Alison Giovanelli1, Momoko Hayakawa2, Michelle M Englund2, Arthur J Reynolds2. 1. Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Electronic address: giova006@umn.edu. 2. Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Extreme youth violence is a salient public health crisis in Chicago, particularly among African-American males. This article examines mechanisms through which a preschool intervention program, the Child-Parent Center program, in inner-city Chicago may divert high-risk males from pathways leading to violent criminal behavior. METHODS: We conducted a path analysis from early environmental factors to socioemotional competencies through parent involvement and achievement to violent arrest in emerging adulthood. African-American male participants (N = 677) were followed from age 3 to age 27. RESULTS: Child-Parent Center program attendance initiates a pathway to increased third grade academic achievement and parent involvement, which positively impacts socioemotional competencies and acting out behaviors in adolescence. High parent involvement and low acting out behaviors had direct effects on violent crime in emerging adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: High parent involvement in school, fostered by early childhood intervention, promotes adaptive behaviors in adolescence and reduces arrest for violent crime in emerging adulthood.
PURPOSE: Extreme youth violence is a salient public health crisis in Chicago, particularly among African-American males. This article examines mechanisms through which a preschool intervention program, the Child-Parent Center program, in inner-city Chicago may divert high-risk males from pathways leading to violent criminal behavior. METHODS: We conducted a path analysis from early environmental factors to socioemotional competencies through parent involvement and achievement to violent arrest in emerging adulthood. African-American male participants (N = 677) were followed from age 3 to age 27. RESULTS:Child-Parent Center program attendance initiates a pathway to increased third grade academic achievement and parent involvement, which positively impacts socioemotional competencies and acting out behaviors in adolescence. High parent involvement and low acting out behaviors had direct effects on violent crime in emerging adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: High parent involvement in school, fostered by early childhood intervention, promotes adaptive behaviors in adolescence and reduces arrest for violent crime in emerging adulthood.
Authors: Jennifer L Matjasko; Alana M Vivolo-Kantor; Greta M Massetti; Kristin M Holland; Melissa K Holt; Jason Dela Cruz Journal: Aggress Violent Behav Date: 2012 Nov-Dec
Authors: Joni Reef; Sofia Diamantopoulou; Inge van Meurs; Frank Verhulst; Jan van der Ende Journal: Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 2010-02-06 Impact factor: 4.785