Prevention Science[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Honoring the Work of Robert McMahon: a Commentary on This Special Issue.
Greenberg MT
Prev Sci · 2025 May · PMID 40257701 · Full text
This commentary reviews papers prepared for this Special Issue on the work of Robert McMahon, who served as Editor of Prevention Science and who has played a major role on multiple aspects of parenting research and its r...
This commentary reviews papers prepared for this Special Issue on the work of Robert McMahon, who served as Editor of Prevention Science and who has played a major role on multiple aspects of parenting research and its relation to conduct problems in children and youth. The Special Issue papers are discussed in the context of the four main foci of Dr. McMahon's work: (1) parenting practices and child development; (2) risk and protective factors in the development and maintenance of conduct problems; (3) family-based treatments for conduct problems; and (4) multicomponent preventive interventions for conduct problems. The papers emphasize the interplay between family dynamics, parenting practices, and developmental trajectories and underscore the importance of considering these factors within the parent the child and the social and cultural context. A clear finding across multiple papers is the importance of inhibitory control and emotion regulation in both predicting conduct problem outcomes across time for children as well as an important treatment focus for improving parenting. These papers re-emphasize McMahon's research, which underscores the importance of early, sustained, and contextually sensitive parenting interventions for promoting lifelong positive outcomes in children and families, as well as the need for longitudinal studies that can reflect these pathways across time. This richly packed issue of papers in honor of Bob McMahon's research and long-term Editorship of Prevention Science is quite remarkable, and it is an honor to write this commentary as his friend and colleague of over 35 years. The papers here focus on four key areas of Dr. McMahon's research career, which focused on multiple aspects of parenting and the development of conduct problems and psychopathology. Broadly speaking, McMahon's work can be divided into more basic and more applied, treatment-focused research. His more basic work centers on the understanding of how conduct problems (and other problem behaviors) develop in children and adolescents, their developmental course over time, and how various risk and protective factors influence their manifestation and stability. On the intervention side, from early in his career his persistent interest was how to effectively prevent and treat these problems with a focus on parenting interventions. As the primary family focused researcher in the (Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group, The Fast Track program for children at risk: Preventing antisocial behavior, Guilford Press, 2020), he led the Fast Track intervention work on the development and efficacy of a parenting intervention within the context of a large, multicomponent intervention for children with early, serious conduct problems that is still being studied more than 30 years later. His outstanding, multifaceted career involved both basic and applied research on parenting but always with a focus on how research can impact and improve practice. Here, I review these papers in the light of the four main foci of McMahon's work: (1) parenting practices and child development; (2) risk and protective factors in the development and maintenance of conduct problems; (3) family-based treatments for conduct problems; and (4) multicomponent preventive interventions for conduct problems.
Age-Varying Patterns of Cannabis Use, Related Risk Factors, and their Associations among Young Adults in the Context of Legalized Nonmedical Cannabis.
Martinez G, Calhoun BH, Fleming CB … +6 more , Linden-Carmichael AN, Acolin J, Rhew IC, Kilmer JR, Larimer ME, Guttmannova K
Prev Sci · 2025 Jul · PMID 40229509 · Full text
The current study examined age-varying patterns of cannabis use, cannabis-specific risk factors, and their associations across young adulthood. We used repeated cross-sectional data from young adults (N = 15,251; M = 22....
The current study examined age-varying patterns of cannabis use, cannabis-specific risk factors, and their associations across young adulthood. We used repeated cross-sectional data from young adults (N = 15,251; M = 22.02 years, SD = 2.22; 68% female) who enrolled in the annual, statewide Washington Young Adult Health Survey between 2015 and 2022. Logistic time-varying effect models showed that cannabis use increased from ages 18-22 and remained relatively stable through age 26. Most cannabis-specific risk factors increased gradually across young adulthood, although perceptions of cannabis use acceptability (injunctive norms) increased substantially through age 23 followed by decreases. Ease of obtaining cannabis, perceptions about others' use (descriptive norms), and low perceived physical harm were generally associated with any past-month cannabis use with stronger associations around age 18. Injunctive norms and low perceived psychological harm were consistently associated with past-month use across young adulthood. Ease of obtaining cannabis, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, and low psychological harm were associated with frequent cannabis use across young adulthood with associations strongest prior to age 21. Low perceived physical harm was associated with frequent use across young adulthood with associations getting somewhat stronger across ages. Findings underscore the importance of focusing on cannabis-specific risk factors in preventive intervention efforts over the course of young adulthood, including focus on young adults in their mid- 20 s in the context of legalized cannabis.
Short-Term Impacts of a School-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Latino Youth: a Cluster Randomized Trial.
McConnell K, Ibrahimi S, Yumiseva M … +2 more , Shan S, Lewin A
Prev Sci · 2025 Jul · PMID 40229508 · Full text
This study evaluates El Camino, a goal-setting sexual health promotion program developed for Latino youth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in grades 9-12 in 68 classrooms (n = 746 students) across 11...
This study evaluates El Camino, a goal-setting sexual health promotion program developed for Latino youth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in grades 9-12 in 68 classrooms (n = 746 students) across 11 schools in Maryland with large populations of Latino students. A total of 208 students were lost to follow-up, leaving 538 students for an intention-to-treat analysis (El Camino, 34 clusters, n = 289; control, 34 clusters, n = 249). At baseline, most participants (72.1%) reported never having had vaginal sex and no sex in the last 3 months (84.4%). This study did not detect any significant intervention impacts on sexual behavior outcomes but found impacts on several proximal sexual health outcomes. At post-test, approximately 1-2 weeks after curriculum completion, scores were significantly higher among El Camino participants compared to control participants on measures of contraception knowledge (β = 0.5 (cluster robust SE 0.1)), condom knowledge (0.4 (0.1)), consent knowledge (0.3 (0.1)), and awareness of birth control methods (0.9 (0.1)), as well as confidence to discuss sex with a partner (0.3 (0.1)). A total of 84.7% of El Camino participants reported positive attitudes toward condom use compared to 67.1% of control participants (OR = 2.7, 95% CI [1.8, 4.0]); 83.1% reported intending to use condoms if sexually active compared to 72.6% of control participants (1.9, [1.2, 2.9]); 80.9% reported knowing where to get birth control compared to 48.9% of control participants (4.4, [2.8, 7.0]), and 83.3% reported being confident to state and ask for consent compared to 70.5% of control participants (2.1, [1.2, 3.7]). This study also found that intervention impacts varied by student gender and program implementation factors. Overall, El Camino appears to be effective in improving sexual health knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions among Latino youth.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06485284. Date 7-3 - 24.
Examining How Dosage of Intervention Components from the Sacramento Neighborhood Alcohol Prevention Project Affect Child Abuse and Neglect.
Freisthler B, Ye Y, Wolf JP
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40214952 · Full text
Alcohol environmental intervention efforts have shown mixed results in reducing child abuse and neglect. In this study, we examine how the dosage of specific intervention components of the Sacramento Neighborhood Alcohol...
Alcohol environmental intervention efforts have shown mixed results in reducing child abuse and neglect. In this study, we examine how the dosage of specific intervention components of the Sacramento Neighborhood Alcohol Prevention Project (SNAPP) may differentially affect child abuse outcomes. SNAPP used a quasi-experimental phased intervention design to reduce alcohol-related problems among 15-29-year-olds in two economically, racially, and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Sacramento, California. Study activities were conducted from 1999 through 2003. The intervention occurred in 37 Census block groups (21 block groups in the South and 16 in the North) compared to 289 block groups in the At-Large comparison area. Our child abuse outcomes include substantiations of child abuse and neglect and total and alcohol-related foster care entries. Data on child abuse outcomes were obtained from the Sacramento County Department of Children and Family Services and analyzed using conditionally autoregressive spatio-temporal Bayesian analyses. Enforcement of intoxicated patron and on-premise alcohol outlet compliance checks were related to large reductions in all three outcomes in the North intervention area, 33.4% for substantiations, 44.8% for total foster care entries, and 68.4% for alcohol-related foster care entries. However, these activities were not implemented in the South area. Community awareness activities appear to increase total and alcohol-related foster care entries in the South, but reduce substantiations and total foster care entries in the North. Compliance of on-premise outlets may be an effective intervention component to reduce child abuse and neglect; however, these results need replication. Further, despite the dosage of intervention components that reduced substantiations, the overall effect of the SNAPP intervention did not reduce this outcome.
