Reducing Inhalant Use in Young Adolescents

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案旨在通过利用青少年对他们认为重要或重要的其他人的态度和评价的依赖来制定信息策略，减少吸入剂的使用。在开发这种预防方法时，我们设计了与本RFA目标一致的研究，以有效地减少青少年吸入剂滥用。既得利益理论已被用作早期预防研究的研究框架（例如，Crano & Burgoon, 2001），并显示出巨大的前景。在本提案中，我们使用该理论来指导和促进说服性沟通的发展，这不仅影响了青少年对吸入剂的态度，而且还提供了适当的机制来促进他们按照这些信念行事，从而减少他们成为吸入剂滥用受害者的可能性。在项目的形成性评估阶段（1年级以上），我们将对现有数据集进行二次数据分析，以确定区分吸入剂使用者与有吸入剂使用风险和无吸入剂使用风险的具体结构。我们还将利用创新的计算机化小组互动系统，允许焦点小组成员之间同时进行小组互动，同时保留匿名回应。这一过程将有助于制定具体的预防信息，以便在项目的实验中使用。在开发消息之后，项目的实施阶段将开始。这包括亚利桑那州的中学生被分配观看6个关于吸入剂使用的实验广告中的一个，并评估他们对这些信息的反应。据推测，关注社会身份的信息在这一人群中最有效——尤其是由同伴传递的信息。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal is aims to develop message strategies that reduce inhalant use by taking advantage of young adolescents' reliance on the attitudes and evaluations of others whom they consider significant or important. In developing this preventive approach, we have designed research consistent with the aims of this RFA, to attenuate efficiently and effectively inhalant abuse in young adolescents. Vested interest theory has been employed as a framework for research in earlier prevention studies (e.g., Crano & Burgoon, 2001), and shows great promise. In this proposal, we use the theory to guide and facilitate development of persuasive communications that not only affect young adolescents' attitudes toward inhalants, but also provide the appropriate mechanisms to foster their acting in accord with these beliefs, thereby reducing the likelihood that they will fall prey to inhalant abuse. In the formative evaluation phase of the project, (Year 1+) we will conduct secondary data analyses on extant data sets to determine specific constructs differentiating inhalant users from both those at risk for inhalant use and those not at risk. We will also utilize an innovative computerized group interaction system that allows for simultaneous group interaction among focus group members while retaining anonymous responding. This process will aid in the development of specific prevention messages to be utilized in the project's experiment. After messages are developed, the implementation phase of the project will begin. This consists of middle school students in Arizona being assigned to view one of 6 experimental advertisements addressing inhalant use and assessing their responses to these messages. It is hypothesized that messages focusing on social identity will be most effective in this population--especially if delivered by a peer source.