NCJ Number
216604
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 159-177
Date Published
2006
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study developed and applied an integrated model of cultural tailoring (CT) that modifies alcohol prevention curriculum for racial and ethnic populations.
Abstract
The CT model developed by the authors conceptualizes CT modifications into three categories: (1) superficial/peripheral, (2) deep structure/sociocultural, and (3) evidential. The first two categories are further subclassified into “language” and “images.” CT strategies that employ superficial/peripheral techniques focus on making their program look familiar and appealing to the particular cultural group that is targeted. Deep structure CT modifications, on the other hand, incorporate into the program the target group’s history, cultural norms, and collective psychology. Evidential CT modifications involve presenting pertinent empirical information to targeted populations that address their particular challenges. The authors applied their integrated CT model post hoc to an alcohol use prevention curriculum in order to improve its relevance for three American Indian tribes in Nebraska. The program, entitled “Protecting You/Protecting Me,” was developed for non-minority audiences. The CT modification strategy involved incorporating appropriate representation from each of the three tribes to make the program congruent with their particular tribal culture and traditions. Each page of the curriculum was reviewed for language and symbols and was modified to make it more pertinent, appealing, and intelligible to the youth from the three tribes. This work was done in cooperation with participants from each tribe. Specific modifications included changes related to images that might convey the wrong meaning (deep structure); changes to words and concepts to convey the appropriate meaning (peripheral); and the addition of culturally relevant stories (evidential). While the authors believe the CT modifications enhanced the relevance of the program for American Indian youth while maintaining the basic focus and fidelity of the program, future research will be needed to assess whether the CT modifications will increase the effectiveness of prevention programming. Figure, references