Training Offers Hope for Reducing "The Columbine Effect" in At-Risk Youth.

Online, March 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - -- Valencia, CA -Violent crime places a significant economic burden on society. Incarcerating youth who commit violent crimes protects the public from that immediate threat, but it may not address the societal issues that create these outcomes. A research-based music and wellness program has demonstrated statistically significant improvements needed to help at-risk adolescents make sense of the world around them and cope in a more constructive way. "If one can only 'see' beyond their hopeless expression with a 'heart sight' that is genuine; the process of the HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent Protocol begins to work its magic" says Margaret Sowry, Research Coordinator & Trainer. March 18 - 20 in Ann Arbor, MI participants from around the country will have the opportunity to learn to use this transformational tool to help at-risk youth in their communities.

According to a study published in the June 2009 issue of the medical journal, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, the HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent Protocol is a highly cost-effective strategy for empowering success with at-risk youth. According to principal researcher Barry Bittman, MD this groundbreaking study has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the level of instrumental anger in addition to improvements in school/work performance and behavior toward others, with less depression, reactive anger and interpersonal problems than a control group who did not participate in the music making activities. Instrumental anger is the the clinical term used to describe a delayed expression of emotion, including revenge or retaliation, such as what is believed to have precipitated the massacre at Columbine High School, often referred to as the Columbine Effect. "This is an accessible, affordable and sustainable strategy that can positively impact juvenile rehabilitation." Barry Bittman, MD

The research was conducted at the Bethesda Children's Home in Meadville, Pa., which is a court-referred residential treatment facility. And 52 adolescents participated in a structured recreational music making (RMM) protocol as part of their rehabilitation process. This strategy involves enhancements to the HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming protocol, essentially customizing it for use with at-risk youth populations. Study participants were comprehensively evaluated in the research study, which spanned more than a year.

The HealthRHYTHMS Adolescent protocol is suitable for the majority of adolescents including many facing emotional, cognitive or learning challenges, because the protocol creates an opportunity to participate at one's own level. With all the billions of dollars spent each year to isolate juvenile delinquents from society, this program offers hope that more troubled youths can be rehabilitated and learn to discover their own unique worth and share that gift with society in constructive ways, reducing recidivism and its fiscal ripple effect. "In addition to generating positive societal impact, this unique intervention could save our nation billions of dollars." Barry Bittman, MD

After a group from the study concluded, a young man referred to as "Lionel" (to protect his identity) was discharged from the program at Bethesda. HealthRHYTHMS Endorsed Facilitator Margaret Sowry recalls that mid-way through the fall semester, the facility received a telephone call from the principal of the school that Lionel attends. "I don't know what happened there at your facility, but Lionel is a changed young man. He attends school every day, he studies hard, plays basketball and is planning a future. Whatever took place there transformed him and gave him hope."

Music-making can be the glue which facilitates cohesion allowing cognitive behavioral therapy to stick. And this research demonstrates the incredible transformational power of HealthRHYTHMS.

Recreational music-making strategies such as the research-based HealthRHYTHMS program which do not require prior musical experience are not a substitute for traditional music therapy or music education. Yet this program is embraced by many musicians and music-therapists because it is an evidence-based tool which is versatile, user-friendly and can be life-changing. HealthRHYTHMS uses the drum, not as a performance medium, but as a tool for communication and personal expression. The study concludes that this innovative protocol for adolescents can also be readily utilized by behavioral health professionals without prior musical experience.