Reducing Inhalant Use in Young Adolescents

描述（由申请方提供）：该提案旨在制定信息战略，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，减少吸入剂的使用。在制定这种预防方法时，我们设计了与RFA目标一致的研究，以有效地减少青少年滥用吸入剂。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），并显示出巨大的希望。在这项建议中，我们使用的理论，以指导和促进有说服力的通信，不仅影响青少年的态度吸入剂的发展，但也提供了适当的机制，以促进他们的行为在雅阁与这些信念，从而减少他们将成为牺牲品吸入剂滥用的可能性。在该项目的形成性评价阶段（第1年以上），我们将对现有数据集进行二次数据分析，以确定将吸入剂使用者与吸入剂使用风险和无风险人群区分开来的具体结构。我们还将利用一个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，同时保持匿名回应。这一进程将有助于制定具体的预防信息，供项目试验使用。在拟定信息之后，项目的执行阶段将开始。这包括亚利桑那州的中学生被分配观看6个实验广告之一，这些广告涉及吸入剂的使用，并评估他们对这些信息的反应。据推测，专注于社会身份的信息在这一人群中将是最有效的-特别是如果由同龄人提供。

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.