Criminal Legal System Experiences Among Families Receiving Home Visiting Services: A Scoping Review of the Literature.
Shlafer RJ, Mohammed Z, Hasan A … +5 more , Reardon EE, Mersky JP, Davis L, West AL, Jackson DB
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40122957 · Full text
Each year, millions of families with children in the United States (US) come into contact with the criminal legal system (CLS), the deleterious consequences of which are well documented. Families exposed to the CLS often...
Each year, millions of families with children in the United States (US) come into contact with the criminal legal system (CLS), the deleterious consequences of which are well documented. Families exposed to the CLS often face many stressors and may benefit from supports and services designed to enhance parent-child relationships and connect them to health-promoting resources and services. Early childhood family home visiting (FHV) is a two-generation strategy to support pregnant women and families with infants and young children, many of whom encounter the CLS. Yet, little is known about the CLS experiences of families receiving FHV. This scoping review summarizes the published research on CLS experiences among FHV-enrolled families in the US. Seven online databases were used to identify research published between 1967 and 2022. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were required to focus on FHV and CLS involvement. Twenty-eight articles met inclusion criteria; five were systematic reviews or meta-analyses, 22 were primary sources with quantitative measures of CLS, and one was a qualitative study. Among the primary quantitative sources, more than half (55%) included CLS measures to describe the sample and the others included CLS variables as outcomes. CLS involvement was a common experience among families receiving FHV services. This scoping review provides an important first step in describing the existing research on FHV participants' CLS involvement and can inform future efforts to serve this group of families.
Community Coalition Functioning, Collaborative Structure, and Coalition Models: Enhancing Support for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation.
Im Y, Brown LD, Wells R … +2 more , Gaddy MY, Chilenski SM
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40122956 · Full text
Coalition initiatives that use evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been shown to reduce youth substance use. Despite the importance of promoting community coalitions' EBP use, there is little empirical evidence about ho...
Coalition initiatives that use evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been shown to reduce youth substance use. Despite the importance of promoting community coalitions' EBP use, there is little empirical evidence about how to do so. This study aimed to identify distinct coalition profiles that foster EBP use by examining clusters of coalitions characteristics and the type of coalition model followed. We analyzed data from 67 coalitions participating in the Coalition Check-Up, a cluster randomized trial designed to increase community anti-drug coalition capacity. Using k-means clustering approach, we identified subgroups of coalitions based on two domains of coalition capacity-functioning and collaborative structure, each also considering coalition model type. We then examined, using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the degree to which each subgroup of coalitions used EBPs. We found that (a) coalitions with higher levels of functioning characterized by sustainability, science-based approaches to prevention, community knowledge, and efficiency, using explicit theory-based models were associated with higher use of EBPs, (b) coalitions with lower levels of collaborative structure defined by formalized procedures, decentralization, sectoral diversity, and intersectoral communication, using explicit theory-based models were associated with higher EBP use, and (c) low functioning coalitions using no model were associated with the lowest level of EBP use. Characterizing coalitions' functioning, collaborative structure, and models used may help coalition leaders and technical assistance providers enhance coalition capacity that enables the use of EBPs. Findings also indicated the importance of using explicit theory-based models to increase coalition impact.
Regulation of Stress Physiology While Parenting: a Randomized Micro-trial of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Parenting and Salivary Alpha Amylase.
Reilly EB
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40111678 · Publisher ↗
Sensitive parenting early in life sets children up for healthy development, and this type of parenting draws on the parent's compassion and physiological regulation. Loving-kindness meditations (LKM) increase compassion...
Sensitive parenting early in life sets children up for healthy development, and this type of parenting draws on the parent's compassion and physiological regulation. Loving-kindness meditations (LKM) increase compassion and reduce physiological responses to stressors and so may support sensitive parenting. The current study tested the effects of a LKM on parent sensitivity and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) during a parent-child interaction. One hundred and thirty-six parents (114 mothers, 22 fathers) of toddlers (18-36 months, M = 28.85 months, SD = 5.13) participated in an online survey and were randomly assigned to listen to either a LKM, focused-imagery audio, or podcast during a video call before engaging in a play-based interaction with their toddler. Parent sAA was collected from parents at five points throughout the video call. LKM did not significantly increase parent sensitivity (B = 0.06, p = 0.86); however, there was limited variability in sensitivity in this sample (M = 6.01, SD = 0.89). The LKM did affect sAA activity (B = - 0.66, p < 0.05) such that parents in the LKM group gradually decreased sympathetic activity across the research session, whereas the podcast group increased sAA levels after the parent-child interaction. Overall, these findings suggest that engaging in compassion and self-compassion can change the pattern of stress physiology in parents of toddlers while parenting.
