Open AccessEmpirically Derived Dimension of Criteria for a Secondary Prevention Program
Author(s) -
Charles A. Burdsal,
Ronald C. Force
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
psychology and human development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2537-950X
DOI - 10.2224/sbp.6318
Subject(s) - psychology , conceptualization , outcome (game theory) , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , mathematics , computer science , mathematical economics , artificial intelligence
Our primary objective was to develop a conceptualization and a demonstration of criteria for a secondary prevention program, by concentrating on a second tier of intermediate treatment effects that are related to the more distal social outcome of police contact. Five intermediate, factor-derived treatment criteria were obtained from a 31-item follow-up questionnaire administered after participation in a secondary prevention program (Passport for Adventure). Oblique rotation factor analysis yielded 5 factors, of which parent–child involvement, being in psychotherapy, school behavior, and (to a lesser extent) school athletic involvement, were related to the "social good" outcome criterion, whereas motor activity level was not. In sum, using validated intermediate treatment effect criteria gives a spectrum of more sensitive and tailored target behavior/treatment methods by which to change behavior. Such treatment dynamics may, for some participants, eventuate in police contact, but for the majority only reduce coping effectiveness unless modified. The results emphasize the importance of a broad spectrum definition (positive through negative) of social good.