Overview of meta-analyses of the prevention of mental health, substance use, and conduct problems.
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.
Department of Psychology and Prevention Research Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-6005; email: irwin.sandler@asu.edu.
Irwin
I
Sandler
Sharlene A
SA
Wolchik
Gracelyn
G
Cruden
Nicole E
NE
Mahrer
Soyeon
S
Ahn
Ahnalee
A
Brincks
C Hendricks
CH
Brown
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*