Potential Protective Effect of the Community Involvement Asset on Adolescent Risk Behaviors

Authors

  • Sharon Rodine Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
  • Roy F. Oman Univerity of Oklahoma Health Services Center
  • Sara K. Vesely University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  • Cheryl B. Aspy University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  • Eleni Tolma University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  • LaDonna Marshall Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
  • Janene Fluhr University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2006.397

Keywords:

community involvement, youth assets, community service, youth development, youth risk behaviors

Abstract

The potential of Community Involvement as a protective factor (youth asset) for eight adolescent risk behaviors was examined in this study. Cross-sectional data were collected from a randomly-selected population using in-home, in-person interviews in racially diverse inner-city neighborhoods of two Midwestern cities. Research participants were teenagers (n=1,278) and parents of the teenagers (n=1,278). Data included demographic variables; eight adolescent risk behaviors, including sexual activity, violence and the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. This study found youth with the Community Involvement asset were significantly (p<.05) more likely to: never have had sexual intercourse; not use tobacco or drugs; not use alcohol if living in a one-parent family; not carry a weapon, or never have been arrested. Involvement in community volunteer experiences may hold potential for strengthening youth development and prevention programs focused on reducing youth risk-taking behaviors.

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Published

2006-06-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2006)

Section

Feature Articles

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