Family risk factors of children and adolescents' violent behavior

Abstract

The children and adolescents' violent behavior as complex phenomenon which often overlaps and co-exist with a number of other behavioral problems results from multiple, mutually related and reciprocal factors and processes which are in dynamic inter-action. Knowing factors which contribute to probability of emerging and maintaining violent behavior is necessary prerequisite for creating successful prevention programs which, by reducing negative impact of risk factors, contribute in creating conditions for positive social development of children and adolescents. The paper, apart from defining the violent behavior and short discussion on methodology problems relative to research studies investigating links between violent behavior and different risk factors, presents summary survey of results of a number of empiric researches and descriptions of those risk factors of children and adolescents' violent behavior which result from the family environment. By pointing out mechanisms of parents' skills impact, family functioning, family structure, parents' psycho-pathology, neglect and abuse of children the conclusions were drawn on the key characteristics of the risk factors (non specific qualities, indirectness, inter-activity cumulativeness) which have to be taken into account when planning efficient prevention strategies and interventions.