Individual, Family, and Peer-Level Predictors of Involvement in Inter-School Fights among Samoan Youth
Sam Hardy,
Psychology
The intensity of school violence has escalated across the nation in recent years, partly due to increased availability of weapons. This trend seems to be affecting other cultures as well, including youth of Samoa. Inter-school rivalry fights are common in Samoa, and have increased in severity to greater use of weapons (e.g., bottles, bats, and knives). This study aims to identify individual-level, family-level, and peer-level risk and protective factors of youth involvement and emotional investment in this inter-school violence. We will gather survey data from approximately 500 youth from Saomoan high schools (anticipated age range 15-18 years). Regression analyses will reveal significant predictors at each level (individual, family, and peer). Additionally, cluster analyses will explore potential groups of youth based on the set of predictors, and these groups will be compared on involvement and investment in inter-school fighting. It is hoped that knowledge gained from this study will enable changes within family circles and school systems, and will help abate the frequency and intensity of such violence.
