Gun Possession among American Youth: A Discovery-Based Approach to Understand Gun Violence

Abstract

ObjectiveTo apply discovery-based computational methods to nationally representative data from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System to better understand and visualize the behavioral factors associated with gun possession among adolescent youth.ResultsOur study uncovered the multidimensional nature of gun possession across nearly five million unique data points over a ten year period (2001–2011). Specifically, we automated odds ratio calculations for 55 risk behaviors to assemble a comprehensive table of associations for every behavior combination. Downstream analyses included the hierarchical clustering of risk behaviors based on their association “fingerprint” to 1) visualize and assess which behaviors frequently co-occur and 2) evaluate which risk behaviors are consistently found to be associated with gun possession. From these analyses, we identified more than 40 behavioral factors, including heroin use, using snuff on school property, having been injured in a fight, and having been a victim of sexual violence, that have and continue to be strongly associated with gun possession. Additionally, we identified six behavioral clusters based on association similarities: 1) physical activity and nutrition; 2) disordered eating, suicide and sexual violence; 3) weapon carrying and physical safety; 4) alcohol, marijuana and cigarette use; 5) drug use on school property and 6) overall drug use.ConclusionsUse of computational methodologies identified multiple risk behaviors, beyond more commonly discussed indicators of poor mental health, that are associated with gun possession among youth. Implications for prevention efforts and future interdisciplinary work applying computational methods to behavioral science data are described.

Firearm carrying and concurrent substance use behaviours in a community-based sample of emerging adults

“…It is possible that the link between firearm carrying and substance use demonstrates a tendency for risky behaviours to cluster together in emerging adults, a tendency that has repeatedly been demonstrated in adolescents 15 18. For example, a recent study showed15 that recent gun possession by adolescents was strongly and consistently associated with alcohol, general tobacco use and selected other drug use over multiple rounds of the YRBS System.…”

“…For example, a recent study showed15 that recent gun possession by adolescents was strongly and consistently associated with alcohol, general tobacco use and selected other drug use over multiple rounds of the YRBS System. Why these risk behaviours tend to cluster together remains an important question.…”

“…For example, negative childhood experiences, such as repeated bullying, may create a perceived need for greater personal protection (and therefore increase firearm carrying) while also increasing the use of substances to cope with those experiences 20. Other candidates might include poor neighbourhood conditions or other social conditions15 or personality traits such as impulsivity. Examination of potential underlying variables will further elucidate the drivers behind this observed clustering of risky behaviours and lead to more effective intervention programming.…”

Identifying eating behavior phenotypes and their correlates: A novel direction toward improving weight management interventions

“…They should also be considered for more frequent implementation in various areas of the field and with various datasets. For example, a recent paper successfully used heatmaps and clustering to identify multiple risk factors associated with gun possession among youth based on national available data (Ruggles & Rajan, 2014). Discovery-based visualization methods could help researchers understand complex interrelationships among behaviors and help elucidate patterns that would not be clear using more traditional methods.…”

Diferencias de riesgos psicosociales entre dos colegios, uno estrato bajo y otro estrato alto

“…Las razones Briceño (10) las explica muy bien y, aunque en el estudio no se indagó la ubicación geográfica donde viven los adolescentes, es muy evidente que los jóvenes del colegio de estratos más bajos viven en una zona de mayor riesgo delincuencial (34) con los factores asociados que de seguro coexisten en tal zona. Es muy probable que, en este grupo de jóvenes, llevar un arma sea, o bien porque han sido agredidos (12,13,14) o, porque algunos ya están vinculados a pandillas o desarrollan prácticas delincuenciales (profesores del colegio de estratos 2 y 3 afirman que algunos jóvenes se dedican a expender drogas). ¿Cómo crear un ambiente escolar de más convivencia en colegios de estratos bajos?…”