Paper
Thursday, 20 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Community-Based Care Initiatives
Adolescents' Perceived Needs of Community Interventions to Support Youth Exposed to Community Violence
Deborah L. Schiavone, DNS, APRN, BC, CPNAHS, Division of Nursing, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
Learning Objective #1: Describe coping strategies used by adolescents exposed to community violence.
Learning Objective #2: Identify sequelae of exposure to community violence.
Abstract
Adolescents' perceived needs of community interventions to support youth exposed to community violence
Inner city youths are at particular risk for violence. The social effects of violence have profound implications for adolescent identity development. The purpose of this study was to explore a means of community response to adolescents’ perceived needs so that our youth can feel safe and worthwhile. Data collection was pursued to answer specific questions: (a) what do adolescents perceive as necessary to achieve a sense of wellbeing, (b) what community interventions do youth believe would support a feeling of safety, (c) what do adolescents think would contribute to creating a sense of continuity and predictability in their daily lives?
These questions were explored through a qualitative research design. Data was obtained by having adolescents as active participants in focus groups. The adolescents were recruited through non-randomized sampling from an inner city community that has a high incidence of violence. The adolescents were between the ages of 18-21 since this age group is capable of abstracting life experiences with exposure to violence and has insight into their needs. Adolescents can be valuable informants in revealing weaknesses in community resources, and in offering their ideas for needed improvement.
Data was collected using demographic questionnaires, written transcripts, and observations of oral dialogue during focus groups. Data was studied and analyzed to discover recurring themes using the constant comparative method (Strauss, 1994). Participation was strictly voluntary, and informed consent was required for all study participants.
References
Strauss, A. (1994). Qualitative analysis for social scientists. New York:
                  Cambridge University Press.

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