Engagement with Adolescent Substance Prevention Messages: Impact and Dissemination of REAL Media

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the development and testing of a youth substance prevention program, REAL media. The contributions of this body of research include theoretical development, measurement, and dissemination of an efficacious independently evaluated program. Special attention is given to the impact of the program through collaborations with multiple community groups and multiple phases of development and testing.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge grants from the NIH/NIDA (R21DA027146; R41DA039595; R42DA039595; 3R42DA039595-S1) as well as the contributions of Dr. Anne Ray, Shannon Glenn, multiple research assistants, youth organizations, the New Jersey 4-H youth development program–Rachel Lyons in particular, and finally participating youth and youth group leaders.

Disclosure statement

Both authors disclose financial interest in the REAL media intervention and related interventions such as Youth Message Development.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse [R21DA027146, R41DA039595, R42DA039595 & S1].