trajectories of serious violence, including a late-onset group; however, few risk and protective factors were associated with membership in this group. Risk and protective factors for violence before age 13 years should be targeted for prevention.