A Person-Centered Approach to Individualizing a School-Based Universal Preventive Intervention

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This manuscript focuses on how individualized components may be embedded within a universal preventive intervention (TimeWise: Taking Charge of Leisure Time) to make program delivery more effective. Leisure related variables (motivation, boredom/interest and peer and parental influence) were used to suggest ways to individualize the program. Methods: Latent Class Analysis was used to develop individualized risk and strength profiles of adolescents (N = 617). Comparisons were made between a treatment and control group. Results: Four classes were identified: undifferentiated high, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation/amotivation, undifferentiated low. These classes were related to substance use. Membership in the intrinsic class was associated with intervention group while the extrinsic class was related to the control group. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Results were useful in suggesting ways to tailor a universal prevention program.

Keywords:

• Adolescent motivation
• latent class analysis
• leisure
• ontogenetic approach
• substance use