Youth Violence, Bonding & Community

Transactional analysis, validated by clinical and research evidence, has established a two-dimensional model of personality: high vs. low self-esteem and trust vs. distrust of others. A person's worldview of self interacting with others is formed along these dimensions early in life, and heavily influenced by parent figures. Abuse and neglect in childhood, therefore, promote distrust and hostility, and lack of care and concern for others. Consequently, the most successful delinquency prevention programs are those that intervene at early ages. Today's juvenile gang members typically show little bonding to school or occupational goals. The latter is closely tied to the growing lack of father figures for young inner-city males. Youth must be raised by a respected community of elders, and the provision of adult role models must play a role in comprehensive, community based prevention and intervention activities.