Using confidential self-report surveys and official crime statistics, this book describes variations in aggression and violence during adolescence over time and by grade, gender, and race. Early clues present in childhood to later serious violence in adolescence are identified in longitudinal research studies. Current personality and situational influences that either increase or decrease risk for aggression or violence are reviewed. Aggression and violence in adolescent dating relationships is explained in relation to normal development and subject to both variation in partner and relationship differences. This book describes and suggests prevention programs directed at all children, children at risk, and those adolescents that are unfortunately already violent.

The rash of school shootings in the late 1990s has generated a tremendous amount of public concern about youth aggression and violence. But students, trainees, and professionals who work with children and adolescents have had no concise or systematic survey of our current knowledge about causes and effective approaches to intervention and prevention on which to draw. Youth Aggression and Violence has filled the void. Comprehensive and readable, it: * utilizes theory and research from the developmental psychology of "normal" children and adolescents, as well as material on "abnormal" forms of development, such as disruptive behavior disorders and juvenile delinquency; * situates youthful aggression and violence within the overall framework of children's moral development; * integrates quantitative research with carefully considered qualitative research and case studies; * discusses the genetic and biological underpinnings of youthful aggression, as well as family and social factors related to antisocial behavior; * emphasizes cognitive, motivational, and emotional processes involved in youth aggression and violence; * provides in-depth coverage of juvenile killers and school violence; * examines female aggression and violence in a variety of contexts; and * critically examines a number of questions frequently discussed in conjunction with youth violence, such as media violence, firearm accessibility, and the relationship between self-esteem and aggression.

This book highlights the developmental changes in aggression and violence during adolescence from a uniquely psychological perspective. Developmental changes and risk factors as direct causes for violence and psychopathy have started to receive increased recognition over the last few years, and in this volume Marcus charts these changes against criminological activity. A meta-theoretical model consisting of developmental, personality, and situational factors which are common, or unique, to each form of aggression and violence are offered with research support. Empirically supported by rigorous data studies, this innovative work goes a long way towards addressing the methods of prevention by which we might lower the frequency and prevalence of aggression and violence. Well-researched and timely in its findings, this book will be of special interest to scholars of violence and crime, as well as developmental psychologists.

"Offering the first comprehensive analysis of this topic in over 30 years, this book is sure to fuel discussion and debate among researchers, practitioners, and students in developmental psychology, child clinical psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, criminology, and related disciplines. In the classroom, it is a unique and valuable text for graduate-level courses."--BOOK JACKET.

"Aggressive behavior during childhood and adolescence is an important risk factor for later serious and persistent adjustment problems in adulthood, including criminal behavior, school dropout as well as family-related and economic problems. Researchers have thus deployed considerable efforts to uncover what drives individuals to attack and hurt others. Each chapter explores the issue of aggression with an introduction, theoretical considerations, measures and methods, research findings, implications, and future directions"--

From leading authorities, this book traces the development of female aggression and violence from early childhood through adulthood. Cutting-edge theoretical perspectives are interwoven with longitudinal data that elucidate the trajectories of aggressive girls' relationships with peers, with later romantic partners, and with their own children. Key issues addressed include the predictors of social and physical aggression at different points in the lifespan, connections between being a victim and a perpetrator, and the interplay of biological and sociocultural processes in shaping aggression in girls. Concluding commentaries address intervention, prevention, juvenile justice, and related research and policy initiatives.

The second edition of this textbook provides a thoroughly revised, updated and expanded overview of social psychological research on aggression. The first part of the book covers the definition and measurement of aggression, presents major theories and examines the development of aggression. It also covers the role of situational factors in eliciting aggression, and the impact of using violent media. The second part of the book focuses on specific forms and manifestations of aggression. It includes chapters on aggression in everyday life, sexual aggression and domestic violence against children, intimate partners and elders. There are two new chapters in this part addressing intergroup aggression and terrorism. The concluding chapter explores strategies for reducing and preventing aggression. The book will be essential reading for students and researchers in psychology and related disciplines. It will also be of interest to practitioners working with aggressive individuals and groups, and to policy makers dealing with aggression as a social problem.