Chronic community violence and adolescent peer group activity settings in Rio de Janeiro and Baltimore: a cross cultural comparison

Abstract

Chronic community violence is common in urban areas and areas of conflict around the world. Children and adolescents in these areas experience similar traumatic events, however past research has only addressed the impact on family and individual youth. This dissertation explores the impact chronic community violence has on the adolescent peer group. Youth perceptions in Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro were studied to explore differences in peer attachment, peer influence, peer group activities, opportunities for pro-social community involvement, neighborhood resources and perceptions of neighborhood danger. Baltimore and Rio de Janeiro were chosen because they are similar in rates of chronic community violence and dissimilar in the composition of racial and ethnic groups. The results showed significant differences between geographical locations in perceptions of community danger. The findings also indicated that adolescents spend more time inside their own house than with their friends. Time with friends and consequently peer group influence are related to feelings of community danger. Prevention and intervention efforts need to assess perceptions of danger because crime statistics are not revealing enough. These results provide valuable insight to make the practical application of international prevention and intervention efforts more effective. Implications for service providers and policy are discussed.