"Letting Go and Staying Connected": Substance Use Outcomes from a Developmentally Targeted Intervention for Parents...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Addiction Research

Background:

• The transition to college presents significant risks for young adults, including increased substance use.
• Parental involvement is a key protective factor in mitigating adolescent risk behaviors.
• Evidence-based interventions are needed to support parents in guiding their students through this transition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a parent handbook intervention aimed at reducing risk behaviors in first-year college students.
• To increase family protective factors through parent engagement with evidence-based strategies.
• To support successful adjustment to college life by providing targeted suggestions for parents.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 919 parent-student dyads.
• Intervention group received a theory-based handbook and motivational interviewing support.
• Control group received treatment as usual; data collected at baseline and first semester.

Main Results:

• Substance use (alcohol, cannabis, simultaneous use) increased in both groups, but less so in the intervention group.
• Students whose parents used the handbook had lower odds of increased and first-time substance use.
• Parental engagement with the handbook, facilitated by research assistant contact, predicted lower substance use.

Conclusions:

• A low-cost, theory-based parent handbook intervention can effectively reduce substance use initiation and escalation among college students.
• Parental engagement is crucial for the success of interventions during the college transition.
• This intervention offers a scalable approach to support young adult well-being.