5158.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 1:45 PM

Abstract #7575

Who participates? Self-selection into a violence prevention program for at-risk youth

Bart J. Hammig, PhD, MPH1, Christine A. Moranetz, PhD1, William P. Moore, PhD2, and Kimberlee Coleman-Henderson, BS1. (1) Preventive Medicine, University of Kansas, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160-7313, 9135882783, bhammig@yahoo.com, (2) Great Plains Research and Evaluation, 1032 N Sumac Dr, Olathe, KS 66061

Purpose: To examine the characteristics of adolescents who self-select into Project SAFE, a school-based violence prevention program for adolescents referred to an alternative high school for at-risk youth. Methods: We assessed violence related behaviors, school records, behavioral intentions regarding violence and drug use, and personal self concept among 40 male and female adolescents in grades 7-12. Descriptive analyses were used to examine factors associated with self-selection into the violence prevention program. Results: Among the 40 students who were eligible for Project SAFE, 23 participated in the violence prevention program. Characteristics of those students who self-selected into the program included a higher prevalence of self-reported violent behavior and higher levels of academic performance when compared to non-participants. No noticeable differences were detected in intentions to engage in violent behavior or personal self concept. Conclusions: The results suggest that differences exist between those that voluntarily participated in the violence intervention program and those that self-selected out of the program. Specifically, those individuals who reported a history of violent behavior participated in Project SAFE.

Learning Objectives: 1.Recognize the characteristics of student's who self-select into a school-based violence prevention program 2.Discuss the challenges of implementing a violence prevention program in an alternative high school

Keywords: Adolescents, Youth Violence

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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA