A Descriptive and Comparative Study of Students at Risk for Targeted School Violence and Students Who Perpetrated Targeted School Violence

Abstract

This study examined a cohort of 55 students at risk for Targeted School Violence (TSV) in Los Angeles County. Demographic and individual characteristics including gender, ethnicity, academic performance, family composition, bullying, target site and selection, socialization pattern, and pre-attack and planning strategies were examined in relation to TSV. The data gathered for this study was examined through the use of the multiple linear regression analyses. Findings in this study suggest that history of violence is a significant factor in determining risk for TSV. Living with a single parent status places a student at a more risk for violence. Living with a foster mother was found to be a protective factor in this study. Being a victim of bullying increased risk in both sexes, and, finally, gender was not a factor for TSV. Preventive measures were discussed, highlighting the importance of early interventions programs as well as the collaboration between law enforcement, education, and mental health professionals. The development of a safety net and the identification of protective factors among students at risk for TSV were also emphasized.