| The importance of parent-child attachment is viewed as fundamental to appropriate socioemotional development. As children move into adolescence, the influence of teachers, school environments and peers increases. At the same time, exposure to risk taking such as alcohol and drug use, delinquent behavior and sexual activity increases. The consequences of risk-taking behavior can be severe, including substance abuse and addiction, school dropout, criminal behavior and significant psychological difficulties. In order to provide effective prevention and intervention programs for youth and families, it is critical that we understand the developmental processes and relative influences affecting them. The present study attempted to provide analysis of the relative contributions of parental attachment, teacher support, school engagement and peer affiliation to engagement in risk-taking behaviors in a group of urban adolescents. In general, higher levels of attachment, support and engagement were associated with lower levels of risk taking.; Regression analyses were conducted using data collected from 299 urban middle school students aged 10 to 14 years. Data were analyzed for a 6 th grade group, a 7th grade group and the groups combined. Results suggested parental attachment, teacher support and school engagement all had a significant impact on risk taking in the study and school engagement all had a significant impact on risk taking in the study participants, with greater attachment and support being associated with less risk taking. Results support the need for a multifaceted early intervention approach using a transactional framework for development. Implications for school psychologists working in urban environments are discussed. |
