How D.A.R.E. works: an examination of program effects on mediating variables

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Substance Abuse Prevention

Background:

• The D.A.R.E. program utilizes a curriculum targeting psychosocial factors linked to substance use.
• Previous interventions have aimed to modify these mediators for prevention effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the D.A.R.E. program's impact on 12 postulated mediators of substance use.
• To assess the extent to which changes in mediators explain D.A.R.E.'s behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed the effects of the D.A.R.E. program on specific psychosocial mediators.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine the relationship between mediator changes and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

• D.A.R.E. significantly impacted commitment to not use substances, which mediated behavioral effects.
• The magnitude of D.A.R.E.'s influence on this mediator was found to be relatively small.
• The program did not significantly affect other crucial mediators for intervention success.

Conclusions:

• The current D.A.R.E. curriculum's impact on key mediators is limited.
• Enhancing substance use prevention requires a revised curriculum that effectively targets and modifies relevant mediating variables.
• Future D.A.R.E. iterations should focus on interventions with a stronger influence on mediators for greater effectiveness.