Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that adolescent behavior problems are related to family functioning. In general, findings have demonstrated the family’s critical role in facilitating developmental outcomes. This study evaluated a 6-week holistic program for at-risk teens and their parents entitled Creating a Responsible Thinker at baseline, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. Results demonstrated gender differences in the program’s effects on self-efficacy, specifically increased self-efficacy for females and reduced self-efficacy among males. Follow-up results suggested that teens reported better communication with their parents. These results underscore the appropriateness of a family-based approach to treatment for at-risk teens and their parents.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bacchini, D., & Magliulo, F. (2003). Self-image and perceived self-efficacy during adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32, 337–350.
Baer, J. (1999). The effects of family structure and SES on family processes in early adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 22, 341–354.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.
Bandura, A., Caprara, G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Pastorelli, C., & Regalia, C. (2001). Sociocognitive self-regulatory mechanisms governing transgressive behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80, 125–135.
Barnes, H. L., & Olson, D. H. (1985). Parent–adolescent communication and the circumplex model. Child Development, 56, 438–447.
Bergman, M. M., & Scott, J. (2001). Young adolescents’ well-being and health-risk behaviours: Gender and socio-economic differences. Journal of Adolescence, 24, 183–197.
Bosscher, R. J., & Smit, J. H. (1998). Confirmatory factor analysis of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36, 339–343.
Buboltz, W. C., Johnson, P., & Woller, M. P. (2003). Psychological reactance in college students: Family of origin predictors. Journal of Counseling and Development, 81, 311–317.
Capara, G. V., Barbaranelli, C., Pastorelli, C., & Cervone, D. (2004). The contribution of self-efficacy beliefs to psychosocial outcomes in adolescence: Predicting beyond global dispositional tendencies. Personality and Individual Differences, 7, 751–763.
Chen, G., Gully, S. M., & Eden, D. (2001). Validation of a new General Self-Efficacy Scale. Organizational Research Methods, 4, 62–83.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). New York: Academic.
Cron, E. A. (2001). Job satisfaction in dual-career women at three family life cycle stages. Journal of Career Development, 28, 17–28.
Curtis, M. M., Ronan, K. R., & Borduin, C. M. (2004). Multisystemic treatment: A meta-analysis of outcome studies. Journal of Family Psychology, 18, 411–419.
Dunne, A., Thompson, W., & Leitch, R. (2000). Adolescent males’ experience of the counseling experience. Journal of Adolescence, 23, 79–93.
Gehring, T. M., & Feldman, S. S. (1988). Adolescents’ perceptions of family cohesion and power: A methodological study of the family system test. Journal of Adolescent Research, 3, 33–52.
Gray-Little, B., Williams, V. S. L, & Hancock, T. D. (1997). An item response theory analysis of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 23, 443–451.
Hogue, A., Dauber, S., Liddle, H. A., & Samuolis, J. (2004). Linking session focus to treatment outcome in evidence-based treatments for adolescent substance abuse. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41, 83–96.
Hunter, D., Gambell, T., & Randhawa, B. (2005). Gender gaps in group listening and speaking: Issues in social constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. Educational Review, 57, 329–355.
Jackson, S., Bijstra, J., Oostra, L., & Bosma, H. (1998). Adolescents’ perceptions of communication with parents relative to specific aspects of relationships with parents and personal development. Journal of Adolescence, 21, 305–322.
Kelly, K. J., Comello, M. L. G., & Hunn, L. C. P. (2002). Parent–child communication, perceived sanctions against drug use, and youth drug involvement. Adolescence, 37, 775–787.
Kramer, A. (1998). Life puzzle: Putting the pieces together. Tampa, FL: Good 4U Inc.
Lee, J., & Bell, N. J. (2003). Individual differences in attachment-autonomy configurations: Linkages with substance use and youth competencies. Journal of Adolescence, 26, 347–361.
Liddle, H. A. (2004). Family-based therapies for adolescent alcohol and drug use: Research contributions and future research needs. Addiction, 99(Suppl. 2), 76–92.
Liddle, H. A., Dakof, G. A., Parker, K., Diamond, G. S., Barrett, K., & Tejada, M. (2001). Multidimensional family therapy for adolescent drug abuse: Results of a randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 27, 1–32.
Loeber, R. (1990). Development and risk factors of juvenile antisocial behavior and delinquency. Clinical Psychology Review, 10, 1–41.
Mann, B. J., Borduin, C. M., Henggeler, S. W., & Blaske, D. M. (1990). An investigation of systematic conceptualizations of parent–child coalitions and symptom change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 58, 336–344.
Moos, R. H., & Moos, B. S. (2002). Family Environment Scale manual: Development, applications, research (3rd ed.). Menlo Park: Mind Garden, Inc.
Mullis, R. L., Brailsford, J. C., & Mullis, A. K. (2003). Relations between identity formation and family characteristics among young adults. Journal of Family Issues, 24, 966–980.
Muris, P. (2002). Relationships between self-efficacy and symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression in a normal adolescent sample. Personality and Individual Differences, 32, 337–348.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Girgus, J. S. (1994). The emergence of gender differences in depression during adolescence. Psychological Bulletin, 115, 424–443.
Olson, D. H., Bell, R. Q., & Portner, J. (1982). FACES II: Family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scales. St Paul, MN: Family Social Science.
Palan, K. M. (1998). Relationships between family communication and consumer activities of adolescents: An exploratory study. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 26, 338–349.
Prange, M. E., Greenbaum, P. E., Silver, S. E., Friedman, R. M., Kutash, K., & Duchnowski, A. J. (1992). Family functioning and psychopathology among adolescents with severe emotional disturbances. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20, 83–102.
Robins, R. W., Hendin, H. M., & Trzesniewski, K. H. (2001). Measuring global self-esteem: Construct validation of a single-item measure and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27, 151–161.
Rosenberg, M. (1989). Society and the adolescent self-image, (Rev. ed.). Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press.
Sanford, K., Bingham, C. R., & Zucker, R. A. (1999). Validity issues with the Family Environment Scale: Psychometric resolution and research application with alcoholic families. Psychological Assessment, 11, 315–325.
Schwarzer, R., & Luszczynska, A. (2005). Self-efficacy, adolescents’ risk taking behaviors, and health. In F. Pajares & T. Urdan (Eds.), Self-efficacy beliefs of adolescents. Adolescence and education Vol. V (pp. 139–159). Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing.
Sherer, M., Maddux, J. E., Mercadante, B., Prentice-Dunn, S., Jacobs, B., & Rogers, R. W (1982). The Self-Efficacy Scale: Construction and validation. Psychological Reports, 51, 663–671.
Steinberg, L. (1987). Single parents, stepparents, and the susceptibility of adolescents to antisocial peer pressure. Child Development, 58, 269–275.
Werner, N. E., & Silbereisen, R. K. (2003). Family relationship quality and contact with deviant peers as predictors of adolescent problem behaviors: The moderating role of gender. Journal of Adolescent Research, 18, 454–480.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Moore, K.A., Young, M.S., Weir, J.M. et al. An Evaluation of a Holistic Program for at-Risk Teens and Their Parents. Contemp Fam Ther 29, 129–145 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-007-9041-3
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-007-9041-3