Methodological strategies for evaluating youth gang prevention programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 101747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Brisson ◽  
Igor Pekelny ◽  
Michael Ungar
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Wong ◽  
Jason Gravel ◽  
Martin Bouchard ◽  
Karine Descormiers ◽  
Carlo Morselli

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the effects of gang prevention programs on gang membership. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a systematic literature review across 19 bibliographic databases and a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of these strategies. Findings – The database search resulted in 3,850 hits. Of the 162 studies that were screened in full, six involved a prevention program with outcomes commensurate for meta-analysis. Pooled log odds ratios indicate a significant, positive effect of gang prevention programs at reducing gang membership; however, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the results are driven by the effects of a single study. Originality/value – Despite the small sample size, the current study presents the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of gang membership prevention programs. There is a critical need in the field of gang control for rigorous evaluation of prevention strategies.


Author(s):  
Janet A. Flammang

This chapter focuses on table conversations that take place outside the home. More specifically, it considers in-depth cases of how our civic selves are developed through conversations in a variety of settings such as friends' homes, schools, camps, colleges, religious institutions, firehouses, addiction-recovery programs, gang prevention programs, and the military. After discussing commensality and conversation found at school tables, the chapter examines table talk that transpires at camp tables, college tables, religious tables, male tables, homies dinners, military meals, and at meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and other programs for recovering addicts. It shows that people gathered at tables away from home emulate domestic tables by re-creating “family” or “comfort” or “safety,” all of which help an individual find his/her voice in conversations.


1989 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel C. Kahane ◽  
Robert Mayo

In this paper we argue for the aggressive management of voice disorders. Aggressive management includes early identification, prevention, and treatment of voice disorders. The argument for aggressive management is supported by current incidence trends, laryngologists' expectations, and the benefits of prevention programs.


Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Klimes-Dougan ◽  
David A. Klingbeil ◽  
Sarah J. Meller

Background: While the ultimate goal of adolescent suicide-prevention efforts is to decrease the incidence of death by suicide, a critical intermediary goal is directing youths toward effective sources of assistance. Aim: To comprehensively review the universal prevention literature and examine the effects of universal prevention programs on student’s attitudes and behaviors related to help-seeking. Method: We systematically reviewed studies that assessed help-seeking outcomes including prevention efforts utilizing (1) psychoeducational curricula, (2) gatekeeper training, and (3) public service messaging directed at youths. Of the studies reviewed, 17 studies evaluated the help-seeking outcomes. These studies were identified through a range of sources (e.g., searching online databases, examining references of published articles on suicide prevention). Results: The results of this review suggest that suicide-prevention programming has a limited impact on help-seeking behavior. Although there was some evidence that suicide-prevention programs had a positive impact on students’ help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, there was also evidence of no effects or iatrogenic effects. Sex and risk status were moderators of program effects on students help-seeking. Conclusions: Caution is warranted when considering which suicidal prevention interventions best optimize the intended goals. The impact on adolescents’ help-seeking behavior is a key concern for educators and mental-health professionals.


Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Auzoult ◽  
Sid Abdellaoui

Background: Suicide prevention is a major challenge for penal institutions in many countries. The traditional approach relies on the expertise of health professionals and is supplemented by the intervention of other professionals and the inmates themselves. New methods of suicide prevention based on peer support have been developed in recent years. Peer prevention programs rely on the ability of inmates to identify suicide risk. Aims: This study examines perceived suicide risk among inmates and explores possible explanations. Method: 54 inmates and 17 professionals working in prisons responded to a questionnaire. Results: The peer prevention program was found to change inmates’ expectations of support in the event of a suicide crisis. The study also found that the inmates involved in the program tended to underestimate the risk of suicide. The perception of the prevention program and the level of self-consciousness were found to account for the underestimation of suicide risk. Conclusions: Support for inmates involved in suicide prevention programs must take into account their isolation in prison. The training provided to inmates must also consider the biases affecting the assessment of risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaia Del Campo ◽  
Marisalva Fávero

Abstract. During the last decades, several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of sexual abuse prevention programs implemented in different countries. In this article, we present a review of 70 studies (1981–2017) evaluating prevention programs, conducted mostly in the United States and Canada, although with a considerable presence also in other countries, such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The results of these studies, in general, are very promising and encourage us to continue this type of intervention, almost unanimously confirming its effectiveness. Prevention programs encourage children and adolescents to report the abuse experienced and they may help to reduce the trauma of sexual abuse if there are victims among the participants. We also found that some evaluations have not considered the possible negative effects of this type of programs in the event that they are applied inappropriately. Finally, we present some methodological considerations as critical analysis to this type of evaluations.


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