Youth Empowered Advocating for Health Program to Prevent Community Violence Among Black Youth Ages 12 to 17

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the Youth Empowered Advocating for Health YEAH program, a behavioral intervention designed to reduce community violence among Black youth aged 12 to 17. The study focuses on how YEAH influences youth prosocial and aggressive behaviors, while also examining racial identity and future orientation as factors that may affect prevention outcomes. It addresses the effects of structural violence, such as segregation and poverty, which disproportionately impact Black youth and contribute to high rates of violence exposure and related challenges. The YEAH program combines Youth Participatory Action Research methods, including photovoice projects where youth explore community violence issues through photography and discussion, and theater performances that express key themes and action priorities. Participants are divided into two groups one receives the immediate 8-session YEAH intervention, while the other is placed on a waitlist control and offered the program after initial data collection. Surveys are conducted at the start, at 8 weeks, and at 3 months to measure changes. During the study, youth complete individual surveys assessing prosocial behavior, aggressive behavior, and exposure to community violence at multiple time points. Additional assessments evaluate racial identity and future orientation. The study involves parental consent and youth assent, with participation linked to youth-serving organizations. Researchers monitor the impact of the intervention over the course of the study, which runs until May 2027.

Youth Participatory Action Research to Prevent Community Violence Among Black Youth