HIV Prevention Behaviors among LGBTQ+ Adolescents: the Protective Role of LGBTQ+-Inclusive School Resources.
Lawrence SE, Watson RJ, Gower AL … +4 more , Rider GN, Macapagal K, Russell ST, Eisenberg ME
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40102372 · Full text
The objective of the present paper is to apply an intersectional lens to HIV prevention behavior disparities among LGBTQ+ adolescents across multiple social positions (racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities) and a...
The objective of the present paper is to apply an intersectional lens to HIV prevention behavior disparities among LGBTQ+ adolescents across multiple social positions (racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities) and access to LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources (sex education and gender-sexuality alliances). Data are from the 2022 LGBTQ National Teen Survey (N = 10,871). Descriptive analyses and chi-square tests were conducted for social position, LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources, and HIV prevention variables. Social positions and two LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources were then entered into exhaustive chi-square automatic interaction detection models of HIV prevention behaviors (heard of/taken pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV-testing, and consistent condom use). Groups with the highest and lowest prevalence of HIV prevention behaviors are described. LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources, especially sex education, were promotive of HIV prevention behaviors and mitigated some disparities across social positions. However, some disparities by social positions persisted. Gay or queer cisgender boys were consistently in the highest prevalence HIV prevention behavior groups, whereas youth who self-reported they were bisexual/pansexual, asexual, sexual identity questioning, straight or a sexual identity not listed, especially those who lacked LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources, were overrepresented in the low prevalence groups. LGBTQ+-inclusive school resources are important sources of HIV prevention information and may mitigate some HIV-related disparities.
Associations of Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Genetic Susceptibility with Incident Asthma from a Cohort Study.
Zhang S, Wang T, Zeng P
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40045075 · Publisher ↗
Maternal smoking during pregnancy exhibited an adverse influence on asthma, but its joint effect with genetic factors remained elusive. Moreover, whether there existed a moderating role of genetic susceptibility in this...
Maternal smoking during pregnancy exhibited an adverse influence on asthma, but its joint effect with genetic factors remained elusive. Moreover, whether there existed a moderating role of genetic susceptibility in this effect on childhood/adolescent-onset asthma (COA) and adult-out asthma (AOA) was unknown. We employed the UK Biobank cohort to estimate the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the risk of offspring asthma (41,828 AOA and 15,120 COA). We investigated genetic influence on asthma and assessed the moderating role of genetic susceptibility in this effect by incorporating polygenetic risk score (PRS) and performing a stratified analysis in distinct genetic risk populations. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. We found that participants whose mother smoked during pregnancy were more likely to occur asthma (HR = 1.14, 95%CIs 1.12 ~ 1.16), with similar effects for AOA and COA. Additionally, we observed a significant association between genetic factors and asthma (HR = 1.70, 95%CIs 1.66 ~ 1.74), with a higher genetic influence on COA (HR = 2.16, 95%CIs 2.09 ~ 2.23) compared to AOA (HR = 1.84, 95%CIs 1.76 ~ 1.93). Furthermore, we revealed that genetic factors could modify the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on asthma especially among childhood and adolescents, with participants having high genetic risk versus low genetic risk (HR = 1.13 vs. 1.02, P = 0.035). We provided supportive evidence that maternal smoking during pregnancy and the genetic factors increased the risk of offspring asthma in whole population. We further revealed that genetic susceptibility exerted more pronounced influence on COA compared to AOA, and played a moderating role in this effect.
Understanding Who Benefits the Most from Interventions: Implications for Baseline Target Moderated Mediation Analysis with Multiple Moderators.
Valente MJ, Pang J, Cao B
Prev Sci · 2025 Feb · PMID 40035988 · Publisher ↗
Recently, Baseline Target Moderated Mediation (BTMM) has received a lot of attention in the field of prevention science. Prevention scientists are interested in BTMM because the model goes beyond whether an intervention...
