SAGE Journal Articles

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Journal Article 1: Higgins, G. E., Marcum, C. D., Nicholson, J., & Weiner, P. (2017). Predictors of physical and dating violence in middle and high school students in the United StatesCrime & Delinquency, 64, 625–649.

Abstract: Dating violence is a growing and prominent problem for today’s middle and high school students. Intimate partner violence, which can include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological aggression, affects millions of individuals worldwide. This specific study will examine one age group affected by this rampant phenomenon: adolescents under the age of 18. The purpose of this study is to continue the examination of correlates of dating violence, specifically physical and sexual, through the analysis of data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and application of Routine Activities Theory. Results support hypotheses that the components of Routine Activities Theory are moderate to strong predictors of physical and sexual dating violence in adolescents.

Journal Article 2: Ferguson, C. J., Olson, C. K., Kutner, L. A., & Warner, D. E. (2010). Violent video games, catharsis seeking, bullying, and delinquency: A multivariate analysis of effects. Crime & Delinquency, 60, 764–784.

Abstract: The effects of violent video game exposure on youth aggression remain an issue of significant controversy and debate. It is not yet clear whether violent video games uniquely contribute to long-term youth aggression or whether any relationship is better explained through third variables such as aggressive personality or family environment. The current study examines the influence of violent video game exposure on delinquency and bullying behavior in 1,254 seventh- and eighth-grade students. Variables such as parental involvement, trait aggression, stress, participation in extracurricular activities, and family/peer support were also considered. Results indicated that delinquent and bullying behavior were predicted by the child’s trait aggression and stress level. Violent video game exposure was not found to be predictive of delinquency or bullying, nor was level of parental involvement. These results question the commonly held belief that violent video games are related to youth delinquency and bullying.