Multiple Risk Behaviors Among African American and Hispanic Boys

This study examined multiple risk behaviors (violence, delinquency, and substance use) among 240 African American and 262 Hispanic preadolescent boys from urban schools in the Midwest United States. Latent transition analysis allowed patterns of multivariate risk to emerge uniquely within and across these ethnic groups, highlighting patterns for subgroups that are overlooked by common aggregate statistics. Results revealed four risk classes for each ethnic group, with nuanced probabilities of endorsement and transition across classes and ethnic groups. Involvement with police and more severe use of substances were distinguishing factors of higher risk classes. African American boys showed a tendency to transition between risk classes over time, while Hispanic boys tended to exhibit stability. Personal involvement in school and community action among parents were highlighted as protective factors. Suggestions for prevention programming based on results include early timing, addressing criminal justice involvement, providing academic enrichment programs, and promoting community action among parents