NCJ Number
191553
Journal
International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 267-277
Date Published
1999
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reviews literature on school violence in Canada, as well as its causes and potential approaches for violence prevention.
Abstract
School violence and the incidence of violent crimes among Canadian youth are increasing. Research is taking place on school violence, but little previous research examines psychopathology as a possible factor influencing violent student behavior. However, a study conducted by one of this article’s authors and published in 1998 revealed a high incidence of psychopathology among violent male students in junior high school. That study’s results supported the need for including psychological evaluation and diagnosis when formulating intervention strategies to address school violence. The case of a 14-year-old male demonstrated the usefulness of conducting an assessment with violent students. A comprehensive model designed to explore and address the phenomenon needs to include the concept of student psychopathology. The model’s factors should include societal, community, school, family, relationship, and personal factors. The analysis concluded that understanding and treating student violence in schools required an approach that focused on all these factors, that it was important to include an assessment of psychopathology as a variable in developing intervention and treatment plans for students, and that earlier identification and intervention needs to take place during preschool and early elementary years before behavior patterns become fixed in adolescence. Tables and 32 references (Author abstract modified)