Empirically derived dimension of criteria for a secondary prevention program

• Charles Burdsal

  Wichita State University

• Ronald C. Force

  St. Francis Homes for Boys

The primary objective of this research was to develop a conceptualization and a demonstration of criteria in a secondary prevention program. Such criteria concentrated on a second tier of intermediate treatment effects which were shown to be 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 five factors, of which four: I. parent child involvement, II. being in psychotherapy, III. school behavior, and to a lesser extent IV. school athletic involvement, related to the “social good” outcome criterion. Factor V, motor activity level, did not relate to social outcome. It was concluded that using validated intermediate treatment effect criteria gives a spectrum of more sensitive and tailored target behavior/treatment “handles” by which to change behavior. Such treatment dynamics may, for some few participants, eventuate in police contact, but for the majority lead to only lessened coping effectiveness unless modified. In addition, the importance of a broad spectrum definition (positive through negative) of “social good” was emphasized.

1. Charles Burdsal, Wichita State University
   Department of Psychology

• PDF