William J. Bukoski – författare

There are a number of reasons why this book is important. First, there is no one source that summarizes what we know about the prevention of substance abuse from the research field, so the book serves as a repository of accumulated knowledge on prevention theory, intervention design, and development and prevention research methodology. Second, as an evolving field, prevention science has only begun to assert itself in both the arenas of practice and policy. The formation of the Society for Prevention Research in 1991 was the first recognition that a science of prevention existed and required a separate forum to present the rapidly growing content of the field for dis­ cussion and review. Finally, there is a need to establish a baseline, a reference point against which progress in the field of prevention science can be assessed. This book serves all of these purposes. The idea for this book grew from the observation in the early 1990s that after decades of attempts to develop effectiveinterventions to prevent drug use among children and adolescents in the United States that we were finally having success, particularly in addressing the initiation of use. These successes are the result of research that has provided a better understanding of the factors and processes associated with the onset of substance use.

There are a number of reasons why this book is important. First, there is no one source that summarizes what we know about the prevention of substance abuse from the research field, so the book serves as a repository of accumulated knowledge on prevention theory, intervention design, and development and prevention research methodology. Second, as an evolving field, prevention science has only begun to assert itself in both the arenas of practice and policy. The formation of the Society for Prevention Research in 1991 was the first recognition that a science of prevention existed and required a separate forum to present the rapidly growing content of the field for dis­ cussion and review. Finally, there is a need to establish a baseline, a reference point against which progress in the field of prevention science can be assessed. This book serves all of these purposes. The idea for this book grew from the observation in the early 1990s that after decades of attempts to develop effectiveinterventions to prevent drug use among children and adolescents in the United States that we were finally having success, particularly in addressing the initiation of use. These successes are the result of research that has provided a better understanding of the factors and processes associated with the onset of substance use.

There are a number of reasons why this book is important. First, there is no one source that summarizes what we know about the prevention of substance abuse from the research field, so the book serves as a repository of accumulated knowledge on prevention theory, intervention design, and development and prevention research methodology. Second, as an evolving field, prevention science has only begun to assert itself in both the arenas of practice and policy. The formation of the Society for Prevention Research in 1991 was the first recognition that a science of prevention existed and required a separate forum to present the rapidly growing content of the field for dis­ cussion and review. Finally, there is a need to establish a baseline, a reference point against which progress in the field of prevention science can be assessed. This book serves all of these purposes. The idea for this book grew from the observation in the early 1990s that after decades of attempts to develop effectiveinterventions to prevent drug use among children and adolescents in the United States that we were finally having success, particularly in addressing the initiation of use. These successes are the result of research that has provided a better understanding of the factors and processes associated with the onset of substance use.

The history of drug abuse prevention campaigns suggests limitations in producing measurable changes in behavior. In the past, there was concern over the possibility of such publicity actually encouraging interest in drug use, rather than discouraging such behavior. Although little or no scientifically sound empirical evidence has been found to support such a view, several social science textbooks still refer to this as something of which to be wary. Reviews of early research appear to indicate inadequate methods and a lack of rigor in theory testing. In recent years, however, research in communication and its uses in drug abuse prevention has become considerably more sophisticated, and communication is being used far more effectively. In this book, the editors bring together some of the most successful drug abuse prevention researchers in the country -- along with other experts in this field or in persuasive communication -- to address use and effects of both mass media and interpersonal strategies. This collection illustrates just how far the study of public influence through mass media has come, especially regarding such a vital, relevant issue as drug abuse prevention.

The history of drug abuse prevention campaigns suggests limitations in producing measurable changes in behavior. In the past, there was concern over the possibility of such publicity actually encouraging interest in drug use, rather than discouraging such behavior. Although little or no scientifically sound empirical evidence has been found to support such a view, several social science textbooks still refer to this as something of which to be wary. Reviews of early research appear to indicate inadequate methods and a lack of rigor in theory testing. In recent years, however, research in communication and its uses in drug abuse prevention has become considerably more sophisticated, and communication is being used far more effectively. In this book, the editors bring together some of the most successful drug abuse prevention researchers in the country -- along with other experts in this field or in persuasive communication -- to address use and effects of both mass media and interpersonal strategies. This collection illustrates just how far the study of public influence through mass media has come, especially regarding such a vital, relevant issue as drug abuse prevention.