Field Assessment of Social Learning Approach To Teaching Adolescents About Alcohol and Driving

• NCJ Number: 108930
• Author(s): J S Wodarski
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 77 pages
• Grant Number(s): DTRS56-83-C-07243
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admin
• Corporate Author: University of Georgia
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report discusses the development and evaluation of a comprehensive intervention program for teaching adolescents about alcohol and its effects on driving using a teams-games-tournaments (TGT) approach.

Abstract

The program examines parent and peer influence on adolescent drinking, environmental factors, psychological variables, and attitudes toward and consequences of adolescent drinking. Baseline data were collected for 1,365 students in grades 9-11: 570 then received TGT training, 384 received traditional training, and 411 received no training. Students were tested after course completion and again 12 and 24 months later. Data suggest that TGT was effective as an alcohol abuse education and prevention approach. Self-reports of TGT groups showed lowered alcohol consumption, positive change in attitudes toward drinking and driving, and acquisition of alternative behaviors for avoiding drinking and driving. Followup data indicate that TGT students maintained previous positive changes, while traditional and no-instruction groups showed little or no change. The program's unique combination of educational materials, participatory learning, peer support, and a group reward structure appears to be an effective and easy-to-administer vehicle for adolescent alcohol education. Tables, figures, 2 notes, and 88 references. (Author abstract modified)