Which of the following alone is NOT a strong correlate of violence toward others in adults?

• A. Gang involvement
• B. Peers who are engaged in violent activity
• C. Violent crime toward others in childhood
• D. Drug and alcohol abuse

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing which factors most strongly signal violence in adulthood when looked at on their own. Gang involvement tends to place individuals in violent environments where aggression is the norm, increasing the likelihood of violent acts. Being surrounded by peers who are themselves involved in violent activity reinforces violent behavior through social learning and pressure within the group. A history of violent crime toward others in childhood points to an enduring pattern of antisocial behavior, which is a strong predictor of continued violence into adulthood. Drug and alcohol abuse, while it can amplify risk and often co-occurs with violence, does not by itself predict adult violence as strongly as the others. So, alone, substance use is the weaker standalone correlate compared with gang involvement, violent peer networks, and a history of violent behavior in childhood.