Preventing violence in at-risk African-American youth.
Homicide and nonfatal injuries resulting from interpersonal violence are significant contributors to the excess early mortality and morbidity of African-American youth. Although there is growing recognition of the need for prevention programs specifically directed to these youth, culturally relevant programs to reduce aggression and victimization in high-risk racial and ethnic groups are virtually nonexistent. This article reports preliminary findings of a program to train African-American adolescents in social skills, an approach which shows promise as a means of preventing violence. The pilot study suggests a need for continued research on this and other prevention approaches to reduce the disproportionate--and preventable--risk of injury or death for this vulnerable population.
Hammond
W R
WR
School of Professional Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435.
Yung
B R
BR
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D014754:Violence