| Research on the gangs has provided insight on money being spent on correctional institutions and incarceration rather than gang intervention and prevention programs (Cardenas, 2009). Research has indicated that it cost taxpayers more money to incarcerate youth than implementing gang intervention and prevention programs (Cardenas). Although previous studies show the area of gang intervention and prevention is steadily growing, there is a lack of research in the mental health field. This study evaluated whether a training on gang experience would increase levels of empathy in mental health providers. Fifteen mental health providers participated in the study. To assess levels of empathy, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used at pretest and posttest (Davis, 1983). Results indicated that participants scored higher at posttest in all four scales with three of them being statistically significant at least at the p < .01 level. |
