Findings and methodology are reported for an assessment of the impact of school-based social competence training on skills, social adjustment, and self-reported substance use of 282 6th and 7th graders.
Training emphasized broad-based competence promotion in conjunction with domain-specific application to substance abuse prevention. The 20-session program was comprised of six units: stress management, self-esteem, problem solving, substances and health information, assertiveness, and social networks. Findings indicated positive training effects on student skills in handling interpersonal problems and coping with anxiety. Teacher ratings revealed improvements in student constructive conflict resolution with peers, impulse control, and popularity. Self-report ratings indicated gains in problem-solving efficacy. Results suggest some preventive impact on self-reported substance use intentions and excessive alcohol use. In general, the program was beneficial for both inner-city and suburban students. (publisher abstract modified)