Recorded presentation

Candace Robertson, MPH, Women's Health Education Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, 215-991-8450, cjr26@drexel.edu and Mary K. O'Brien, PhD, Community Health, Drexel University School of Public Health, 1505 Race St. MS 660, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Many youth are affected by violence daily as they witness or participate in fights, carry weapons and perpetrate or are victimized by threats and assaults. Many of these youth have not only been forced to deal with this epidemic but have often accepted it as a “natural part of life.” Numerous studies have shown that such violence has been associated with increased injuries, behavior problems, poor academic performance, distress, and poor health outcomes. However, little research has been conducted to identify protective factors. Objective: This project explored the possible protective role of school commitment and its relationship with adolescents’ self-reported experiences with violence. Methods: A 22 –item, Likert format School Commitment Scale (SCS) based on the Transtheoretical model of behavioral change was developed and piloted in five Philadelphia schools with 122 students, grades 6 through 12 . Qualitative assessments, including teacher interviews and comments from adolescents, were also collected. Results: Statistical analysis confirmed that students who reported involvement in fights also demonstrated lower school commitment scores (P<.05). Qualitative analysis supported the importance of school commitment and programs that promote self-efficacy and empowerment as important protective factors. Conclusion/ Implications: The SCS demonstrates utility as a measure of school commitment. This pilot study suggests the possible protective role of school commitment in adolescent experiences with violence as well as the skills needed to enhance violence prevention programs and curricula while confirming the need for further research in this area.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe adolescent experiences with violence in an urban, predominately African American sample.
• Identify protective factors important for mitigating the negative effects of environmental/community risks 3.Describe the role and importance of school commitment in the prevention of adolescent violence.

Keywords: Violence Prevention, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation