Correlates of peer violence among 13-to-15-year-olds in Gampaha district schools in Sri Lanka: Findings from a comparison between violent and non-violent adolescents
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Journal articlePeer reviewed
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Date
2014Author
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Violence among adolescents in schools is a relatively new research area in South Asian countries. Limited knowledge about
factors associated with peer violence hinders the design of prevention programs. This study was carried out to assess
correlates of peer violence among 13- to 15-year-old adolescents in Gampaha district schools in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional
study was carried out to identify “violent” and “non-violent” adolescents. Study and control populations were identified
based on their participatory roles in violence, and an unmatched case–control (1 case: 1 control) analysis was carried out to
assess correlates of peer violence. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model was used, and correlates were determined for both
physical and relational (verbal and non-verbal) violence. Correlates of both physical and relational peer violence were male
sex, being 13 years of age, mental health difficulties, dating relationships, school absenteeism, witnessing physical fights among
neighbors, and crime-dense residence. Factors associated with peer violence operate at several levels: individual, family/peer
relationships, community, and societal. Most of these factors are modifiable and can be targeted by prevention programs.
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SageCollections
Copyright the author(s) 2014