The time course observation in the published literature is usually very short. Most studies have evaluated the results at one week to one year after intervention. There are no data to suggest that measurable changes will be sustained for years, or will be reflected in more appropriate behavior. Measured behavior alterations should go beyond fighting in school. Other variables should include completion of high school, likelihood of attending or graduating from college, arrests for violent crimes, and other socially meaningful behaviors.
Violence prevention is a legitimate concern for physicians and surgeons.
Our enthusiasm for embracing specific programs should be tempered by the realization that the scientific basis for violence prevention has not been well established. Our goals should be to identify the causes of violence, and to evaluate programs designed to avoid or prevent violent confrontation. Borduin CM, Mann BJ, Cone LT, et al. DuRant RH, Treiber F, Getts A, et al. Comparison of two violence prevention curricula for middle school adolescents.