Violence and homicides are often linked to individuals’ difficulty managing aggression and harmful beliefs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven effective in building self-control, which can reduce crime in both the short and long term.

In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, researchers are conducting a randomized evaluation testing the SEJA Methodology, a school-based program that combines CBT, mindfulness, and socio-emotional learning to support vulnerable adolescents. Delivered during school hours, SEJA helps students develop emotional regulation, empathy, and decision-making skills. It targets those most at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence and offers a promising, low-cost solution. Specifically, researchers are assessing whether SEJA can reduce future violence and be scaled in Brazil and beyond.

Results are forthcoming.