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Bridging the gap between research and public policy to improve the lives of children.

Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center

Speakers and Seminars

The NIDA speaker and seminar series are supported by the TPRC Admin core and the Center for Child and Family Policy.

 

October 6, 2004

“ The relationship between attitudinal ambivalence and the desire to quit smoking"

Isaac Lipkus, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center

Abstract : This talk will discuss how youths' mixed positive and negative feelings about smoking cigarettes influence their desire to quit. The presentation will address the theoretical importance of ambivalence for smoking cessation processes, its measurement, and correlational and experimental findings showing that ambivalence is related to a stronger desire to quit.

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November 3, 2004

“ Recreational drugs and the adolescent brain: They're not young adults, just big kids! "

Wilkie A. Wilson, Ph.D., Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center

Abstract : Many people think of teenagers as young adults, but the latest neuroimaging studies show that the adolescent brain is still developing. Neuropharmacological studies suggest that adolescents may have different responses to recreational drugs, especially alcohol. This talk will describe some key findings about the neurobiology and neuropharmacology of the teenage brain, including an increased vulnerability to addiction.

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January 5, 2005

"Behavioral Toxicology and Pharmacology Research into Adolescent Neurobehavioral Risk: Lead and Nicotine Case Examples"

Edward D. Levin, Ph.D., Biological Psychiatry and Psychological & Brain Sciences, Duke University

Abstract : Dr. Levin's lab studies behavioral toxicology concerning adverse effects of environmental toxicants on neurobehavioral function. Lead is one of the most widespread environmental contaminants. It has long been known to impair cognitive function. Recently, lead exposure has been shown to cause a wider range of behavioral dysfunctions including increased rates of conduct disorder and possibly an increased risk of drug abuse. Dr. Levin will review the lead literature as well as data from Durham showing the incidence of lead exposure disparities according to ethnic group. Nicotine is the most common addiction with adverse health consequences. Adolescence is the period when the great majority of people become addicted to tobacco smoking. Adolescent onset smoking is associated with greater addiction. Dr. Levin's studies have found that in animal models, it is not entirely self selection bias that underlies this effect, but includes lasting impacts of adolescent nicotine self-exposure on neurobehavioral development.

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January 19, 2005

"Mind in the Making" Early Learning Modules: How the dissemination of new research on early learning is changing the way teachers across the country are educating young children”

Nina Sazer O'Donnell, Child, Family and Community Programs at the Families and Work Institute

Abstract : Families and Work Institute (FWI) is a nonprofit center for research that provides data to inform decision-making on the changing workforce, changing family and changing community. Founded in 1989, FWI's research typically takes on emerging issues before they crest. Its work often changes the language of debates to move the discussion forward. (www.familiesandwork.org)

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February 2, 2005

Various Presenters

“An Overview of Research Projects of the TPRC"

Abstract : This seminar which will present an overview of ongoing research being done by the TPRC. We will discuss linkages between existing projects and opportunities for scholars interested in prevention research to build on or work with ongoing projects. Faculty and staff associated with the TPRC as well as others interested in substance abuse prevention science are encouraged to attend

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February 16, 2005

"Research Opportunities at the Talent Identification Program"

Martha Putallaz, Ph.D., Psychology and Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP), Duke University

Abstract : The Duke University Talent Identification Program is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1980 through a grant from The Duke Endowment. Since 1980, over one million students have benefited from TIP programs that identify and serve the educational needs of gifted youth. Dr. Putallaz will discuss potential research opportunities using data gathered through the TIP programs. For information on TIP, please visit their website: http://www.tip.duke.edu

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March 16, 2005

“Depressive Symptoms and Delinquency: Correlations and Consequences”

Rebekah Chu , PhD

Abstract : Recent research has afforded much attention to identifying the causal mechanisms that explain an intergenerational transmission of antisocial behaviors. However, it is still not clear how parenting impacts child behaviors across generations. The current study has three aims:

1. to examine the extent of co-occurring internalizing and externalizing behaviors in adolescents, and the extent of co-occurrence among their children,
2. to examine the impact of family dysfunction on co-occurring internalizing and externalizing behaviors in two consecutive generations, and
3. to identify the causative mechanisms that explain an intergenerational transmission of family dysfunction, and evaluate whether an intergenerational transmission hypothesis is supported.

