Strong-Arm Bullying Prior to Incarceration Among a Sample of Young Offenders

Most studies of bullying behavior have been conducted with general populations during childhood and early adolescence. Although incarcerated youth are at increased risk for bullying others, incarcerated youth in the United States have rarely been studied regarding their bullying behavior prior to incarceration. Understanding the psychological and antisocial correlates of strong-arm bullying prior to incarceration may highlight risk factors that, if addressed, might reduce bullying and deter youth from further involvement in the juvenile justice system. This study examines selfreports of 723 youth incarcerated in the Missouri Division of Youth Services to determine the demographic, psychiatric, and substance-related factors associated with strong-arm bullying in the year prior to incarceration. Results indicate that younger youth from urban areas who have extensive histories of delinquent behavior are more likely than other incarcerated youth to strongarm their peers. Youth exhibiting strong-arm bullying were also more likely than other youth to use cigarettes and alcohol. Further, strong-arm bullying is associated with severe offending, including gang membership and physical violence. These psychosocial correlates suggest behavioral targets for intervening to reduce bullying among delinquent youth.