Youth Risk Behavior Survey / NYC Youth Violence Survey – Weapon Carrying Module
Measures the frequency, context, and locations of weapon carrying and related victimization among youth.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey / NYC Youth Violence Survey – Weapon Carrying Module was developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) (1993). It is designed to measure Weapon Carrying and School Violence Exposure. The scale is intended for use with Adolescents (grades 6-12).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 8 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: General Weapon Carrying, Context and Reasons, School-Related Weapon Carrying, School Victimization.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| General Weapon Carrying | 1,2 | 2 |
| Context and Reasons | 3,4 | 2 |
| School-Related Weapon Carrying | 5,6,7 | 3 |
| School Victimization | 8 | 1 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 0 = 0 days / 0 times, 1 = 1 day / 1 time, 2 = 2 or 3 days / times, 3 = 4 or 5 days / times, 4 = 6 or more days / times.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 8. Interpretation guidelines:
- No weapon carrying or victimization reported: 0 – 0
- Presence of weapon carrying or victimization behavior: 1 – 8
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.