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Parent Programs for Reducing Adolescent's Antisocial Behavior and Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Camilla Jalling1, Maria Bodin2, Anders Romelsjö3
1STAD, Stockholm Center for Psychiatry Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Norra Stationsgatan 69, 113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
Parent training programs did not reduce adolescent antisocial behavior or substance use. A threefold increased risk of illicit drug use was observed in intervention groups, warranting cautious interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Parenting programs are crucial for addressing adolescent behavioral issues.
- Real-world delivery by social services aims to increase accessibility and effectiveness.
- Evaluating established programs like Comet and ParentSteps is vital for evidence-based practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of two parent training programs (Comet 12-18 and ParentSteps) in reducing adolescent antisocial behavior and substance use.
- To compare program outcomes against a wait-list control group in a randomized controlled trial.
- To examine effects on delinquency and psychosocial functioning.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 237 adolescents (12-18 years) and their parents.
- Intervention groups received either Comet 12-18 or ParentSteps programs.
- Data analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, logistic regression, and Kruskal-Wallis H test.
Main Results:
- Parents reported significant decreases in adolescent antisocial behavior over time, but no group differences were found.
- No significant program effects on adolescents' self-reported antisocial behavior, delinquency, or psychosocial functioning.
- A threefold increased risk of illicit drug use was observed in both intervention groups at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Neither the Comet nor ParentSteps programs demonstrated beneficial effects on adolescent antisocial or delinquent behavior.
- The observed increase in illicit drug use risk requires careful consideration and further investigation.
- Current evidence does not support the use of these specific parent training programs for the targeted outcomes.
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