Recently, Baseline Target Moderated Mediation (BTMM) has received a lot of attention in the field of prevention science. Prevention scientists are interested in BTMM because the model goes beyond whether an intervention achieves effects but also details how and for whom the intervention is most effective. In BTMM, baseline measures are used to investigate potential baseline-by-treatment interactions. However, BTMM has some important challenges including how to incorporate multiple moderator variables when identifying subgroups that benefit the most from the intervention and how to interpret subgroup effects in the presence of multiple moderator variables. Further, with the emergence of causal mediation analysis, it is important to investigate potential treatment-by-mediator interactions which allow the posttest mediator-outcome relation to vary in magnitude across intervention groups. Few methodological developments have addressed the challenges of assessing BTMM in the presence of multiple baseline-by-treatment interactions and the treatment-by-posttest mediator interaction. If the goal is to identify subgroups of individuals who respond better/worse to the intervention, it is important to use a method that can handle the many possible interactions while capturing the heterogeneity within the subgroups of interest. There are three aims of this paper. First, we describe the methodological challenges and substantive interpretation of mediation effects in the presence of multiple moderating variables. Second, we describe two statistical methods to estimate conditional mediation effects in the presence of multiple moderating variables. Third, the methods are applied to an empirical example from the ATLAS study. Implications for BTMM are discussed.
Predictors of Child and Caregiver Attendance in a Strengths-Focused, Culturally Grounded, Family-Based Program to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Edwards KM, Waterman EA, Wheeler LA … +4 more , Xu W, Herrington R, Trujllo P, Hopfauf S
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40029566 · Publisher ↗
Little is known about factors that predict attendance in strengths-focused, culturally grounded, family-based programming to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Indigenous populations in the USA. An unders...
Little is known about factors that predict attendance in strengths-focused, culturally grounded, family-based programming to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Indigenous populations in the USA. An understanding of these factors may help to create initiatives to reduce barriers to attending programming that could reduce ACEs and other health inequities among structurally minoritized populations. The purpose of the current study was to explore this critical gap in the literature. Participants were 66 caregivers and their 107 children 10 to 14 (N = 66 families) randomly assigned to the treatment group. Baseline measures were used to predict program attendance (total number of sessions and any attendance). Results for caregivers showed that higher intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration and depression predicted program attendance (number of sessions and any attendance). For children, girls were more likely to attend at least one session than boys. Predictors of the total number of sessions for children included being a girl, lower depression, higher awareness (emotion regulation), higher parent-child communication, higher harsh parenting, higher caregiver positive reinforcement, and higher family cohesion. These findings have important implications for reducing potential barriers to program attendance as well as motivational interviewing approaches for specific subpopulations that may enhance attendance in a strengths-focused, culturally grounded, family-based programming to reduce ACEs.
Tailoring the Chicago Parent Program for Foster and Kinship Caregivers: a Mixed Methods Approach.
Beal SJ, Lutz N, Patel M … +8 more , Dougherty J, Gigger R, Vaughn LM, Greiner MV, Bettencourt AF, Breitenstein SM, Gross D, Ammerman RT
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40025284 · Full text
There is a lack of evidence-based programs to support the prevention of child behavior problems designed specifically for foster and kinship caregivers from historically minoritized groups. Drawing on existing best-pract...
There is a lack of evidence-based programs to support the prevention of child behavior problems designed specifically for foster and kinship caregivers from historically minoritized groups. Drawing on existing best-practice recommendations for tailoring interventions to new cultural and social contexts, this study evaluates initial evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of adapting the Chicago Parent Program (CPP) for foster and kinship care. An expert panel of foster and kinship caregivers, clinicians, and other professionals with experience in CPP and child welfare arenas was convened to review and adapt CPP materials in collaboration with researchers. The adapted program was then delivered to 12 foster and kinship caregivers, who completed surveys and qualitative interviews to provide feedback about the revised program. Caregiver satisfaction with the program was generally high. In interviews, caregivers emphasized that group sessions resonated with them (theme 1), that they appreciated the opportunity to connect with the program via mandated foster care clinic visits (theme 2), and that adapted components of the program delivery (theme 3), and materials (theme 4) were relevant. Caregivers also noted barriers with behavior management and logistical challenges that made it more difficult to attend regularly and complete practice assignments, which was reflected in reduced participation rates during the pilot. Overall, these findings suggest that careful and empirically driven adaptation to effective parent-focused prevention programs can be achieved for foster and kinship caregivers, leading to high potential impact for a population that has generally been under-resourced and experiences high need and mental health burden.
