Abstract

CARRASCOSA, Laura; CAVA, María Jesús  and  BUELGA, Sofía. Attitudes towards authority and violence among adolescents: Differences according to gender. Suma Psicol. [online]. 2015, vol.22, n.2, pp.102-109. ISSN 0121-4381.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sumpsi.2015.08.003.

Violent behaviour in adolescents is an important social problem given its serious consequences. This study sought to analyse the differences between males and females in violent behaviour against their peers. Some explanatory variables of this behaviour were also analysed, such as attitudes toward authority and rules, communication with parents, and quality of the relationship with teachers. In addition, possible gender differences in the relationships between these variables were analysed. The sample included 663 adolescents (50.68% girls, 49.32% boys) aged 12 to 15 (M = 14.05 and SD = 1.38). The results showed higher scores in boys in positive attitude towards transgression of rules and direct and indirect violence, and higher in girls in open communication with the mother. The results of the regression analyses indicated a significant relationship-both in boys and girls- between positive attitudes toward transgression of rules, offensive communication with the parent, and direct and indirect violent behaviour. Open communication with the mother and positive attitudes toward authority were negatively related to the involvement of girls in peer violent behaviour. These results and their implications are analysed.

Keywords : Adolescence; Peer violence; Attitudes towards authority; Gender.

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