Meta-Analysis of Family-Based Prevention Programs for Adolescent Substance Abuse Parent Child Study

Use of substances (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and “hard drugs” such as cocaine, inhalants, etc.) has serious implications for adolescent health and well-being, and numerous family-based prevention programs have been developed to reduce adolescent substance use by addressing the underlying issues within the family. We used meta-analytic techniques to evaluate family-based programs for adolescent substance use to determine which program components are most strongly linked to success in reducing substance use and/or improving parenting. We also evaluated whether components of family-based programs exhibit additive or synergistic effects, and whether various sample and study factors moderate the link between components and study outcomes. Meta-analysis provides results less affected by researcher and study biases, and our results will enable researchers to optimize program design for specific populations and circumstances.

Year Project Began: 2012
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Formerly Affiliated Principal Investigator:

• Mark Van Ryzin, Ph.D.