Prevention of substance abuse in juvenile delinquents: Identification of importan

描述(由申请人提供)：这项拟议的研究旨在评估辅导作为降低青少年罪犯滥用药物和酒精风险的有效手段。这项拟议的研究还试图了解指导如何在什么条件下以及对谁起到预防药物滥用的作用。此外，它还将探索药物滥用-犯罪行为与学业成绩的相关关系。这项研究与校园服务团(一个青少年辅导计划)合作，旨在(1)测试参与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)测试一个概念模型，确定辅导影响积极结果的中介机制；以及(3)测试辅导有效性的关键调节因素。为了实现研究目标，将实施一项研究培训方案，以获得结构方程建模技术和定量方法的经验，并改进手稿和补助金的撰写技能。将采用准实验、前测-后测的设计。治疗效果将通过分层回归分析来检验，并将利用结构方程来评估概念模型以及中介和调节效果。这项研究的结果将增加关于辅导如何转化为有药物滥用风险的青少年罪犯的积极结果的知识，这对青少年罪犯参与者、未来的药物滥用预防研究、计划规划和计划实施具有重要意义。 公共卫生相关性：青少年吸毒和酗酒是一个公共卫生问题，有可能以负面方式影响人类发展。由于少年犯的风险更大，在司法系统中防止青少年滥用药物可能是理想的支持公共健康和安全的措施。该项目的成果将为研究人员、从业者和公民提供有价值的信息，帮助他们将辅导作为预防少年犯滥用药物的一种手段。

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.