Abstract
The purpose of this study was to apply diffusion theory (Rogers, 1983) to an alcohol abuse prevention program in order to enhance program adoption. Three of the four stages of diffusion theory (dissemination, adoption, and implementation) are discussed relative to the development and implementation of a program designed to increase awareness of the destructive effects upon children who live with an addicted parent of living with that parent. The program also focused upon resiliency building strategies to use with children in order to mitigate the harmful effects of addiction in the home. Empirical data are presented concerning the dissemination, adoption and implementation phases of the program.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Backer, T. E., Rogers, E. M., and Sopory, P. (1992).Designing Health Communication Campaigns: What Works? Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA.
Bangert-Drowns, R. L. (1988). The effects of school based substance abuse education: a meta-analysis.Journal of Drug Education, 18, 243–264.
Bernard, B. (1991).Fostering Resilience in Kids: Protective Factors in the Family, School and Community. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, OR.
Best, J. A. (1989). Intervention perspectives on school health promotion research.Health Education Quarterly, 16(2), 299–306.
Bloom, P. N. and Novelli, W. D. (1981). Problems and challenges in social marketing.Journal of Marketing, 45, 79–88.
Brandon, P. R. (1992). State-level evaluations of school programs funded under the drug-free schools and communities act.Journal of Drug Education, 22(1), 25–36.
Burk, J. P. and Sher, K. J. (1988). The “forgotten children” revisited: neglected areas of CoA research.Clinical Psychology Review, 8, 285–302.
Burk, J. P. and Sher, K. J. (1990). Labeling the child of an alcoholic: Negative stereotyping by mental health professionals and peers.Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 51(2), 156–163.
Ewart, C. K. (1991). Social action theory for a public health psychology.American Psychologist, 46(9), 931–946.
Hansen, W. B. (1992). School-based substance abuse prevention: a review of the state of the art in curriculum, 1980–1990.Health Education Research, Theory and Practice, 7(3), 403–430.
Knight, S. M., Vail-Smith, K. and Barnes, A. M. (1992). Children of alcoholics in the classroom: A survey of teacher perceptions and training needs.Journal of School Health, 62(8), 367–371.
Locke, E. A. & Latham, G. P. (1990).A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Orlandi, M., Landers, C., Weston, R. and Haley, N. (1990). Diffusion of health promotion innovations. In Glanz, Lewis and Rimer (eds),Health Behavior and Health Education. Jossey-Bass Publishing, San Francisco, p. 288–313.
Rogers, E. M. (1983).Diffusion of Innovations. Free Press, New York.
Roosa, M. W., Beals, J., Sandler, I. N., and Pillow, D. R. (1990). The role of risk and protective factors in predicting symptomatology in adolescent children of alcoholics.American Journal of Community Psychology, 18(5), 725–741.
Roosa, M. W., Gensheimer, L. K., Ayers, T. S., and Short, J. L. (1990). Development of a school-based prevention program for children in alcoholic families.Journal of Primary Prevention, 11(2), 119–141.
Sher, K. J., Walitzer, K. S., Wood, P. K. and Brent, E. E. (1991). Characteristics of children of alcoholics: putative risk factors, substance abuse and psychology.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 100(4), 427–448.
Tharinger, D. J. & Koranek, M. E. (1988). Children of alcoholics—at risk an unserved: a review of research and service roles for school psychologists.School Psychology Review, 17(1), 166–191.
Wallerstein, N. (1992). Powerlessness, empowerment, and health: Implications for health promotion programs.American Journal of Health Promotion, 6(3), 197–205.
Werner, E. E. (1986). Resilient offspring of alcoholics: a longitudinal study from birth to age 18.Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 47, 34–40.
West, M.O. & Prinz, R.J. (1987). Parental Alcoholism and childhood psychopathology.Psychological Bulletin, 102(2), 204–218.
Woodside, M. (1988). Research on children of alcoholics: Past and future.British Journal of Addiction, 83, 785–792.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Laflin, M., Edmundson, E.W. & Moore-Hirschl, S. Enhancing adoption of an alcohol abuse prevention program: An application of diffusion theory. J Primary Prevent 16, 75–101 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407234
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02407234