This study evaluated a family-based substance abuse prevention program that emphasized family cohesion, school and peer attachment, self-esteem, and attitudes about adolescent use of alcohol and tobacco.
The program was implemented in rural communities and targeted families with students who were entering middle or junior high school. Baseline surveys were conducted with students and parents in four schools and were readministered 1 year later. Because the program was voluntary, a quasi-experimental design was used to compare participants (29 students and 28 parents) and nonparticipants (268 students and 134 parents). At the 1-year follow-up, analyses of covariance indicated that student participants, compared to nonparticipants, had higher family cohesion, less family fighting, greater school attachment, higher self-esteem, and believed that alcohol should be consumed at an older age. There were fewer significant results for parent participants. Many parents reported that they initially used the family communication strategies they learned in the program; however, over time they slipped back into old habits. Quarterly reunions would help parents continue to practice these skills. Also, booster sessions would allow parents to provide support for each other and help each other work through any problems they might have in implementing the program content. 2 tables and 35 references