Potential of Comprehensive Prevention Training Software To Reduce Risk and Enhance Protective Factors in Adolescents, A Multi-site Study
Alice Ray, CEO, Ripple Effects Inc. (presenter); Michael Roona and Peter Ochshorn, Social Capital Development Corporation; Sarah Berg, Ripple Effects Inc.

Findings Summary
The quasi-experimental study involving more than 500 ethnically diverse middle and high school students tested two hypotheses: 1. Self-directed use of culturally inclusive, reading-independent, interactive, behavior training software for adolescents would result in reduced problem behavior, higher grades, greater self-efficacy, and strengthened norms against alcohol and drugs, if used as designed. 2. Under real-world conditions, if teachers were given training, support and input into implementation the software would be implemented as designed to the same results. Statistically significant improvements in grades as well as reductions in fatalistic thinking among students who completed the intervention, relative to students who were not exposed to it, were found as hypothesized. In addition, administrative data from school records indicate that students who completed the intervention had fewer absences, fewer times tardy, and were subject to fewer disciplinary proceedings, than students who did not use the software. But their perception of harm from marijuana went down, not up. Student outcomes were highly correlated with implementation rates. 60% implementation rate was moderate overall, but bi-modal in distribution. More research needs to be done to understand why.

Learning Objective 1
Can Self-directed use of behavior training software result in reduced problem behavior, higher grades, greater self-efficacy, and strengthened norms against alcohol and drugs?

Learning Objective 2
Can, under real-world conditions, the software application be implemented as designed, with the same results?

Learning Objective 3
Is the Internet an effective delivery media for such programs?