Caroline E Shanholtz1, Karey L O'Hara2, Jennifer E Duchschere3, Connie J Beck4, Erika Lawrence5. 1. Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA. Electronic address: shanholt@email.arizona.edu. 2. REACH Institute Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 900 S. McAllister Ave. Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA. Electronic address: klohara@asu.edu. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E. University Blvd, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA. Electronic address: duchschere@email.arizona.edu. 4. University of Washington, Tacoma, USA. Electronic address: beckcj@uw.edu. 5. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, 618 Library Place, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA. Electronic address: elawrence@family-institute.org.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Adolescent-to-parent violence/aggression (APV/A) is an understudied yet increasingly common social problem for adolescents and families, particularly those involved in the juvenile justice system. The current study focused on improving interventions for this population by gathering qualitative data from stakeholders to inform treatment targets. METHODS: Participants (N = 23) comprised of court professionals (n = 7), parents/guardians (n = 9), and their male adolescent children (n = 7) in the United States. Parent and adolescent participants were recruited through monthly court-mandated domestic violence education classes offered by the juvenile court. Parent/guardian participants were between the ages of 38 and 77 and consisted of four males and five females. Adolescents were between the ages of 14 and 17. Court professional participants consisted of judges, probation officers, and court psychologists. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory. RESULTS: Results indicated that, from the perspective of key stakeholders, an effective intervention to reduce APV/A likely involves a two-pronged approach: (1) address specific and theoretically modifiable emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors at the adolescent-level; and (2) induce change in the family system by addressing environmental barriers to seeking treatment and by creating positive family relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The present study aimed to gather the perspectives of court professionals, adolescents, and parents/guardians regarding the development of an effective intervention for APV/A-involved families. This study represents the first step toward the development of a feasible, acceptable, sustainable, and effective intervention for adolescents and their families who are involved in the juvenile justice system due to APV/A.
INTRODUCTION: Adolescent-to-parent violence/aggression (APV/A) is an understudied yet increasingly common social problem for adolescents and families, particularly those involved in the juvenile justice system. The current study focused on improving interventions for this population by gathering qualitative data from stakeholders to inform treatment targets. METHODS:Participants (N = 23) comprised of court professionals (n = 7), parents/guardians (n = 9), and their male adolescent children (n = 7) in the United States. Parent and adolescent participants were recruited through monthly court-mandated domestic violence education classes offered by the juvenile court. Parent/guardian participants were between the ages of 38 and 77 and consisted of four males and five females. Adolescents were between the ages of 14 and 17. Court professional participants consisted of judges, probation officers, and court psychologists. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory. RESULTS: Results indicated that, from the perspective of key stakeholders, an effective intervention to reduce APV/A likely involves a two-pronged approach: (1) address specific and theoretically modifiable emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors at the adolescent-level; and (2) induce change in the family system by addressing environmental barriers to seeking treatment and by creating positive family relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The present study aimed to gather the perspectives of court professionals, adolescents, and parents/guardians regarding the development of an effective intervention for APV/A-involved families. This study represents the first step toward the development of a feasible, acceptable, sustainable, and effective intervention for adolescents and their families who are involved in the juvenile justice system due to APV/A.
Authors: Justin Jagosh; Paula L Bush; Jon Salsberg; Ann C Macaulay; Trish Greenhalgh; Geoff Wong; Margaret Cargo; Lawrence W Green; Carol P Herbert; Pierre Pluye Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2015-07-30 Impact factor: 3.295