Results
The results of all three subscales showed significant differences between pre and post test results. Students were less likely to practice dangerous and risky behaviors, including drive practices, after their participation in the E15M program. They were also more likely to observe and intervene when their peers were in risky alcohol related situations.
The positive effects of the E15M program continued to be evident among students who completed the survey.
Parents (N=295) whose children participated as E15M “living dead” completed pre- and post- surveys. There were significant differences in their attitudes and behaviors about alcohol use among their children. See Table 3. Following their participation in the program, parents also reported being more likely to discuss drinking and driving, more prepared to control or prevent alcohol problems, and more confident that their teenager would not drink and drive.
Discussion
Results suggest lasting program effects on all three subscales for students and on certain items for parents. Strongest effects are evident in initial pre-test / post-test comparisons which is congruent with other prevention program research data. However, one of the goals of the program is to prevent alcohol related driving mishaps during prom and graduation months, so short term intervention may be successful.
Recent research has suggested that peers often estimate the amount and occurrence of alcohol consumption among their friends. Efforts to make the reality of actual alcohol use has been labeled “norm breaking” intervention. These data suggest that the E15M program may contribute to this by encouraging peers to observe and intervene in their friends alcohol use. This research also may indicate that students may talk more with their friends, parents and teachers about drinking behaviors. This may have the effect of “uncovering” actual behavior.
The activities in this program send a clear message to students that community professionals, school personnel and family members are concerned about the teen alcohol use. This may provide a reason for some teens to think carefully about their own alcohol use and be alert to community expectations.
All research has flaws. These data were collected by agencies in each community that presented the program. As a result, data were often incomplete and attrition rates were high. Further evaluation of E15M will focus on two areas. We are interested in forming control groups at similar high schools in the nearby regions to make comparisons with participations in E15M. We would also like to investigate the extent to which the E15M program has an impact on students who participate less extensively (e.g., students who view the crash scene and attend the assembly but do not participate as living dead).