This article illustrates the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) procedures with latent variables to analyze data from experimental studies. These allow researcher remove biasing effects random and correlated measurement error on outcomes experiment examine processes that may account for changes in outcome are observed. Analyses a Project Family study, an intervention project rural families strives improve parenting skills, presented illustrate these procedures. Issues arise applying...

Evidence-based preventive interventions developed over the past two decades represent great potential for enhancing public health and well-being. Research confirming limited extent to which these have been broadly effectively implemented, however, indicates much progress is needed achieve population-level impact. In part, requires Type 2 translation research that investigates complex processes systems through evidence-based are adopted, sustained on a large scale, with strong orientation...

This study examined the long-term substance use outcomes of 2 brief interventions designed for general population families young adolescents. Thirty-three public schools were randomly assigned to 3 conditions: 5-session Preparing Drug Free Years Program, 7-session Iowa Strengthening Families and a minimal contact control condition. The pretest involved 667 6th graders their families. Assessments included multiple measures initiation current alcohol, tobacco, marijuana. Pretest data collected...

A randomized prevention trial contrasted families who took part in the Strong African American Families Program (SAAF), a preventive intervention for rural mothers and their 11‐year‐olds, with control families. SAAF is based on contextual model positing that regulated, communicative parenting causes changes factors protecting youths from early alcohol use sexual activity. Parenting variables included involvement‐vigilance, racial socialization, communication about sex, clear expectations...

Recent literature underscores the need for studies of family-based preventive interventions oriented toward public health objectives. This article illustrates a program evaluation approach study family intervention outcomes in general populations. Thirty-three rural schools were randomly assigned to 1 3 conditions: Preparing Drug-Free Years Program (PDFY), Iowa Strengthening Families (ISFP), and minimal-contact control group. Self-report observational data collected from 523 families used...

This study evaluated the substance initiation effects of an intervention combining family and school-based competency-training components. Thirty-six rural schools were randomly assigned to 1 3 conditions: (a) classroom-based Life Skills Training (LST) Strengthening Families Program: For Parents Children 10-14, (b) LST only, or (c) a control condition. Outcomes examined year after posttest, using index (SII) measuring lifetime use alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana by rates each individual...

This study examines the effects of 2 brief family-focused interventions on trajectories substance initiation over a period 6 years following baseline assessment. The interventions, designed for general-population families adolescents, were 7-session Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP) (Molgaard & Spoth, 2001) and 5-session Preparing Drug Free Years (PDFY) (Catalano, Kosterman, Haggerty, Hawkins, 1999). Thirty-three rural public schools randomly assigned to ISFP, PDFY, or...

In this article, the authors examine whether delayed substance initiation during adolescence, achieved through universal family-focused interventions conducted in middle school, can reduce problematic use young adulthood. Sixth-grade students enrolled 33 rural midwestern schools and their families were randomly assigned to 3 experimental conditions. Self-report questionnaires provided data at 7 time points for Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP), Preparing Drug Free Years (PDFY),...

We examined long-term prescription drug misuse outcomes in 3 randomized controlled trials evaluating brief universal preventive interventions conducted during middle school.In studies, we tested the Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP); evaluated a revised ISFP, Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 plus school-based Life Skills Training (SFP + LST); SFP 1 of interventions. Self-reported were opioid (POM) lifetime overall (PDMO).In study 1, ISFP showed significant effects on POM PDMO,...

BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY SKILLS PREVENTIVE INTERVENTIONS AND THEIR EVALUATIONS A REPLICATION EXTENSION* Richard Spoth, Cleve Redmond, Cathy Hockaday, and Chung Yeol Shin** This study extends a line of programmatic research on families who decline participation in intervention assessment components family focused prevention projects. Parents responding to brief telephone interview (N = 459) identified the most important 28 barriers concerning project assessments,...

Objective: Epidemiologic research suggests that significant public health benefits can accrue from preventive interventions delay the initiation of youth alcohol use. This analysis compares cost effectiveness tvo designed for general population families adolescents. It also conservatively estimates their benefit-cost ratios and net benefits. Method: Cost-effectiveness cost-benefit analyses were performed on data a longitudinal prevention trial with sixth graders 33 rural schools in...

This study examined the effects of Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP) and Preparing for Drug-Free Years program (PDFY) on young adolescent transitions from nonuse substances to initiation progression substance use. Analyses incorporated 3 waves data collected over a 2.5-year period 329 rural adolescents. Outcomes were analyzed by using log-linear models that use status frequencies derived latent transition analyses. Effects delayed shown both ISFP PDFY at 2-year follow-up. Also this...

Objective: This article summarizes the literature on alcohol initiation outcomes of universal family interventions and examines long-term effects Iowa Strengthening Families Program (ISFP) these outcomes. Methods: A longitudinal, controlled efficacy study ISFP was conducted with 446 families from 22 rural school districts in a Midwestern state. Alcohol behaviors were measured by four-item index (Alcohol Initiation Index [AII]), low scores representing lower level initiation. The AII examined...

The present study empirically examined three theoretical approaches designed to predict risk for delinquency during adolescence: an individual difference perspective, a social interactional model, and contextual approach. Hypotheses derived from each perspective were tested using two independent samples of early adolescents followed over 4-year period. Six-hundred sixty-seven children (in sixth grade at Time 1), their parents comprised the first sample (Project Family); 451 seventh parents,...

Abstract This study examined a community–university partnership model for sustained, high‐quality implementation of evidence‐based interventions. In the context randomized study, it assessed whether quality both family‐focused and school‐based universal interventions could be achieved maintained through partnerships. It also conducted exploratory analyses factors influencing quality. Results revealed uniformly high rates adherence—averaging over 90%—and other indicators Moreover, was...