Tuesday, August 01, 2000

WILMINGTON, N.C.- James D. Johnson, professor of psychology at UNC Wilmington, was selected to assist U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher with his latest Report on Youth Violence.

Johnson, who has done extensive research on the impact of media exposure on violent attitudes, particularly violent news stories and rap music, will serve on the committee which will examine the role of media influences on violent behavior.

The Surgeon General's Report on Youth Violence will review what is known about youth violence from a public health perspective, summarizing the state of the science on youth violence and its prevention. By approaching youth violence as if it were an infectious agent causing disability and death for those at ages at which these outcomes are not normally expected, the report will look not only at the epidemiology of violence but at risk and protective factors, preventive interventions and what is known about promoting the development of healthy youth.

The report will provide useful information to help parents, schools and communities by identifying potentially effective strategies for reducing the risk of violence among their youth.