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Topic Editor: Richard E. Tremblay, PhD, Université de Montréal, Canada
Research has only begun to evaluate the various programs aimed at reducing aggression in young children. These programs may focus on pregnant women to prevent smoking, alcohol and drug use, and teach parenting skills; on parents of infants and toddlers, teaching them positive discipline strategies; on children to teach appropriate social skills, problem solving and anger management; and on preschool teachers to train them in effective classroom management skills. To date, very few programs have been subject to rigorous experimental evaluation. One suggests that parents' training is an effective treatment for reducing aggression in young (ages 2-5) children. Programs targeting children and/or teachers show some evidence of success but the findings are not as clear or persuasive.
Programs probably need to include multiple targets (parents, children and teachers). Highly aggressive children may also need long-term support, with different interventions (home, school, peer) being necessary as they develop and move into different contexts. However, researchers agree that much work remains to be done to answer key questions such as: (1) what are the most efficient and effective intervention programs for different types of aggressive children, (2) what mechanisms and outcomes targeted by these programs are key to preventing long-term aggression and (3) what child, family or school risk factors moderate the effects of these programs.
Developing appropriate and effective national policies is also necessary and will require collaboration among medical, educational and social service providers. However, it is essential that the research be done, the programs created and evaluated and the policies formulated. The costs associated with early intervention pale in comparison to the costs and consequences of aggressive children who develop into aggressive, violent adults.
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