Prevention of substance abuse in juvenile delinquents: Identification of importan

描述（由申请人提供）：本研究旨在评估辅导作为减少少年犯吸毒和酗酒风险的有效手段。拟议的研究还试图了解指导如何、在什么条件下以及对谁有效，以防止药物滥用。此外，它将探讨药物滥用-犯罪行为和学业成绩的相关关系。本研究与校园服务团（一个青年辅导计划）合作，旨在(1)测试参加校园服务团是否减少药物滥用和犯罪行为，并提高学业成绩；(2)检验一个概念模型，确定师徒关系影响正向结果的中介机制；(3)检验影响师徒关系有效性的关键调节因子。为了达到研究目的，本研究将实施一项研究培训计划，以获得结构方程建模（SEM）技术和定量方法的经验，并提高论文和拨款的写作技巧。将采用准实验、前测后测设计。治疗效果将通过层次回归分析来检验，并利用扫描电镜来评估概念模型和中介与调节效应。本研究的结果将有助于了解指导如何转化为有药物滥用风险的少年犯的积极结果，这对少年犯参与者、未来的药物滥用预防研究、方案规划和方案实施具有重要意义。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed study seeks to evaluate mentoring as an effective means to reducing risk for drug and alcohol abuse in juvenile delinquents. The proposed study also seeks to understand how, under what conditions, and for whom mentoring works for the prevention of substance abuse. Additionally, it will explore related correlates of substance abuse - delinquent behavior and academic achievement. In collaboration with Campus Corps (a youth mentoring program), the study aims to (1) test whether participation in Campus Corps reduces substance abuse and delinquent behaviors and increases academic achievement; (2) test a conceptual model that identifies the mediating mechanisms by which mentoring affects positive outcomes; and (3) test key moderators of the effectiveness of mentoring. To achieve the study aims, a research training program will be implemented in relation to obtaining experience with structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques and quantitative methods, and improving manuscript and grant writing skills. A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design will be used. Treatment effects will be examined through hierarchical regression analysis, and SEM will be utilized to evaluate the conceptual model and mediation and moderation effects. Results from this study will enhance knowledge about how mentoring translates to positive outcomes for juvenile delinquents at risk of substance abuse, which has important implications for juvenile delinquent participants, future substance abuse prevention research, program planning, and program implementation. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Adolescent drug and alcohol abuse is a public health problem that has the potential to affect human development in negative ways. Because juvenile delinquents are at even greater risk, preventing substance abuse with juveniles in the justice system may ideally support public health and safety. Outcomes from the project will provide valuable information to researchers, practitioners, and citizens about mentoring as a means to prevent substance abuse among juvenile offenders.