Meeks Gardner, Julie; Powell, Christine A.
Author Affiliation, Ana.
Caribbean Child Development Centre
Aggressive youth and youth experiences of violence in Kingston, Jamaica
Caribbean childhoods: From research to action: Journal of the children's issues coalition
Date of Publication
Aggressiveness in youngsters is a well-discussed problem in Jamaica. It is particularly important since youth aggression is a major predictor of violence in adulthood. Unfortunately, much of the discussion tends to be based on personal experiences and unsubstantiated beliefs, rather than rigorous study. The authors present the findings from five recent studies on children, adolescents and violence in Kingston, Jamaica, undertaken by the Child Development Research Group of the University of the West Indies, Mona. The group has examined exposure to violence among primary school children and adolescents, and has carried out a case control study on the risk factor of aggressive behaviour among young boys. In addition, they investigated the variables related to aggression at the primary school level. Gaps in the research include the lack of data from rural areas, and the need to identify risk factors for aggression among girls. This information should help to target intervention and service programmes, as well as to provide fact for debates about solutions.....