Components of effective youth violence prevention programs for 7-to 14-year-olds

Objective: To classify features of effective violence prevention programs f or 7- to 14-year-olds according to children's risk groups and targeted beha viors. Data Sources: Articles published between 1980 and 1999 were identified via electronic databases (MEDLINE, ERIC, PsychINFO) using the key words violenc e, violence prevention, youth violence, or aggressive behavior. Reference l ists were hand-searched for additional publications. Study Selection: One hundred fifty- three articles were reviewed with a mod ified scale by one of the principal. investigators/authors (W,O.C. or M.L.) and a research assistant (K.F.); the other principal investigator resolved any discrepancies. Articles were included if they reported prevention effo rts in 7- to 14-year-olds and compared outcome measures, met requirements f or scientific rigor, and reported significant improvements (effect size, >0 .1 or P less than or equal to .05). Sixty-seven percent (n= 102) did not me et the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 51 articles (33%), 38 met requi rements for scientific rigor, and 32 articles describing 25 programs report ed significant improvements in at least 1 area. Results: Twenty-five programs indicated significant improvements in attitud es, knowledge, or intentions (n= 10) and/or reduction in delinquency rates and violent and/or aggressive behavior (n=11);significant changes in both t ypes of outcomes were indicated in 4 programs. Most programs (n=13) targete d older children (aged 11-14 years) and focused on fighting (n=13) and conf lict management (n= 14). Classroom teaching was the most common process (n= 18) used. Few programs (n=7) involved family intervention. Conclusions: Although limited in number, effective youth violence preventio n programs were identified from current literature. Study findings were com piled into a database outlining effective processes for specific sociodemog raphic and risk behavior groups that will be helpful to future program plan ning.