A Critical Review of Trauma Interventions and Religion Among Youth Exposed to Community Violence

ABSTRACT Thirteen studies were reviewed to explore the promise of school- and community-based solutions in reducing the impact of exposure to violence and chronic traumatic events among urban minority youth aged 11 to 19 years old. Because the variables of spirituality and religion are often overlooked in empirical research, studies that measured or included these concepts were prioritized. Out of a total of 35 studies, 13 were included in this review. The 13 studies included 5 intervention studies, 5 cross-sectional studies, and 3 nonexperimental studies that met our criteria. Six of the studies included spirituality or religion as a variable. The review confirmed significant associations between rates of exposure to chronic community violence and presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms within this population. Five intervention studies confirmed the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy in reducing trauma symptoms expressed through PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Two cross-sectional studies identified spiritual or religious factors as buffering or moderating the impact of chronic community violence, and 1 revealed higher rates of spirituality/creativity among adolescents with more exposure to traumatic events. Recommendations for future research are outlined.