Developmental Monitoring and Promotion in Home Visiting: a Qualitative Study of Parents and Providers.
Milojevich H, Beasley L, Fuller S … +2 more , Lane O, Bard D
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 40019626 · Publisher ↗
Developmental monitoring and promotion efforts are keys to identifying potential developmental concerns and connecting young children to intervention services. Evidence-based home visiting programs are one avenue for dev...
Developmental monitoring and promotion efforts are keys to identifying potential developmental concerns and connecting young children to intervention services. Evidence-based home visiting programs are one avenue for developmental monitoring and promotion, particularly for families with young children who may need extra support (e.g., families living in poverty, families dealing with substance use). In the present qualitative study, we interviewed parents (N = 23) and providers (N = 18) from three home visiting programs to understand the ways in which home visiting engages in developmental monitoring and promotion. Findings indicated that children participating in home visiting were regularly screened for developmental concerns (developmental monitoring). Providers also discussed screener results with parents and provided activities and materials to encourage parents to engage in positive parenting behaviors (developmental promotion). Barriers to monitoring and promotion were also uncovered and included family buy-in and logistical constraints. Implications suggest enhanced provider training to overcome barriers and greater policy and funding support for home visiting to extend the reach of home visiting and bolster developmental monitoring and promotion efforts.
Identifying Mechanisms of Action for Implementation Strategies Using a Retrospective Implementation Mapping Logic Model Approach.
Walker TJ, Are F, Heredia NI … +4 more , Onadeko K, Saving EE, Kang E, Fernandez ME
Prev Sci · 2025 Feb · PMID 39982674 · Full text
Understanding causal mechanisms for implementation strategies is a priority for implementation and health promotion research. Logic models are helpful for understanding and illustrating mechanisms through which implement...
Understanding causal mechanisms for implementation strategies is a priority for implementation and health promotion research. Logic models are helpful for understanding and illustrating mechanisms through which implementation strategies operate. Little guidance exists for developing logic models for existing implementation strategies. We demonstrate how to use Implementation Mapping (IM) in a retrospective manner to develop an IMap Logic Model for a social-emotional learning program implemented at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH). To inform logic model development, we used qualitative interview data (from implementers) and conversations with program organizers. To develop the logic model, we specified the most accessible information, beginning with the program and health-related outcomes. We then specified the implementation strategies and implementation outcomes, followed by change methods (i.e., theoretical techniques that influence positive change in determinants), practical applications (i.e., specific techniques for operationalizing change methods), and determinants (factors that influence implementation) and other contextual factors. The effectiveness outcomes for the program were to improve emotion regulation and social skills among youth. Clinician implementers delivered the program and BGCGH club directors and staff supported delivery. The implementation strategies were (1) group leader trainings; (2) implementation guide; (3) BGCGH staff training; (4) needs assessments (via site visits); (5) follow-up meetings; and (6) pilot program check-in meetings. Collectively, the strategies used various practical applications (e.g., scenario discussions, reviewing procedures) to operationalize change methods (e.g., active learning, participatory problem solving) to address determinants (e.g., knowledge, interorganizational relationships). The strategy set out to improve implementation behaviors (e.g., delivering program components as prescribed) and implementation outcomes (e.g., fidelity). The developed IMap Logic Model can be used to inform implementation evaluation efforts by helping identify outcomes, mediators, and moderators. The logic model can also be used to identify gaps that, if addressed, can help ongoing implementation and scale-up efforts.
Commentary for the Special Issue on Innovations and Strategies for Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Focus on Measurement and Methodological Challenges.
O'Shea NG
Prev Sci · 2026 Jan · PMID 39976840 · Publisher ↗
This commentary explores challenges and innovations in prevention science that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on measurement issues and the contextual influences on data collection and intervention deli...
