This study of 1,031 persons from five public high schools examined the relative effects of elements of control, strain, and social learning theories on violence among younger (< 16 years of age) and older (≥16 years of age) adolescents. Of special interest were the differential effects of adult abuse during childhood and during adolescence on violence of these two age groups. Findings show that the effects of abuse by adults during childhood on violence are mediated by other study factors only among older adolescents. Attachments to female caregivers, self-esteem, and fathers' education have inverse relationships, while suicide attempts are positively related to violence only among adolescents 15 years of age or younger. Attachment to father, beliefs, and religiosity are inversely related to violence, whereas feelings of frustration and alienation are positively related to this outcome for both age groups. Implications for theory are discussed.
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