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April 6, 2005

"Psychobiological Connection Between Sensation Seeking and Drug Abuse Vulnerability"

Michael T. Bardo, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky

Abstract : Professor Bardo received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology in 1980 at Iowa State University under the supervision of Dr. Richard Hughes. His dissertation investigated the development of tolerance to morphine in infant rats. From 1980-82, he worked as a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Iowa under the supervision of Dr. Gerald Gebhart. Since 1982, he has been in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky . He presently serves as Director of the NIDA-funded Center for Drug Abuse Research Translation (CDART) and is a member of the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) on campus. Professor Bardo's laboratory is primarily interested in understanding the basic neuropharmacological mechanisms that underlie drug abuse vulnerability using laboratory animals. A major focus of his work is aimed at determining the impact of environmental factors during development on the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse. Neural correlates of the behavioral changes are being examined, with specific emphasis on the mesolimbic dopamine reward system. His laboratory is also involved in collaborative research to develop novel medications for the treatment of stimulant abuse. Students trained in his laboratory are exposed to a variety of behavioral, pharmacological and neuroscience techniques. Behavioral training is obtained in both operant and classical conditioning models. Students can also receive training in various neuropharmacological techniques, including small animal surgery, brain microinjections, and HPLC analysis of neurochemicals. Further specialized training in neuropharmacology, neurochemistry and/or human behavioral pharmacology is readily available through the active faculty collaborators in the Medical Center on campus.

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May 4, 2005

"When Asking Questions about Drugs May Backfire"

Gavan J. Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., Fuqua School of Business , Duke University

Abstract : In recent years, a growing body of research has shown that asking questions not only yields a written or verbal response, but often leads to a subsequent change in the behavior of the respondent. For example, our previous research has shown that asking a question about how likely a respondent is to floss their teeth led to an increase in actual flossing (versus a control group not asked the question) while a question about eating fatty food led to a decrease in fatty food consumption. When the valence of the target behavior is positive, the change in behavior is positive, and when negative, behavior decreases. The story is more complex when the behavior in question falls into the domain of tempting or risky behavior. In a recent study we found that asking an intent question about a seemingly negative behavior (illegal drug use) actually led to an increase in subsequent drug use. Interestingly, the proportion of drug users did not vary between control and question conditions, suggesting that the act of asking a question was not "converting" people to drugs. It was, however, dramatically increasing drug use among those asked the intent question. Further, stated intent was not significantly correlated with drug use, indicating that explicit measures of intended drug use may not be terribly useful screens for the behavior. In my presentation I'll discuss new research on asking questions about risky behavior, and the implications for health researchers.

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2005-06

September 8, 2005

“Family Co-Morbidity in Urban and Rural Poor Communities: Insights for Public Policy”

Linda Burton, Ph.D., Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Abstract : Data for this talk were from an ethnographic study entitled, “Three-City Study Ethnography.” The purpose of this study was to conduct assessments of how welfare reform policies influence the day-to-day lives of low income families. Participating families resided in low-income neighborhoods in several cities. Researchers focused in particular on the interaction of welfare policy, family behavior, and child development.

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September 12, 2005

“Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Community-Based Early Intervention Program in England : A Political and Scientific Odyssey”

Jay Belsky, Ph.D., Birkbeck University , London

Abstract : Dr. Belsky led the evaluation of the Sure Start program and will present findings in this talk. The evaluation occurred in socially deprived English communities. Interviews with mothers and cognitive assessments of children were conducted examining mother's reports of community services in the area, family functioning and parenting skills, child health and development, and verbal ability of children at 36 months. Results suggested that the Sure Start programs had beneficial effects on non-teenage mothers and adverse effects on children of teenage mothers, children of single parents, and children of unemployed parents. The Sure Start programs seem to benefit families that have relatively more personal resources and their children, but seem to have adverse effects on other children.

