Design and Effectiveness of Impact Evaluations in Prevention Research

In the U.S., a public health framework based on targeting risk and protective factors for youth problems has emerged as a model to guide the design and evaluation of preventive interventions in schools and communities.... [ view full abstract ]

In the U.S., a public health framework based on targeting risk and protective factors for youth problems has emerged as a model to guide the design and evaluation of preventive interventions in schools and communities. Efficacious and cost-effective interventions that strive to reduce risk, increase protection, and improve outcomes for children and youth have been identified. The adaptation and replication of evidence-based preventive interventions tested in the U.S. has increased significantly in European countries. The purpose of this presentation is to: 1) trace the evolution of preventive interventions; 2) review common approaches to evaluating interventions; 3) present findings from a systematic review of the efficacy of school and community prevention programs; and 4) discuss implications associated with replicating preventive interventions in Europe and other parts of the world.
Findings from two randomized field experiments aimed at preventing aggression among children and reducing victimization among adolescents are used to illustrate methodological and analytic evaluation tools. Results from a systematic review of empirical databases using the search terms school, community, and prevention in combination with four common problem behaviors among youth are used to describe the effectiveness of preventive interventions. Program characteristics associated with positive outcomes are delineated.
Significant methodological and analytical advances in assessing the effects of preventive interventions, including the use of group-randomized designs, propensity score matching, program adaptation, and fidelity monitoring, have been made in prevention research. Overall, school and community-based interventions are associated with preventing and/or reducing problem behavior among children and adolescents. Common characteristics of effective preventive interventions include using an empirically-supported theoretical framework, involving parents and children in programming, including a focus on skill-building, reducing negative social influence and antisocial peer pressure, and engaging community stakeholders in prevention efforts.


PART OF SYMPOSIA: WHAT WORKS? A HARD LOOK AT IMPACT EVALUATIONS
IN GLOBAL SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH