Cumulative exposure to stressful life events and male gang membership

Authors

David Eitle, Florida International University
Steven Gunkel, Doane College
Karen T. Van Gundy, University of New HampshireFollow

Abstract

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine risk factors that predict gang membership among a cohort of South Florida boys. Using both prospective and retrospective data, the authors evaluated the role of early exposure to stressful life events in predicting joining a gang, controlling for other risk factors. The analysis revealed that while cumulative preteen stress exposure was not found to be a significant predictor of gang membership, the association between such exposure and the dependent variable might be mediated through other factors. A subsequent analysis of associations with gang members/gang-like behavior revealed a similar pattern—race, family financial problems, and preteen cumulative exposure to stressful life events were each found to predict association/behavior and involvement with gangs.

Department

Sociology

Publication Date

3-2004

Journal Title

Journal of Criminal Justice

Publisher

Elsevier

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2003.12.001

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

David Eitle, Steven Gunkel, Karen Van Gundy. Cumulative exposure to stressful life events and male gang membership, Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 32, Issue 2, March–April 2004, Pages 95-111, ISSN 0047-2352. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2003.12.001. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047235203001284)