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September 21, 2005

"The Impact of Adolescent Perceptions of the Future on Substance Abuse"

Elizabeth Vigdor, Ph.D., Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University

Abstract : The seed grant was used to examine whether some adolescents have mistaken perceptions about future uncertainty, and how these misperceptions affect

the likelihood that they use illicit drugs in the future. We used the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97) to examine whether adolescents who overestimate their short term risk of death are more likely to initiate use or become regular users of marijuana or cocaine in the future. We found that approximately 30 percent of adolescents at wave 1 reported the correct responses in expectation for short term mortality. Adolescents with a self reported risk of dying of 2-10 percent were significantly more likely to initiate marijuana use and be regular marijuana users in the future than similar adolescents who assessed the risk of death accurately. This is consistent with the theory that adolescents may engage in risky behaviors because they underestimate the marginal consequences. We find no relationship between mortality expectations and cocaine use.

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November 2, 2005

“New Findings on What Protects Children from Becoming Violent Adults”

Rolf Loeber, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Abstract : Dr. Loeber presented data on factors that protect children from persisting in their antisocial behavior as they enter young adulthood. His data was based on findings from the Pittsburgh Youth Study, a longitudinal study of boys from childhood into adulthood.

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December 7, 2005

“Preventing Adolescent Drug Use: Empirical Findings, Challenges, and Future Directions”

Gil Botvin, Ph.D., Department of Public Health and the Department of Psychiatry Weill Medical College, Cornell University

Abstract : Many prevention efforts have been targeted at the school setting. The Life Skills Training Program utilizes a training element focused on enhancing life skills of adolescents in order to prevent substance use. Focus is placed on enhancing personal and social competence as well as increasing drug resistance skills and cognitions. This talk focuses on this program and results that have been obtained from schools in which this program has been used.

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February 1, 2006

“Turning Points and Developmental Disturbances: A Developmental Perspective on Substance Use During the Transition to Adulthood”

John Schulenberg, Ph.D., Institute for Social Research and Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan

Abstract : Issues of continuity and discontinuity in development are complex but may offer a useful framework for examining substance use. Schulenberg discusses considering substance use as a type of developmental disturbance during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The currently discussed research focuses on identifying trajectory groups of binge drinking during the transition to college. Results suggest intervention implications and risk factors for use during this important developmental transition.

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February 10, 2006

“Examining the Impact of Criminalizing Drug Use on the Health of Minority Families”

Martin Iguchi, Ph.D., Drug Policy Research Center, RAND Corporation, UCLA School of Public Health

Abstract : Not available

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March 1, 2006

“Mechanisms and Mar?uana: Treatment as Prevention in Young Adult Mar?uana User”

Kathleen Carroll, Ph.D., Psychotherapy Development Research Center , Yale University

Abstract : Carroll discusses using a stage model as a conceptual model for the development of behavior therapies and refinement of theories for adolescent substance use. The stage model represents an important conceptual framework which may help to complement and extend the effects of pharmacotherapies.

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March 8, 2006

“Peer Influences of Old-For-Grade and Retained Students: Disciplinary Infractions and Suspensions”

Clara Muschkin, Ph.D., Elizabeth Glennie, Ph.D., Research Scientists, Duke University

Abstract : This study analyzes the influence of old for grade and retained peers on the behavior of students in middle school; specifically the propensity of seventh-graders to engage in deviant behaviors in school. We also examine the propensity for students to receive an out-of-school suspension, one of the more severe consequences for disciplinary infractions. Our findings are consistent with peer influence theories of adolescent behavior. We find that both old for grade and retained students are more likely to commit offenses in school and to be suspended, even controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and organizational characteristics. Furthermore, we find that the proportion of students who are old for grade or retained has independent effects on the problematic behavior of other students.

