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November 10, 2008
Study indicates one-on-one counseling may reduce risk of youth violence
HealthDay (11/6, Preidt) reported, "For children and teens who suffer violence at the hands of peers, immediate one-on-one mentoring on how to safely avoid conflict and diffuse threats reduces their risk of becoming victims again," according to a study published in the Nov. issue of the journal Pediatrics.
Dr. Tina Cheng, of Johns Hopkins Children's Center, and colleagues, recruited "10- to 15-year-olds treated for assault injuries -- including gunshot, knife and fist-fight wounds -- at emergency" departments (ED) "between 2001 and 2004." Fifty percent "of the 113 victims were treated and then referred by an" ED physician "for at least six sessions of one-on-one counseling and three parent-home visits."
The remaining "victims were referred to community resources, and received two follow-up phone calls." The researchers found that "participants who received personalized counseling and formed a mentoring relationship with their counselors reported 25 percent fewer fights, and 42 percent fewer fight injuries six months later, compared to those who received referrals only."
Related Links:
- "Counseling Can Combat Youth Violence," Robert Preidt, Healthday, November 6, 2008.
- "ABSTRACT: Effectiveness of a Mentor-Implemented, Violence Prevention Intervention for Assault-Injured Youths Presenting to the Emergency Department: Results of a Randomized Trial," Tina L. Cheng, MD,et. al., Pediatrics, Vol. 122 No. 5 November 2008, pp. 938-946.
Posted by admin at November 10, 2008 12:18 PM