Faculty Collaboration Database

Multiple Marginality and the Variation in Delinquency and Substance use Among Adolescent Gang Members. Subst Use Misuse 2019;54(4):612-627

Date

11/06/2018

Pubmed ID

30395769

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6443478

DOI

10.1080/10826084.2018.1528465

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85056172749 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   16 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gang membership is a significant contributor to delinquency and violent victimization among adolescents. Yet, there is considerable variability in the extent to which gang members engage in delinquency and substance use, and previous research suggests factors beyond the individual level are important to consider.

OBJECTIVES: Using the multiple marginality framework, this study examines the factors related to the family, school, and neighborhood contexts that may contribute to delinquency and substance use among current gang members.

METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015, we conducted quantitative surveys with 449 self-identified gang members between the ages of 14 and 19 years old in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Surveys included measures to assess delinquency, substance use, parental involvement, educational attainment, drug distribution, and police involvement. We ran simple and multiple regressions to assess the relationship between family, school, and neighborhood factors and delinquency and substance use.

RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed several significant predictors of delinquency and substance use among adolescent gang members including parental substance use and incarceration, school safety, police contact, and neighborhood disorder.

CONCLUSIONS: Family and school factors are likely important protective factors against delinquency and substance use among gang members. Interventions at the family and community level may be particularly important in reducing poor health and social outcomes for adolescent gang members.

Author List

Quinn K, Walsh JL, Dickson-Gomez J

Authors

Julia Dickson-Gomez PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katherine Quinn PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer L. Walsh PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Aggression
Crime
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Juvenile Delinquency
Male
Parenting
Peer Group
Protective Factors
Residence Characteristics
Substance-Related Disorders
Young Adult