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Adapting the gang model: peer mentoring for violence prevention
K Sheehan1, J A DiCara, S LeBailly
1Division of General Academic Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago Illinois, USA. ksheehan@nwu.edu
Pediatrics
|July 2, 1999
Summary
Inner-city peer mentoring positively impacted preadolescent attitudes toward violence. While behavior scores didn't change, this youth violence prevention strategy shows promise for younger children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Youth violence is a significant public health concern.
- Early intervention strategies are crucial for violence prevention.
- Peer mentoring offers a potential avenue for positive youth development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an inner-city peer-mentoring program on preadolescent attitudes and behaviors related to violence.
- To assess the effectiveness of violence prevention lessons delivered by adolescent mentors.
Main Methods:
- A case-matched cohort study compared 50 preadolescent mentees with 75 control subjects (ages 7-13).
- Mentors (19 adolescents) designed and delivered violence prevention curricula.
- Attitudinal changes were measured using the Determining our Viewpoints of Violent Events and Normative Beliefs About Aggression Scale. Behavioral changes were assessed via the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in attitudes or behaviors were observed at baseline.
- Mentees showed significantly less support for violence post-intervention compared to controls.
- Mentees' behavior scores remained stable, while control group scores worsened.
Conclusions:
- Peer mentoring may be an effective component in reducing youth violence.
- Further investigation through larger, multisite trials is recommended.
- This intervention shows potential for positive attitudinal shifts in preadolescents regarding violence.