Youth Participatory Action Research to Prevent Community Violence Among Black Youth
Emory University
Summary
This behavioral intervention study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Youth Empowered Advocating for Health (YEAH) on youth prosocial behavior and aggressive behavior and assess racial identity and future orientation as mediators of prevention effects.
Description
Structural determinants of violence such as residential segregation, concentrated poverty, and limited access to education and employment, disproportionately affect Black youth. This group subsequently faces the highest rates of violence exposure and related injuries, with homicide being a leading cause of death. In addition, the consequences of violence exposure include academic decline, psychological issues, and chronic health conditions. It is important to address the long-lasting effects of structural violence among Black youth including emotional distress and eroding family and community…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Identify their race or ethnicity as Black or African American * Speak English * Able to understand the project and give full consent to participate if eligible * Have a parent or guardian provide consent for them to participate * Member of Boys and Girls Clubs or other Youth Serving Organization (YEAH immediate intervention and delayed intervention groups) Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speakers
Interventions
- BehavioralYEAH: Youth Empowered Advocating for Health
The Youth Empowered Advocating for Health (YEAH) program is a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) intervention aimed at addressing community violence by fostering youth and community healing. It combines photovoice and theater arts performances. In photovoice sessions, Black youth explore structural determinants of community violence through a participatory research process. Guided by trained facilitators, youth learn the method after obtaining parental consent and youth assent. Using the structured SHOWED framework, they analyze and discuss images, generating ideas for social action. During the photovoice sessions, photo assignments will be completed, with discussions recorded, analyzed for themes, and shared for validation. The final four sessions will integrate these themes into theater arts performances, allowing youth to creatively express insights and experiences, fostering empowerment and social change.
Locations (2)
- Emory UniversityAtlanta, Georgia
- Boys & Girls Club of Metro AtlantaAtlanta, Georgia