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01-06-2010 | Original Research

Refusal Skill Ability: An Examination of Adolescent Perceptions of Effectiveness

Authors: Tracy R. Nichols, Sara Birnel, Julia A. Graber, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Gilbert J. Botvin

Published in: Journal of Prevention | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

This pilot study examined whether refusal assertion as defined by a proven drug prevention program was associated with adolescent perceptions of effectiveness by comparing two sets of coded responses to adolescent videotaped refusal role-plays (N = 63). The original set of codes was defined by programmatic standards of refusal assertion and the second by a group of high school interns. Consistency with programming criteria was found for interns’ ratings of several indicators of verbal and non-verbal assertiveness. However, a strategy previously defined by the program as effective was perceived as ineffective by adolescents while another deemed ineffective and problematic by intervention developers was viewed as effective. Interns endorsed presenting detailed and reasonable arguments as an effective refusal strategy while short, simple statements were deemed ineffective. This study suggests the importance of including adolescent perspectives in the design, delivery, and evaluation of drug prevention strategies.

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Title: Refusal Skill Ability: An Examination of Adolescent Perceptions of Effectiveness
Authors: Tracy R. Nichols
Sara Birnel
Julia A. Graber
Jeanne Brooks-Gunn
Gilbert J. Botvin
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Prevention / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 2731-5533
Electronic ISSN: 2731-5541
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-010-0213-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Refusal Skill Ability: An Examination of Adolescent Perceptions of Effectiveness

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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