Preliminary evaluation of a multimedia violence prevention program for adolescents

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a computer-based intervention (SMART Talk) containing a number of theoretically driven anger-management and conflict-resolution modules. Methods: Middle school students (N=558) were randomly assigned by academic teams to either intervention or control group and completed assessments before and after implementation. MANCOVA was used to assess differences between the 2 groups on self-awareness, attitudes toward violence, self-efficacy, intentions to use nonviolent strategies, and aggressive behavior. Results: The intervention was successful in diminishing students' beliefs supportive of violence and increasing their intentions to use nonviolent strategies. No outcome differences were found for gender, race, or eligibility for free or reduced lunch (a measure of socioeconomic status). Conclusions: Multimedia might be useful in changing some of the mediating factors associated with violence and might have the potential for changing violent behavior.