Effectiveness of a student assistance program for at-risk secondary students: Results of a two-year study

This two-year study assessed the impact of a school-based Student Assistance Program (SAP) in selected secondary schools in a large urban school district. The program's purpose was to reduce substance abuse, improve social adjustment, and self-concept of academic ability among at-risk secondary school students. The population consisted of two cohorts, grouped by program entry year for a total of 706 at-risk youth. A chi-square analysis of demographic characteristics indicated no statistically significant differences between the demographics of the two cohorts. A quasi-experimental, time series, repeated measures design was used. Assessment tools included the HTC ATOD-V Surveyİ, ZIP Student Questionnaire, Brookover Self-Concept of Ability (BSCA), and Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Inventory (RAASI). Results indicted a statistically significant (p < .05) reduction in alcohol and other drug use from pre-test to follow-up (a year after exit from the program) for alcohol, wine, cigarettes, marijuana, inhalants, amphetamines, cocaine, steroids, tranquilizers, prescription and over-the-counter drug use. Regarding attitudes toward violence, there were significant differences on questions related to hitting and being a coward, hitting first, hitting (family), and using a weapon. There also was a significant improvement on all sub-scales and total adjustment score on the RAASI, but no significant changes on the BSCA. A comparison of program participants and regular, non-program students using equivalent forms of the HTC ATOD-V Surveyİ showed that the SAP program students had higher ATOD use and more positive attitudes toward violence; the results of this study support the need for and effectiveness of interventions for at-risk youth.