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March 22, 2006

“Cities and Schools”

Tom Nechyba, Ph.D., Department of Economics, Duke University

Abstract : Not available

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April 5, 2006

“Substance Abuse Prevention by Strengthening Families”

Karol Kumpfer, Ph.D., Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Utah

Abstract : There is a great disconnect between research and practice in the field of substance abuse prevention. While we have knowledge as to how to prevent drug abuse by strengthening families, schools, and communities, prevention work is difficult and there are no quick fixes. This talk focuses on one program which attempts to bridge the gap between research and practice called the “Strengthening Families Program.”

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April 11, 2006

“Advances in Latent Variable Modeling”

Bengt Muthen, Ph.D., Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, UCLA

Abstract : Conventional modeling using latent class analysis and factor analysis has limitations for the analysis of diagnostic data. New hybrid models are discussed which allow both categorical and dimensional data to be used in the same model through using mixture modeling. Mixture models are more suitable for this type of data analysis than latent class or factor analysis models.

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May 3, 2006

“Why Mature Smokers Do Not Quit”

Frank Sloan, Ph.D., Department of Economics , Duke University

Abstract : Empirical work suggests that quitting smoking even at age 65 yields effects for longevity. There are high costs, both financially and physically, to continuing smoking yet many individuals do not quit. This study examines individuals' risk perceptions as a way of exploring why individual may or may not smoke.

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May 17, 2006

“Cultural Adaptation and Evaluation of Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Prevention for High Risk Adolescents in Community Settings"

Lori Holleran, Ph.D., School of Social Work , University of Texas at Austin

Abstract : This research seeks to explore the viability of evidence-based and culturally grounded drug resistance programs, as well as exploring how issues of culture and acculturation may relate to substance use prevention with youth. A novel program focused on communication competence and ecological risk and resilience approaches called “Keepin' it REAL” is discussed.

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2006-07

September 6, 2006

“Changing Habits by Accident and by Design”

Wendy Wood, Ph.D., Social Science Research Institute, Duke University

Abstract : Research on habit formation and change provide useful information for prevention and intervention efforts around substance use. Dr. Wood discusses her research program focused on habit change and how the information learned from this research has important implications for helping adolescents to change behaviors. Prevention of behavior seems to be the most effective strategy and focus on changing environments in which behaviors begin is an important strategy.

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October 4, 2006

“Regulatory Focus as a Predictor of Initial Substance Use in Adolescence”

Timothy Strauman, Ph.D., Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University

Abstract : This work focused on evaluating the intersection of individual differences in motivational style with substance use, with the ultimate goal of constructing specialized prevention programs. I ndividual differences in motivational orientation (the kinds of goals people pursue) have been hypothesized to be contributory factors in the development of substance use through their effects on social cognition (how people interpret everyday situations). Regulatory focus theory (RFT; Higgins, 1997) stipulates that individuals vary in their characteristic strength of orientation toward promotion goals (“making good things happen”) and prevention goals (“keeping bad things from happening”). Through this seed grant we analyzed data collected by Program 2. Based on the model decsribed above, we tested our prediction that individual differences in regulatory focus would have modest but significant associations with adolescent substance use. As predicted, prevention success was significantly associated with lower levels of use. The findings suggest the possibility of incorporating individual differences in regulatory focus within existing prevention programs for adolescents.

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October 5, 2006

" Acculturation and Mental Health in Immigrant Latino Adolescents: Early Results from the Latino Acculturation and Health Project "

Paul Smokowski, Ph.D., School of Social Work , UNC-Chapel Hill
Martica Bacallao, Ph.D., UNC-Greensboro

Abstract : Latino adolescents are at particularly high risk for several negative biopychosocial outcomes that are related to youth violence and injury. Some of these problems have been linked to acculturation. However, these studies have focused on adults and little is known about how acculturation affects adolescent health. The present talk explores a multi-wave panel study investigating acculturation and a range of health behaviors in Latino families.

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  November 1, 2006

“Social Influence and the Process of ‘Norm Narrowing' in Adolescents: The Identity-Seeking Benefits of Deviant Peer Association”

Philip Costanzo, Ph.D., Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University

Abstract : The dynamics of in-group homogeneity and out-group difference are important in the identity seeking process in youth. Prevention models need to go beyond peer resistance programming and focus on these group processes as well as iatrogenic effects. Dr. Costanzo discusses the process of ‘norm-narrowing' by which similar adolescents are grouped together and create a group identity based on their similarities and the implications this process has for substance use.

