Supporting Adolescent Mental Health: Strength-Based Violence Prevention and Resilience Building in Urban Youth

• In Event: Youth and Mental Health

Abstract

Residents of urban areas are increasingly impacted by the exposure to violence and systemic inequities and therefore at risk of mental health consequences. While mental health concerns were rising for adolescents before the pandemic, COVID and other stressors including ongoing social justice disparities have further impacted the wellbeing of our youth. So much attention in prevention work with urban youth is focused on risk. What if we also focused on the strengths of our youth and the urban communities in which they live? This project will explore the individual, their social environment, and their community with a focus on resilience at each level. The current study will assess the strengths of urban adolescents and develop a trauma-informed, strength-based approach to support mental health and assist in violence prevention, intervention, and holistic wellbeing rooted in the resilience-portfolio model (RPM). This study will include: (1) a scoping review, (2) development of an accessible assessment tool, and (3) pilot of the strength-based assessment strategies with community partners. A primary goal will be to identify key strengths across a range of positive assets and resources in support of coping, wellbeing, and community care.

Authors

• Julia Stavola, Boston University

• Danielle Rousseau, Boston University