Prevention of Aggression, Violence, and Mental Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: Innovative and Sustainable Approaches from Around the World: Introduction and Overview.

Nancy Guerra,Suzanne Duryea

doi:10.1007/s11121-017-0814-0

Abstract

This special issue, Prevention of Aggression, Violence, and Mental Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: Innovative and Sustainable Approaches from Around the World, represents a broad set of studies from lower- and middle-income countries. The intent of the special issue was to expand our knowledge of evidence-based programs in less-resourced settings, given that most of the current evidence comes from the USA and other higher-income countries. Many of the articles describe adaptations of evidence-based programs developed in higher-income countries, and their findings suggest that this can be an effective approach. Other studies present evidence for context-specific programs that match cultural norms, are efficient and cost-effective to implement, and are aligned with infrastructure and available resources. We also include articles that provide evidence for the preventive effects of everyday activities such as orchestra participation and after-school programs. Our hope is that the studies reported in this special issue will provide useful guidance for policy makers, funders, and key leaders looking for innovative, affordable, and sustainable solutions to preventing violence in childhood and adolescence and promoting mental health and adjustment around the world.

Highlights

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Inter-American Development Bank, its Board of Directors, or the countries they represent
There is a growing evidence base for effective programs to prevent aggression and violence and promote mental health and positive development in childhood and adolescence. This is important in a climate where policy makers, funding agencies, and practitioners increasingly are aware of the importance of implementing evidence-based programs
Prev Sci new and costly interventions, such as recreation, music, or arts, can have preventive impacts on problem behaviors and promotive effects on mental health and resilience. This special issue, Prevention of Aggression, Violence, and Mental Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence: Innovative and Sustainable Approaches from Around the World, seeks to advance work in this area by presenting a selection of evaluations of innovative preventive interventions that are likely to be practical in lower- and middle-income settings around the world

Summary

Introduction

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Inter-American Development Bank, its Board of Directors, or the countries they represent. There is a growing evidence base for effective programs to prevent aggression and violence and promote mental health and positive development in childhood and adolescence.

Results

Conclusion