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November 13, 2006

“Safe and Drug-Free Schools : New Direction?”

William Modzeleski, M.P.S.

Abstract : Dr. Modzeleski discusses what is happening in schools in terms of crime and disorder and how crime and disorder impact teaching and learning. He also discusses which programs and practices have been found to be effective and which are not. Problems with current programming efforts are discussed, and Dr. Modzeleski discusses what is needed in future policy and programming work to help create safe and drug free schools.

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December 6, 2006

“Development of Nicotine Dependence in Adolescence”

Denise Kandel, Ph.D., Columbia University

Abstract : In contrast to smoking, little is known about how nicotine dependence is formed, particularly in adolescence. The current work focuses on understanding the natural history of dependence by examining the onset of symptoms and the subsequent developmental patterns of symptoms in adolescents.

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January 10, 2007

“Examining the Implicit Avoidance of Drugs and Alcohol When Pursuing Academic Goals”

James Shah, Ph.D., Fuqua School of Business , Duke University

Abstract : The last two decades have seen the increasing integration of two formerly disparate research traditions in psychology, that of motivation and cognition. Nowhere has the benefit of this new synergy been more evident than in the study of the nature and process of goal pursuit. In defining a future state of affairs to approach or avoid, goals serve as motivational points of reference for the fulfillment of regulatory needs. But goals are also knowledge structures and, as such, follow many of the same principles of acquisition, activation, change, and organization that have been articulated in the extensive research on knowledge representation. The research of Dr. Shah's team examines goals from both perspectives: it notes, for instance, the significance of goals' regulatory function and accessibility for determining emotional experience and attainment behavior as well as the nature, determinants, and implications of goal structure. In focusing on both the regulatory and epistemic nature of goal pursuit, the researchers have paid particularly close attention to the impact of these different properties on subjective experience and behavior. They have recently begun to apply this "synergistic" approach to an analysis of interpersonal phenomena, exploring how interactions and experiences with other individuals and groups may often help people fulfill their own regulatory needs and to define their social reality. Indeed, the team has begun to amass compelling evidence suggesting that how people feel about, and behave toward, other individuals and groups may be significantly affected by their needs for accomplishment, security and cognitive closure. Thus, in broad sense, this approach has led researchers to consider the independent and interactive effects of motivation and cognition and to explore the implications for how people feel and act, both with respect to their own pursuits and to the world around them.

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February 7, 2007

“From Individual Differences to Different Individuals: Etiology of Substance Use Disorder”

Ralph Tarter, Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh

Abstract : It is widely accepted that substance use disorder (SUD) has a multifactorial etiology. Accordingly, in keeping with the central limit theorem, the risk for development of a disorder can be expected to be normally distributed in the population. This presentation will consist of three parts. First, a conceptual framework will be described to illustrate the heuristic utility of developmental behavior genetics for explicating SUD etiology. Second, a method will be described to quantify SUD liability, along with results demonstrating the discriminative and predictive properties, a risk index currently comprising a main focus of research. And third, discussion will address the role of neurobehavior disinhibition in SUD etiology. The presentation will conclude with a brief consideration of the prospects and challenges of linking prevention practice to etiology.

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March 7, 2007

“The Implicit Influence of Significant Others on Substance Abuse”

