Journal of Pediatric Psychology 18(6) pp. 769-784, 1993
© 1993 Society of Pediatric Psychology
research-article |
Drug Refusal Behavior: The Relative Efficacy of Skills-Based and Information-Based Treatment1
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department af Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
2All correspondence should be sent to Russell T. Jones, Virginia Tech Department of Psychology, Stress and Coping Laboratory, 4102 Detring Hall, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0436
Examined the impact of two treatment strategies on children's drug refusal skills and drug-related information. Fifty-seven third graders were randomly assigned to one of three groups: rehearsal-plus, general information, and control. Children in the rehearsal-plus group were taught drug knowledge, assertiveness skills, decision-making skills, rationale and specific drug refusal skills in the context of a skills-based strategy. At a more global level, the general information group targeted all of the same components with the exception of rationale. Results indicated that children in the skills-based strategy (rehearsal-plus) showed significant improvement in behavioral skills, decision-making, and rationale, while children in the information/education-based strategy (general information) improved most on the measure of general knowledge. At follow-up, gains were generally maintained.
Key words: drug refusal; skills-based strategy.