PROSPECTIVE PSYCHOSOCIAL, INTERPERSONAL, AND BEHAVIORAL PREDICTORS OFHANDGUN CARRYING AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Objectives. This study identified behavioral and psychosocial/interper sonal factors in young adolescence that are associated with handgun ca rrying in later adolescence. Methods. A sample of 2200 high school stu dents was surveyed at 9th grade and again at 12th grade. Results. Mult ivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that measures of risk- taking preference, depression, stress, temper, and drug use assessed w hile the students were in 9th grade were predictive of handgun carryin g in 12th grade for both male and female students. Conclusions. These findings suggest the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention t hat focuses on both individual and interpersonal factors associated wi th adolescents' decision to carry a handgun.