Tonya Chartrand, Ph.D., Fuqua School of Business , Duke University

Abstract : Significant others influence our thoughts and behavior in many different ways. For one, their presence can lead us to adopt and pursue various goals they have for us. Research has shown that this influence can occur without the immediate presence of the significant others; the mere psychological presence of a significant other is sufficient (e.g., thinking about them, hearing their voice, seeing their photo). These motivational effects have been found to occur nonconsciously, suggesting that such goal activation can occur outside the person's awareness and implicitly guide their behavior within the current situation. This raises several questions about the ways in which an adolescent's personal relationships may implicitly influence the ways in which goals they have related to substance use are pursued. In 3 studies, college student participants were subliminally exposed to the name of a significant other who had either a strongly favorable or strongly unfavorable attitude toward marijuana use. The significant others also varied in terms of how close the participants felt toward them. Our goal was to examine how this unconscious exposure to the significant others (SOs) influenced participants_ own attitudes toward marijuana use. We found that people automatically took on the goals of close others _ that is, became more pro-pot when flashed with the pro-pot SO and became more anti-pot when flashed with the anti-pot SO. However, we found reactance (a tendency to do the opposite) when they were not close to the SO.

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April 11, 2007

“Integrating Topics of Drugs of Abuse into High School Biology & Chemistry Helps Students Improve Performance. What Does This Have to Do with Prevention?”

Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom, Ph.D., Pharmacology/RISE, Duke University

Abstract : We developed a curriculum to help school students learn biology and chemistry concepts using topics that are interesting and relevant to their own lives. This science education program incorporates drug abuse topics into standard biology and chemistry curricula - www.thepepproject.net). High school teachers were recruited into a randomized-controlled study, and after receiving professional development, they field-tested the program in their classrooms. We assessed student achievement in biology, chemistry, and advanced knowledge about drug abuse. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that use of the pharmacology modules was a significant predictor of increased student scores. The initial study with 3800 students was replicated in a larger trial with 11,700 students. Whether this approach might also help adolescents make intelligent decisions about drug use remains to be tested. However, with funds from the Duke Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center , we carried out a pilot study in high school health classes to determine the effect of science education on adolescents' risk perception of addiction and cancer from the use of “safer” cigarettes. We found that students randomized to the science education group scored significantly higher in their ability to correctly predict the risks of smoking “safer” cigarettes. The results provided the preliminary data for a major NIH grant currently under review.

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April 19, 2007

“Thinking About Drinking: Alcohol and Young Adults”

John McCardell, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Middlebury College and Founder of Choose Responsibly

Abstract : After 22 years, it is now possible to begin to assess the effects, intended and unintended, of the 21 year-old drinking age. Choose Responsibility is a new, non-profit organization, created to encourage informed and dispassionate public debate about the role of alcohol in the lives of our country's young adults. John McCardell and several of his research assistants, will share some of the findings of their white paper, "The Effects of the 21 year-old Drinking Age," as a way to initiate the desired public discussion, and will welcome questions and comments from the audience.

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April 24, 2007

“Doing and Becoming: Extracurricular Activities Participation and its Links to Positive Outcomes for Adolescents”

Jacquelynne Eccles, Ph.D., Gender and Achievement Research Program, University of Michigan

Abstract : Dr. Eccles will focus on three key areas: (1) the relation between participation in structured leisure activities and positive youth development, (2) associations between extracurricular activity involvement and educational and risky behavioral outcomes in adolescence and early adulthood, and (3) possible mediating mechanisms of these relations. She will discuss how processes linked to identity formation, peer group membership, and attachment to nonfamilial adults, may mediate the development of critical short- and longer-term adolescent and early adult outcomes.

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May 2, 2007

“Where Does Value Come From?”

Tory Higgins, Ph.D., Motivation Science Center , Columbia University

Abstract : Recognizing that value involves experiencing pleasure or pain is critical to understanding the psychology of value. But hedonic experience is not enough. I propose that it is also necessary to recognize that strength of engagement can contribute to experienced value through its contribution to the experience of motivational force-an experience of the intensity of the force of attraction to or repulsion from the value target. The subjective pleasure/pain properties of a value target influence strength of engagement, but there are factors separate from the hedonic properties of the value target that also influence engagement strength and thus contribute to the experience of attraction or repulsion. These additional sources of engagement strength include opposition to interfering forces, overcoming personal resistance, using the right or proper means of goal pursuit, and regulatory fit between the orientation and manner of goal pursuit. Implications of the contribution of engagement strength to value are discussed for judgment and decision making, persuasion, and emotional experiences.