This commentary explores challenges and innovations in prevention science that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on measurement issues and the contextual influences on data collection and intervention delivery. The pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote data collection and virtual interventions, many of which proved effective and scalable, as demonstrated by studies in this special issue. Innovations such as remote observational assessments improved reliability, reduced costs, and increased accessibility. However, the pandemic also revealed how contextual factors influence measurement properties for key constructs, with examples from this issue showing shifts in scale dimensionality and item functioning over time. These findings underscore the importance of considering context when designing and interpreting quantitative measures. I argue that by embracing heterogeneity in exposures and outcomes, prevention researchers can improve the precision and relevance of their work.
¿Está disponible en español? A Systematic Review of Preventive Parenting Interventions Delivered in a Language Other Than English in the United States.
Kim JJ, Basha SAJ, Lee SK … +3 more , Nandiwada-Hofer VM, Andrade I, Muldrew L
Prev Sci · 2025 Feb · PMID 39976839 · Full text
Decades of research have demonstrated that parenting programs are effective at changing parent behaviors and subsequently preventing myriad child outcomes including anxiety, depression, substance use, and HIV infection....
Decades of research have demonstrated that parenting programs are effective at changing parent behaviors and subsequently preventing myriad child outcomes including anxiety, depression, substance use, and HIV infection. However, most research into preventive parenting interventions in the United States has been conducted with English-speaking populations only. There is a clear mismatch between the linguistic diversity of the United States and the available evidence for preventive parenting programs. The current systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence on preventive parenting interventions in the United States delivered in a language other than English (LOTE). Forty-four peer-reviewed articles and three dissertations met eligibility criteria and represented evidence across thirty-five distinct studies. Most studies described how linguistic and cultural adaptations were made to deliver the program to parents who speak a LOTE. Synthesis across studies revealed that parenting interventions in a LOTE can be effective in promoting effective parenting behaviors and subsequently preventing child problem outcomes, with the caveat that almost 90% of randomized controlled trials in this area were delivered in Spanish. Recommendations are made to increase testing of preventive parenting programs in a LOTE with control samples to strengthen the current evidence base.
A Narrative Study of Sexual Agreements and HIV Prevention Strategies Among Emerging Adult Sexual Minority Men.
Dellucci TV, Lovejoy TI, Cain D … +6 more , Ewing SWF, Adhemar C, Kyre KD, Outlaw AY, Naar S, Starks TJ
Prev Sci · 2025 Apr · PMID 39966281 · Full text
Qualitative content analysis of an HIV testing and communication skill-building session explored the development of sexual agreements and HIV risk prevention strategies among emerging adult (18 to 24 years old) sexual mi...
Qualitative content analysis of an HIV testing and communication skill-building session explored the development of sexual agreements and HIV risk prevention strategies among emerging adult (18 to 24 years old) sexual minority men (SMM) to inform HIV testing services for younger SMM in relationships. In total, 29 intervention sessions were transcribed and coded for analysis. Most youth identified as cisgender male (86.2%), gay (72.4%), and as Latino/x (41.4%) or non-Hispanic White (37.9%). Results revealed that the process of forming a sexual agreement with one's main partner, as well as the composition of sexual agreements, was generally similar to those found in studies of adult SMM. HIV transmission risk reduction was not a central goal for establishing a sexual agreement for SMM emerging adults in this study; however, behavioral strategies for managing HIV risk did vary across casual partner types. SMM frequently used condoms with anonymous or new non-primary partners but relied on other HIV prevention strategies (e.g., sexual history, disclosing HIV status, pre-exposure prophylaxis) with regular non-primary partners. Sexual health service providers should assess for risk separately across non-primary partner types and collaborate with clients to discuss appropriate preventative strategies.
What Do We Know About the Stop Now and Plan Program? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of an Early Invention for Children and Youth with Conduct Problems.
Craig SG, Frankiewicz K, Stearns NR … +4 more , Girard-Lapointe J, Cortese A, Vogel N, Pepler DJ
Prev Sci · 2025 May · PMID 39951237 · Publisher ↗
Children who engage in aggressive behaviors are at heightened risk of being involved in the justice system, committing serious offenses, and becoming chronic offenders. The Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) program was designed a...
