The Impact of Education and School-Based Counseling on Children's and Adolescents' Views of Substance Abuse

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate if a school-based education and counseling program (Life Skills Training Program) would have an impact on school-aged children/adolescents' views of substance abuse. The study also investigated the degree and direction of change. Participants were 338 elementary or middle-school students in the metro Houston, Texas, area. Results indicated that preexisting views significantly differed from post-intervention views, and that the Life Skills Training Program provided participants with a more accurate view of substance abuse. Findings support formulated hypotheses and effectiveness of the Life Skills Training Program with the sampled population.

KEYWORDS:

• children/adolescents
• life skills training
• outcomes
• substance abuse

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank and acknowledge the PVAMU College of Juvenile Justice & Psychology for grant/monetary support received Fall 2005 in the amount of $20,000, and Family Services of Greater Houston for collaborative efforts.

Notes

*Statistically insignificant, p ≥ .10.

^a N = 338.

^b N = 206.

^a N = 338.

^b N = 206.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shawanda W. Anderson

Dr. Shawanda W. Anderson, PhD, is a Clinical Neuropsychologist conducting research in social skills training, cognitive remediation, TBI rehabilitation, and stroke prevention.

Paula A. Moore

Dr. Paula A. Moore, PsyD, is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in PTSD in children/adolescents, and developmental disorders. Both are Assistant Professors in the Graduate Department of Psychology at Prairie View A&M University.