PHYSICAL AGGRESSION TOWARDS DIVERSITY: ANTECEDENTS, BEHAVIOR AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Physical aggression is a prevalent health concern that occurs in many forms throughout the world. Physical aggression can cause severe negative effects, bodily injuries and students experience significant rates of physical aggression. In Pakistan, only a few studies examine the adolescent’s experiences of physical aggression. Studies that go beyond the prevalence are scarce, and the little is known about the triggers and consequences that surround these incidents. The current qualitative study used the A-B-C (antecedents-behaviour and consequence) framework to understand how incidents of physical aggression directed towards adolescents unfold. The sample included 1250 adolescents who completed the anonymous survey and described the event leading up to and following their experiences with physical aggression. Using conventional content analysis the common antecedents were retrieved, i.e. diversity in religion, race/ethnicity and socio-economic status and the common consequences police, family or legal involvement, antisocial behaviour, terroristic inclination, and psychological problems. Further analysis depicted eight common A-B-C patterns that have been highlighted and discussed. The utility of A-B-C- framework or adolescents directed violence is described along with the practice, implication and policy. Exploring the content surrounding the incidents of physical aggression directed against adolescents provides useful information for violence prevention and intervention.