The Psychosocial Needs of Adolescent Males Following Interpersonal Assault

J Adolesc Health. 2017 Aug;61(2):262-265. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.02.022. Epub 2017 May 16.

Abstract

Purpose: We examined the self-identified, postassault psychosocial needs of male adolescents to guide recovery and healing after being seen in an emergency department (ED) for a violence-related injury.

Methods: We analyzed deidentified data from 49 adolescent male adolescents who participated in a postdischarge case management program following a violence-related injury. Descriptive statistics summarized youths' demographic characteristics and self-identified needs and goals for postassault recovery.

Results: Most participants (80%) were treated for nonpenetrating injuries and discharged from the ED (76%). Nearly two thirds of youth reported clinically significant traumatic stress symptoms and 89% self-identified mental health needs following injury. Legal and educational needs were also commonly identified.

Conclusions: Despite experiencing minor physical injuries, assault-injured youth report clinically significant traumatic stress symptoms and recognize postinjury mental health needs. Results suggest that youth-focused early intervention services, particularly related to mental health, are acceptable and desired by youth soon after a violent injury.

Keywords: Adolescent; Crime victim; Health service needs; Male; Mental health; Violence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitals, Urban
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Violence / psychology*
  • Wounds and Injuries*