A comprehensive study on the impact of asset building and value education among alcoholic and other drug abuse prevention in adolescents

File(s)
Date
2003Author
Harder, Jennifer Pam
Publisher
University of Wisconsin--Stout
Department
Guidance and Counseling Program
Advisor(s)
Biggerstaff, Ed
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
It is no surprise that many stressors go hand in hand with being an adolescent: self-concept, hormonal changes, abuse, sexual identity, bullying, peer pressure, and every day decision making and problem solving skills, just to name a few. Research has indicated that over 50 percent of adolescents have turned to alcohol and other drug use (at least one time) as a way to cope with the stress of life. Although a variety of solutions to this problem have been tried, there seems to be little progress and, in fact, this problem seems to be growing larger. There is growing recognition of the importance of developmental asset building and value education as a key preventative measure. There are 40 common developmental assets that have been identified. The higher number of assets an adolescent has the more likely they are to succeed. The developmental assets, which include external and internal, build upon personal strengths, behaviors, characteristics, thoughts, feelings, and skills that are needed to increase opportunities for healthy, happy, and successful lifestyles. The first purpose of this study was to examine the impact of asset building and value education in AODA prevention among adolescents. The second purpose was to perform a critical analysis of information in this area and to formulate a set of recommendations to parents, professional educators, and community members. In the introduction, an understanding of adolescent life stressors and coping mechanisms was explored. Following this was a review of the literature on the severity of adolescent drug use, the need for developmental asset building and value education among adolescents, and the impact of the forty developmental assets on young people. Conclusions and recommendations are directed toward members in communities and the involvement in asset building among the youth in their communities. The findings in this study revealed that drug and alcohol use among adolescents has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Current prevention programs and techniques are struggling in their effectiveness. The Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets are recognized as a success in regards to the healthy development of today’s youth: ideally, every youth should experience at least 31 assets. However, the vast majority of adolescents experience far less than the ideal, on average 18 assets are reported. Finally, the research supports the theory of community wide involvement as a key factor for the healthy development of youth.
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/40861Type
Thesis
Description
Plan B