The relation between exposure to violence and social information processing among incarcerated adolescents

Combining evidence from social learning theory with reports of the associat ion between community violence exposure and aggressive behavior development , the authors examined the link between specific characteristics of violenc e exposure and social in formation-processing mechanisms (N. R. Crick & K. A. Dodge, 1994 K. A. Dodge, 1980, 1986) in a sample of highly aggressive, i ncarcerated adolescent buys (N = 110). Results demonstrated that victimizat ion by severe violence was significantly related to approval of aggression as a social response, problems with the interpretation of social cues, and maladaptive social goals. Witnessing severe violence, in contrast, was rela ted to perceived positive outcomes for the use of aggression. These data su ggest the importance of examining the severity and modality of exposure to community violence for understanding patterns of social-cognitive functioni ng among adolescents exposed to violence.