The Psychosocial Needs of Adolescent Males Following Interpersonal Assault

PurposeWe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsMost 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.ConclusionsDespite 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.