Vulnerability to victimization, concurrent problem behaviors, and peer influence as predictors of in-school weapon carrying among high school students.

Abstract

Previous research has indicated the potential relevance of three constructs in the prediction of adolescent weapon carrying, (a) general delinquency, (b) self-protection, and (c) social influence. The current study tests the independent associations between in-school weapon carrying and these three constructs. The sample consisted of 504 students from seven southern California high schools. Overall, 25% of the sample carried a weapon to school in the last year. Self-defense was the most commonly reported reason for in-school weapon carrying. The results from a simultaneous logistic regression analysis indicated increased risk of in-school weapon carrying among students who are male, who are affiliated with gangs or tagging crews, who are exposed to peers who carry weapons to school, and who feel vulnerable to being victimized. Prevention programs targeted at reducing in-school weapon carrying may benefit from a comprehensive focus that includes efforts to reduce involvement in other problem behaviors, influence norms regarding weapon carrying, and reduce actual and perceived vulnerability to victimization.