The epidemic of violence committed both by and against children and adolescents has become the focus of increased research and policy discussion in recent years. The types of violence that children and adolescents may be involved in or exposed to are varied and appear to have different implications for treatment and prevention efforts. Research has indicated that violence among youth is a multifaceted problem, involving youth experiencing (as witnesses, victims, and through the media) and committing violence in a variety of settings. There has been increasing attention to violence-related problems among youth, with much of this attention paid to the assessment of youth violence and on youth’s direct exposure to violence. Attention to treatment and prevention efforts, particularly as they relate to the experience of witnessing violence, has lagged behind considerably. In this presentation, the presenters will draw on their work with the Violence and Youth Task Force of the American Psychological Association. The task force is seeking to identify clinical, program and research avenues related to violence and youth, to promote interdisciplinary efforts in increasing work in these areas, and to assist in bridging research and practice. Authors will present results of a systematic review of abstracts on studies related to violence and youth in an effort to identify gaps in the literature and to present recommendations for future interdisciplinary research among those interested in this public health issue.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Discuss previous empirical efforts undertaken to understand the issues related to youth and violence. 2) identify areas related to violence and youth that remain scientifically underdeveloped. 3)Articulate ways in which interdisciplinary initiatives can address gaps identified in the violence field
Keywords: Youth Violence, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.