Boys and Girls Respond Differently to Anti-Violence Curriculum

Boys reported significantly less fighting following a violence prevention education program, whereas girls showed no similar changes.

A school-based violence prevention curriculum based on the high school program developed by Dr. Deborah Prothrow- Stith was studied with sixth graders in six middle schools. The epidemiologically-based program is designed to help students understand how the host, agent and environment influence youth violence. It includes social skills training as one component. Students participated in 18 weekly sessions during Health class in one of two semesters which allowed researchers to compare student groups as well as examine fighting before and after students participated.

In general, the curriculum appeared to reduce boys’ risk of perpetrating or being victim of violence. There were no changes noted for girls, prompting the researchers to consider that "indirect" aggression of girls was not included in the curriculum or measured. Indirect aggression means actions in which the aggressor is not identified and avoids retaliation, e.g., spreading rumors, creating friendships for revenge. The researchers also noted that all curriculum presenters were men who may have been more relevant role models for the boys.

(Farrell, A et al. The effectiveness of a school-based curriculum for reducing violence among urban sixth-grade students. J Public Health 1997;87:979-984)

COMMENT: It is always important to consider gender differences in beliefs and behaviors among students who are of same age and ethnicity. Socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds may also influence responses of girls as well as of boys. -J.O.