Evaluation of a Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Program for Children of Divorce

This study evaluated a preventive intervention for 62 children of divorce. The children participated in a 12-session elementary school program designed to improve their coping, self-esteem, and assertiveness which were specified as mediators of the effects of family stress on children's mental health and substance use. Their adjustment was contrasted at pre— and postintervention with that of demographically matched peers Qi =62). The intervention participants were less well adjusted than their peers before the intervention. They reported significant increases after the intervention compared to their peers on problem-focused coping and self-esteem, and reductions of substance use, antisocial behavior, and anxiety. The results suggest the utility of coping skills and self-esteem enhancement interventions to reduce substance use and psychological Symptoms Of Children Of divorce.