ABSTRACT
It has become almost impossible to open a newspaper or turn on the evening news without being reminded of the ever-increasing levels of violence and various problem behaviors that afflict today’s youth. Between 1980 and 1990, the frequency with which youths between the ages of 10 and 17 committed serious crimes grew at an astonishing rate. For example, the number of youths arrested for murder increased by 90%, compared to a 10% increase for adults (FBI Uniform Crime Statistics, as cited in the Seattle Times, August 30,1992). What’s more, drug use, which had declined for nearly a decade, is regaining popularity. Although these increases and their attendant effects cut across ethnicity, they are particularly pronounced for African-American youth, who are more likely to be involved as participants and victims of such behaviors. Not surprisingly, there has been a growing call from policymakers and citizens alike for research to help us understand what factors lead to these problematic behaviors, especially among African-American youth.
