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Review
. 2014:10:243-73.
doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185524. Epub 2014 Jan 20.

Overview of meta-analyses of the prevention of mental health, substance use, and conduct problems

Irwin Sandler  1 , Sharlene A Wolchik, Gracelyn Cruden, Nicole E Mahrer, Soyeon Ahn, Ahnalee Brincks, C Hendricks Brown
Affiliations
Review

Overview of meta-analyses of the prevention of mental health, substance use, and conduct problems

Irwin Sandler et al. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2014.

Abstract

This review presents findings from an overview of meta-analyses of the effects of prevention and promotion programs to prevent mental health, substance use, and conduct problems. The review of 48 meta-analyses found small but significant changes that reduce depression, anxiety, antisocial behavior, and substance use. Furthermore, the results were sustained over time. Meta-analyses often found that the effects were heterogeneous. A conceptual model is proposed to guide the study of moderators of program effects in future meta-analyses, and methodological issues in synthesizing findings across preventive interventions are discussed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conceptual framework for meta-analyses of prevention and promotion programs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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