Brief prevention for adolescent risk-taking behavior.
OBJECTIVE
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).


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Adolescents attended a mid-sized suburban high school.


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


METHODS
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.


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


RESULTS
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.
D'Amico
Elizabeth J
EJ
University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychology, La Jolla 92093-0109, USA. edamico@psy.ucsd.edu
Fromme
Kim
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012309:Risk-Taking