Publisher's Synopsis
Organized in terms of an implicit phases model, this special issue begins with two analyses of risk and protective factors that influence adolescent drinking patterns over time without the intrusion of deliberate intervention. The remaining articles focus almost entirely on intervention research -- studies that test or evaluate intervention strategies in terms of their impact or potential impact on alcohol use and abuse by adolescents. They are organized in terms of a micro/macro environmental perspective, moving from the smaller microcosm of the family through school settings, communities, and large governmental jurisdictions.
The papers in this issue lay the foundation for future avenues of inquiry and highlight some very important emergent research themes. It is clear that family systems are attracting attention as potential environments for preventive interventions. Historically, families have been perceived as sources of alcohol problems and targets of treatment. Now they are being viewed as possible protective systems and settings for deliberate intervention before alcohol-related problems actually occur.
