Mediators of Effects of a Selective Family-Focused Violence Prevention Approach for Middle School Students

This study examined how parenting and family characteristics targeted in a selective prevention program mediated effects on
key youth proximal outcomes related to violence perpetration. The selective intervention was evaluated within the context
of a multi-site trial involving random assignment of 37 schools to four conditions: a universal intervention composed of a
student social-cognitive curriculum and teacher training, a selective family-focused intervention with a subset of high-risk
students, a condition combining these two interventions, and a no-intervention control condition. Two cohorts of sixth-grade
students (total N = 1,062) exhibiting high levels of aggression and social influence were the sample for this study. Analyses of pre-post change
compared to controls using intent-to-treat analyses found no significant effects. However, estimates incorporating participation
of those assigned to the intervention and predicted participation among those not assigned revealed significant positive effects
on student aggression, use of aggressive strategies for conflict management, and parental estimation of student’s valuing
of achievement. Findings also indicated intervention effects on two targeted family processes: discipline practices and family
cohesion. Mediation analyses found evidence that change in these processes mediated effects on some outcomes, notably aggressive
behavior and valuing of school achievement. Results support the notion that changing parenting practices and the quality of
family relationships can prevent the escalation in aggression and maintain positive school engagement for high-risk youth.