Altering dynamic pathways to reduce substance use among youth: Changes achieved by dynamic coupling

Abstract

This study illustrates the modeling of mutual dynamical changes to assess the comparative effectiveness of intervention effects of substance use prevention programs. Youth Action Research for Prevention aimed to improve self-efficacy and strengthen drug prevention skills among African American, Caribbean and Latino youth from high-risk US neighborhoods. Applying the Latent Change Scores dynamical modeling to a four-wave longitudinal data set, we demonstrate that the intervention has spurred a strong dynamic coupling effect between Internal Locus of Control (ILC) and Intent to Use Substances (IUS) in the intervention group (n_I = 113), as well as new mutual dynamic links – i.e. changes in ILC causing subsequent IUS changes, and vice versa; these were not manifested in the comparison group (n_C = 202). The dynamic models explain well the wave-like pattern of mutual changes uncovered in the intervention group. Our findings carry strong methodological implications for policy makers, practitioners and addiction researchers alike: dynamic modeling can be critical in uncovering the mechanisms involved in derailing the development of addictions.

• Dynamic modeling
• disadvantaged youth
• Latent Change Scores
• substance use
• locus of control
• intent to use substances