Intergenerational test of PROSPER substance use intervention effects: A developmental cascade from adolescent social problem-solving to next-generation childrearing environment to children′s social-emotional competence

The current study evaluated a developmental cascade model in which PROSPER-delivered substance use preventive interventions impact next-generation children's psychosocial outcomes. This study evaluated a sample of 395 participants (Mage = 28.29, 94% White) from the original PROSPER community-randomized trial following two cohorts of adolescents starting in 2002 and 2003 (measured across Grades 6-10), who now have young children (measured in two waves of parenthood between 2019 and 2022). Analysis of the developmental cascade model revealed that PROSPER interventions promoted adolescents' social problem-solving skills, which in turn was associated with a more positive childrearing environment (cohesion, conflict, routines) 16 years later. In turn, the childrearing environment predicted next-generation children's social-emotional competence. Findings indicate that evidence-based universal programs may have intergenerational public health implications.