title: How Does the Fast Track Intervention Prevent Adverse Outcomes in Young Adulthood?
abstract: Numerous studies have shown that childhood interventions can foster improved outcomes in adulthood. Less well understood is precisely how-that is, through which developmental pathways-these interventions work. This study assesses mechanisms by which the Fast Track project (n = 891), a randomized intervention in the early 1990s for high-risk children in four communities (Durham, NC; Nashville, TN; rural PA; and Seattle, WA), reduced delinquency, arrests, and general and mental health service utilization in adolescence through young adulthood (ages 12-20). A decomposition of treatment effects indicates that about a third of Fast Track's impact on later crime outcomes can be accounted for by improvements in social and self-regulation skills during childhood (ages 6-11), such as prosocial behavior, emotion regulation, and problem solving. These skills proved less valuable for the prevention of general and mental health problems.
authors.affiliation: Duke University.
authors.forename: Lucy C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Sorensen
authors.affiliation: Duke University.
authors.forename: Kenneth A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Dodge
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D000066553:Problem Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*; D066107:Social Skills; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult