NCJ Number
138610
Journal
Pediatric Clinics of North America Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 1339-1347
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
After identifying characteristics of and contributing factors in violent behavior, this article proposes public health strategies as a means of preventing such behavior.
Abstract
Factors that contribute to violent behavior can be classified as societal and cultural factors, as well as individual factors. Societal and cultural factors, such as poverty, race, and gender expectations, constitute major societal issues that provide little opportunity for a clinical role in prevention and treatment; some of the behavioral factors, however, provide clearer indication for clinical and public health interventions through patient contact, outreach, programs, and health education. Individual clinicians have many opportunities to incorporate violence-prevention in their medical care. One such opportunity involves raising the issue of violence prevention as part of anticipatory guidance. Because violence is a learned behavior, parents can be enlisted to help prevent violent behavior in their children. Beyond the level of primary prevention, clinicians have the opportunity to play an important role in the early identification of youth at high risk for violent behavior. Screening of children and youth for a history of family or peer violence, substance abuse, depression, and low self-esteem, carrying of weapons, and history of central nervous system injury or pathology can lead to the identification of youth who may be helped by referral to and earlier intervention from mental health and other related services. 28 references