Being afraid of violence. Primary data from a study on adolescent victims and perpetrators.

Research Questions/Hypotheses:

Three research-guiding questions:

1. The extent and influence of the fear of violence or the fear of crime in comparison to other fears and worries in adolescence. Clarification of the factors that were significant for the formation of these fears of victimization.
2. Consequences of victimization (effects on emotions, behavior, self-esteem and well-being, fear of crime, quality of life).
3. Causes of violence and willingness to be violent.

Research Design:

Fully Standardized Survey Instrument (provides question formulation and answer options); single measurements

Measurement Instruments/Apparatus:

The main questionnaire was largely standardized. In addition to the intensity of young people’s fear of crime and perpetrator/victim experiences, each subject’s perception, interpretation, and subjective assessment of their social situation in school, at home, and during free time as well as their position within their social circle were measured. Additionally, some attributes, characteristics, behavioral dispositions, and behavioral tendencies of the youths were collected along with the frequency of specific emotions and physical discomforts. Scales that had, for the most part, already been tested in other studies were used to measure the variables.
In addition to the standardized questionnaire, youths could add their thoughts and opinions concerning protective measures against violence, public policies aimed at the prevention of violence, and places/venues they considered to be dangerous.

Data Collection Method:

In-class survey in the presence of an interviewer who evaluated every questionnaire individually.

Population:

Adolescents in 6th-10th grade in the district of Soest

Survey Time Period:

Cross-sectional survey, 1999

Sample:

Stratified, systematic sample

Gender Distribution:

47,7% female subjects (n=1005)
51,3% male subjects (n=1081)

Age Distribution: 11-17 years (there were only a few older students within the 10th grades)

Spatial Coverage (Country/Region/City): Germany/District of Soest

Subject Recruitment:

The questionnaires were completed by the students in the classroom. Interviewers were available for questions during the questionnaire.

Sample Size:

2106 individuals

Return/Drop Out:

Due to smaller class sizes and higher default rates due to the lack of parental consent for participation in the investigation, measurements taken at the lower-track schools are not included.