When evaluating a program aiming to investigate parenting style and its relationship with youth's substance use, consider the following five points:
Clearly define program objectives: Clearly articulate the objectives of the program evaluation, specifying the desired outcomes related to understanding the link between parenting style and youth's substance use. Determine the specific aspects of parenting style and substance use that you aim to investigate, such as parental monitoring, communication, discipline strategies, experimentation with substances, or substance use disorders.
Select appropriate measurement tools: Choose reliable and validated measurement tools to assess parenting style and youth's substance use. Consider utilizing standardized scales or questionnaires that capture relevant information about parenting behaviors, such as warmth, control, supervision, and communication, as well as substance use behaviors, such as frequency, intensity, and consequences of substance use.
Recruit participants and collect data.: Recruit a diverse sample of parents and youth to participate in the program evaluation. Collect baseline data on participants' demographic characteristics, parenting style, and youth's substance use behaviors. Implement follow-up assessments at regular intervals to track changes in parenting style and youth's substance use over time.
Analyze and interpret data.: Analyze the collected data to evaluate the relationships between parenting style and youth's substance use. Use statistical methods such as correlation analysis, regression analysis, or structural equation modeling to examine the associations between parenting behaviors and substance use outcomes. Explore potential mediating or moderating factors that may influence these relationships, such as peer influence, school environment, or mental health.
Consider contextual factors and interventions: Consider contextual factors such as cultural differences, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood influences that may impact the relationship between parenting style and substance use. Explore how interventions or prevention programs targeting parenting practices and substance use prevention can be integrated into existing community resources or educational settings.
