Abstract: This session will present data from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention's Female Adolescent Demonstration Grant Program. This program was designed to test the effectiveness of gender-specific approaches to prevent substance abuse among female adolescents ages 10-21. Projects were funded in 1994 and 1995, and findings to date indicate success in reducing risk and enhancing resiliency factors among female adolescents at risk for substance use. Specific findings to be presented include: 1) African-American girls participating in a culturally-specific Rites of Passage program scored significantly higher on scales measuring self-esteem and cultural identity than girls in the comparison groups; 2) multicultural middle school girls participating in school classes, a peer Club, and a Strengthening Families evening class for girls and their parents had lower use of chewing tobacco, less difficulty refusing AT&D, fewer arguments with parents, greater satisfaction with physical appearance, and less depression; 3) Latina girls and their mothers participating in academic skills building, life skills, and advocacy demonstrate significantly higher positive self concept, life skills, academic performance and aspirations, school commitment and bonding, family bonding, family stress and conflict, positive peer association and same sex peer bonding, and community bonding; and 4) multicultural high schools girls receiving physical and reproductive health education, leadership skills, violence prevention, media literacy, and other prevention-related issues had significantly less alcohol use overall, and less consumption of beer than comparison girls.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1) understand the importance of designing gender-specific interventions for female adolescents, 2) identify gender-specific approaches and activities for substance abuse prevention, and 3) understand the effectiveness of different approaches to prevention substance abuse among girls and young women from many different backgrounds
Keywords: Substance Abuse Prevention, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.