A Statewide Evaluation of a Communication and Parenting Skills Program

Abstract

This study evaluated, through a state training network the Communication and Parenting Skills (CAPS) substance abuse education program. The program includes: 1) parental modeling of positive attitudes and behaviors and 2) effective communication. Ten instructors, located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, each conducted two CAPS courses — one serving as an experimental course, the other as a control.

The procedure followed for this project was a post-test only design. Comparative data revealed that the marital status and years in present residence for the two groups were very similar. The control group averaged one-half year more of education and one-half child less per family. Results from the Sensitivity to Children Index indicated a significant acquisition and utilization of constructive responses by participants in the experimental condition.

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