2022 Journal of Community Psychology Publication on Generating Youth Dialogue Through the Literary Arts

In this peer-reviewed publication in the Journal of Community Psychology, IAM Lab releases a study analyzing the citywide literary arts initiative, One Book Baltimore. The program provided the same book to seventh and eighth-grade students in Baltimore City Public Schools as a means to amplify underrepresented narratives, reduce stigma, and generate dialogue about sensitive topics such as violence and mental health. The study found that reading a novel portraying youth violence and its many consequences influenced how middle schoolers think about violence, and students with personal experiences of violence reported greater influence than those without.

Findings suggest that this intervention was effective at stimulating dialogue while providing assets-based opportunities for youth to share experiences and concerns. The study draws upon evaluation findings and youth development literature to offer recommendations for program development and replication in other regions.

Read the publication here.