ORCID

Abstract

Youth violence, including gender-based violence, is a major public health issue in the UK, yet evidence on effective interventions in the UK remains limited. Becoming a Man (BAM) is a two-year school-based positive youth development programme for adolescent boys, developed in Chicago, US, where two RCTs found reduced violent crime arrests and improved academic engagement. This study evaluated BAM’s potential in the UK using a theory-driven design (no comparison group). 97 boys aged 12–14 years (66% Black/Black British) in three London schools enrolled in BAM. Data sources included: implementation records (recruitment, attendance, adherence, quality, youth socio-demographics); school data (attendance, exclusions, attainment); 36 qualitative interviews (11 scholars, 14 parents, 3 school staff, 3 BAM counsellors (2 interviews each), 1 each from delivery organisation and intervention developer); and a counsellor focus group. Interviews focused on implementation, outcomes and BAM contribution to outcomes. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using framework analysis. Case studies of 11 scholars explored what worked, for whom, under what circumstances and why. Implementation outcomes were mixed. Attendance targets were met but those for group size, reach and curriculum progression were not. Case study scholars who engaged deeply with BAM’s values demonstrated improved self-control and decision-making, although external influences also affected their development. Concerns about negative labelling were mitigated through balanced recruitment. Limited adverse effects on academic attainment were reported. BAM has potential in the UK but requires further adaptation, implementation support and evaluation (including impact on gender norms).

Publication Date

2026-04-01

Publication Title

Journal of Prevention

Volume

47

Issue

2

ISSN

2731-5533

Acceptance Date

2025-11-03

Deposit Date

2026-04-09

Funding

This project was funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, Launch Grant Round. We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to the work described in this article, in particular colleagues at Youth Guidance, the Mental Health Foundation and the Youth Endowment Fund and all research participants. The time of Kate Allen, Nick Axford, Vashti Berry and Lynne Callaghan is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Institute for Health and Care Research or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Keywords

Contribution analysis, Evaluation, Masculinity, Prevention, Violence, Youth

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

First Page

285

Last Page

310

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