| Abstract
| - This study investigated environmental and behavioral risk factors as predictors of involvement in violent behavior among African American youths. Data from 684 African American youths ages 14 to 17, who participated in interviews by the Youth Services Project in St. Louis, Missouri, were used in these analyses. Forty percent of the variance in African American youths' involvement in violent behavior was predicted by the environmental risk factors of exposure to violence, deteriorated school environment, negative peer environment, and traumatic experiences and by the behavioral risk factors of alcohol use and substance use. Gender differences in risk factors were also explored. The results suggest that preventive interventions should have an ecological approach, including a community and individual focus.
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