Brief prevention for adolescent risk-taking behavior

Abstract

Aims: Despite widespread prevention efforts to decrease adolescent risk-taking, substance use and driving after drinking (DD) are prevalent in the United States. The current study compared the efficacy of an abbreviated version of Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE-A) to a new Risk Skills Training Program (RSTP).

Design: Adolescent participation in drinking, drug use, DD and riding with a drunk driver was examined longitudinally. After baseline assessments, adolescents were randomly assigned to the RSTP. DARE-A or a no intervention control group and then completed 2-month post-test and 6-month follow-up assessments.

Setting: Adolescents attended a mid-sized suburban high school.

Participants: The sample (N = 300) was comprised of 58% females and the age range was 14-19 years.

Intervention: The RSTP was developed to target several risk behaviors and to examine the feasibility of conducting a brief personalized prevention program in a group setting. DARE-A focused on increasing knowledge and understanding the deleterious effects of substance use.

Measurements: Risk-taking behavior, perception of peer risk-taking and positive and negative alcohol expectancies were assessed.

Findings: RSTP participants decreased participation in several risk behaviors at post-test, but reductions were not maintained at 6-month follow-up. The control and DARE-A groups increased their positive and decreased their negative alcohol expectancies. The control group increased their alcohol consumption.

Conclusions: Results suggest that a brief, personalized, group prevention program is a feasible approach to reducing adolescent risk-taking. Strategies must be developed to solidify these positive changes so that they are longer-lasting.