title: Core competencies and the prevention of youth violence.
abstract: We discuss how the five core competencies for healthy adjustment in adolescence (a positive sense of self, self-control, decision-making skills, a moral system of belief, and prosocial connectedness) are represented in theories of aggression and youth violence. We then discuss research supporting the relation between these core competencies and aggressive and violent behavior in childhood and adolescence. Finally, we address the degree to which these core competencies have been included and systematically evaluated within school-based prevention programs, and we end with suggestions for future directions.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Commonwealth University, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Terri N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Albert D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: Amie F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Bettencourt
authors.forename: Sarah W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Helms
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D004532:Ego; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D035863:Moral Development; D010553:Personality Development; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control*