Selected Spiritual Religious, and Family Factors in the Prevention of School Violence

Abstract

The mass‐casualty school shooting incidents in recent years have heightened concern about the safety of U.S. schools and prompted responses that, in many cases, have centered mainly on bolstering security on school campuses. Some researchers have concluded, however, that the most effective prevention efforts are those that are more comprehensive in scope. This article explores selected spiritual, religious, and family value factors that research has indicated may play an important protective role in strengthening resilience in young people and minimizing at‐risk behavior that may be associated with school violence.

Assessing and Promoting Spiritual Wellness as a Protective Factor in Secondary Schools

“…In various studies, spirituality and/or religiosity has been found to act as a protective factor, thus contributing to a greater sense of thriving in the adolescent population specifically (Briggs & Shoffner, 2006;Jones, 2007;Saunders, 1999;Sexson, 2004;Weaver, Flannelly, Flannelly, Koenig, & Larson, 1998;Windham, Hooper, & Hudson, 2005). Spirituality can relate to thriving even in the absence of apparent risk.…”

Research in School Shootings

“…Many studies concentrate on the mental health needs of the communities in which school shootings occur (Fast 2003; Fein 2003; Martin 2001; Weintraub et al. 2001; Windham et al. 2005).…”

“…Another interpretation of school-related shootings and violence is that these events are a threat to the public health and welfare (Elliott et al 1998). Many studies concentrate on the mental health needs of the communities in which school shootings occur (Fast 2003;Fein 2003;Martin 2001;Weintraub et al 2001;Windham et al 2005). Another study in this tradition adopts a pragmatic approach that the emphasis should be on weapons-free schools, which might be achieved through entry-based weapons screening (Mawson et al 2002).…”

Exploring the Relations Between Parent Depressive Symptoms, Family Religious Involvement, and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: A Test of Moderation

“…Findings from several survey studies suggest that religion is important to and has some relation to family functioning (Hoogestraat & Trammel, 2003;Windham et al, 2005), specifically related to family conflict (Davis & Epkins, 2009;Mabe & Josephson, 2004) and parental depression (Campbell & Moyers, 1988). Because parental depression affects not only the parent but also the children in the family system and the marital subsystem, there is ample empirical support that religion can positively influence family functioning.…”