Neighborhood connectedness and attitudes toward gang involvement among African American adolescent males

Background:

A leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality is related to violent crime. Gang involvement likely plays an important role in this crisis and endangers many of our communities.

Objective:

The study measures levels of neighborhood connectedness and attitudes toward gang involvement among African American adolescent males.

Methods:

34 African American adolescent males grades 6-8 were recruited from an inner city public school in Birmingham, AL for an after-school mentoring intervention focused on identity building and violence prevention. At enrollment, surveys were completed assessing neighborhood resources, connectedness and attitudes toward gang involvement.

Results:

A 13 item scale was used to assess neighborhood connectedness. A score of 13 represented the highest level of resources and connectedness (26 represented the lowest). The range of scores was 14-23 (mean = 19).

A 9 item scale was used to determine attitudes toward gang involvement. A score of 0 represented the most negative attitude toward gang involvement (9 represented the most positive). The range of scores was 0-6 (mean = 3).

Of the 8 males with more positive attitudes toward gang involvement, 63% reported low levels of connectedness.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that adolescents who are more connected to their neighborhoods may be less likely to have positive attitudes toward gang involvement. Programs that promote youth community involvement and connectedness may have greater impact on fostering safer neighborhoods.