Children who engage in aggressive behaviors are at heightened risk of being involved in the justice system, committing serious offenses, and becoming chronic offenders. The Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) program was designed as an early intervention to address several mechanisms underlying the development of conduct problems, including emotion regulation, prosocial behaviors, and parent-child relationships. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synthesize current research on the SNAP program and conduct a meta-analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and PyscINFO were searched, and the developers of SNAP were contacted to ensure no articles were missed. Twenty-two peer-reviewed articles were ultimately included following a two-stage screening process. The meta-analysis revealed a moderate effect size change (SMD = - 0.54, 95% CI [- .42, - .65], p < .001) in externalizing problems from pre- to post-SNAP Group. The narrative review found evidence for decreases in symptoms (e.g., conduct problems, aggression, delinquency, internalizing problems) across SNAP programming. There was also preliminary evidence for changes in proposed mechanisms across the groups (e.g., emotion regulation, parent behaviors, child-parent relationship). Two randomized controlled trials (RCT) supported the efficacy of the SNAP Boys Group over another active treatment. One waitlist control found similar results for the SNAP Girls Group. There is growing evidence for SNAP, attributable to the effective clinical research partnerships established by the developers. More rigorous methods and RCTs will help solidify SNAP as a top evidence-based intervention.
A Non-coercive Prevention Cascade Using a Cash-Plus Model for Legally Involved Youth: a Multi-method Study of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Engagement Outcomes.
Walker SC, Bishop AS, Gudino J … +5 more , Parnes M, Dean T, Azman AA, Vick K, Gubner N
Prev Sci · 2025 Feb · PMID 39951236 · Full text
Youth involved in the criminal legal system (YILS) are more likely to experience significant disruptions in social determinants of health. This contributes to, and is reciprocally affected by, ongoing contact with the le...
Youth involved in the criminal legal system (YILS) are more likely to experience significant disruptions in social determinants of health. This contributes to, and is reciprocally affected by, ongoing contact with the legal system. Using multiple methods, the current study examined the feasibility and impact of a prevention cascade model designed to universally identify and address early signals of social determinants of health needs including housing and family cohesion using a cash-plus, navigator model. The analysis included 147 youth referred to the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts (HSYNC) program from four juvenile courts in one northwestern state from 2019 through 2022. Analyses revealed youth and families receiving cash-plus were five times more likely to engage in recommended services. Engagement in services across all types of need severity (prevention and crisis) exceeded published benchmarks for other prevention and intervention engagement models. These findings suggest non-coercive services using cash-plus is a highly promising model for connecting YILS and their families to services designed to strengthen social determinants of health.
Exploring the Moderating Effect of Control Group Type on Intervention Effectiveness in School-Based Anxiety and Depression Prevention: Findings from a Rapid Review and Network Meta-analysis.
Caldwell DM, Palmer JC, Webster KE … +6 more , Davies SR, Hughes H, Rona J, Churchill R, Hetrick SE, Welton NJ
Prev Sci · 2025 Feb · PMID 39937398 · Full text
Many randomized controlled trials have investigated the role of school-based prevention interventions to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people. Systematic reviews have subsequently demonstrated a smal...
Many randomized controlled trials have investigated the role of school-based prevention interventions to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in young people. Systematic reviews have subsequently demonstrated a small, beneficial effect of these interventions when compared to a combined control group including usual care, no intervention, or waiting list controls. However, evidence from behavioral science and clinical psychology suggests control group choice may influence the relative effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions. Here we explored whether separating this combined control group into distinct categories might influence the apparent effectiveness of preventive interventions. After updating an earlier review and network meta-analysis of preventive interventions for anxiety and depression in young people, we considered the impact of alternative control groups on estimates of effectiveness. This analysis was restricted to comparisons with cognitive-behavioral interventions only-the most common intervention used in the included studies. In targeted populations, for both anxiety and depression outcomes, the effect of a cognitive-behavioral intervention was larger when compared to waiting list controls than to usual curriculum, no intervention, or attention controls. For anxiety, the effect of no intervention was also considerably larger than waiting list control (standardized mean difference -0.37 [95% credible interval - 0.66, - 0.11], favoring no intervention). These results suggest that the beneficial effect of preventive school-based interventions previously observed in standard meta-analyses may be an artifact of combining control groups. Although exploratory, these findings indicate the impact of different control groups may vary considerably and should be taken into account when interpreting the effectiveness of interventions.
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