Research Article

Community Violence, Peer Victimization, and Protective Weapon Purchase in Nicaraguan Adolescents: The Role of Attitudes Toward Weapons

Authors

• • Yu Lu
  • University of Oklahoma
• • Hillary McGuire
• • Shristi Bhochhibhoya
• • YoungJu Shin
• • Jonathan Pettigrew

Abstract

This study examines if Nicaraguan adolescents’ violence exposures (i.e., community violence, bullying and cyberbullying victimization) are related to purchasing weapons for protection and investigates the mediating role of attitudes toward weapons. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 2,357 adolescents (53.9% female) in Nicaraguan middle schools. Most participants were in 7th (43.0%) or 8th (38.6%) grades with a mean age of 12.9 years (SD = 1.14). Nicaraguan adolescents who had frequent exposure to community violence or cyberbullying victimization were more likely to purchase a weapon for self-protection. Significant mediation effects of attitudes toward weapons were identified. This study extends previous research by showing that exposure to violence leads to weapons being purchased for defense in Nicaragua where adolescents are exposed to frequent violence. It also demonstrates the role of attitudes toward weapons in this process. These findings have implications for prevention interventions in this and similar cultures.

Keywords: protective weapon purchase, community violence, bullying victimization, cyberbullying victimization, attitudes toward weapons

How to Cite: Lu, Y. , McGuire, H. , Bhochhibhoya, S. , Shin, Y. & Pettigrew, J. (2026) “Community Violence, Peer Victimization, and Protective Weapon Purchase in Nicaraguan Adolescents: The Role of Attitudes Toward Weapons”, Health Behavior Research. 9(1).