Initial impact of the fast track prevention trial for conduct problems: I. The high-risk sample.

Abstract

Fast Track is a multisite, multicomponent preventive intervention for young children at high risk for long-term antisocial behavior. Based on a comprehensive developmental model intervention included a universal-level classroom program plus social skills training, academic tutoring, parent training, and home visiting to improve competencies and reduce problems in a high-risk group of children selected in kindergarten. At the end of Grade 1, there were moderate positive effects on children's social, emotional, and academic skills; peer interactions and social status; and conduct problems and special-education use. Parents reported less-physical discipline and greater parenting satisfaction/ease of parenting and engaged in more appropriate/consistent discipline, warmth/positive involvement, and involvement with the school. Evidence of differential intervention effects across child gender, race, site, and cohort was minimal.The problem of juvenile crime has risen more than four-fold since the early 1970s (Cook & Laub, 1997). Homicide is now the leading cause of death among urban male teenagers (Centers for Disease Control, 1991). The seriousness of this problem has led to increased interest in finding effective programs for preventing antisocial behavior among adolescents. This article describes the initial results of a comprehensive multisite program (Fast Track) for preventing serious and persistent antisocial behavior among high-risk children.The Fast Track project design is based on a model of the development of antisocial behavior derived from developmental theory and longitudinal research (Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group [CPPRG], 1992). The model focuses on individuals who begin showing conduct problems in early childhood (Moffitt, 1993;Patterson, Reid, & Dishion, 1992). These children, termed life-course-persistent offenders by Moffitt and early starters by Patterson et al., represent approximately 6% of the general population but account for almost half of all adolescent crimes (Wolfgang, Figlio, & Sellin, 1972). Early starting patterns of conduct problems are remarkably stable (Farrington, Loeber, & Van Kammen, 1990). For example, Richman, Stevenson, and Graham (1982) found that 62% of 3-year-olds with problems of impulsivity and oppositional behavior continued these problems through age 8. Almost half of all youth who initiated serious violent acts before age 11 continued this kind of offending NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript beyond age 20, twice the rate of those who began their violent careers at age 11 or 12 (Elliott, 1994).The Fast Track program involves a developmentally based, long-term multicomponent, and multisite intervention, evaluated using a randomized design with a no-intervention control group and a comprehensive multimethod set of assessment strategies (Cicchetti, 1984;Kazdin, 1987). A model of the developmental pathways associated with early starting conduct problems provided the framework for the prevention design that is des...

Cross-Sectional Study into the Costs and Impact on Family Functioning of 4-Year-Old Children with Aggressive Behavior

“…Recently, evidence-based interventions and prevention programs have gained attention. There is evidence that these programs effectively reduce aggressive problem behaviors (Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group 1999; Hutchings et al 2007; McCart et al 2006; Shaw et al 2006). Consequently, early and accurate identification of children with high levels of aggressive behavior who might be at risk for the development of DBD and the investment of delivering these programs with fidelity will result in large savings on the long term.…”

Differential Risk for Late Adolescent Conduct Problems and Mood Dysregulation Among Children with Early Externalizing Behavior Problems

“…Interviewers were trained to a minimum of 70 % agreement with the criterion observer at each site through manualized instruction, role play, and guided and videotaped practice (CPPRG 1999). Three warm parental behaviors directed at the child were rated on a 3-point scale (1 = Didn’t Occur ; 2 = Occurred Once ; 3 = Occurred More than Once ), and ratings were summed for a total score reflecting parental warmth ( α =0.87).…”

Long-term outcome of a randomized controlled universal prevention trial through a positive parenting program: is it worth the effort?

“…Furthermore, the children completed cognitive tests to assess school performance (not reported here). The multi-method assessment is modelled on other large prevention trial studies, such as Fast Track [30,31]. Compensation for time and effort for the assessments was provided (50 Euro for pre-, and 1-year including the mother-child interaction, 20 Euro for the 2-year follow-up assessments, and 10 Euro for the reduced post-assessment with self-report instruments only); furthermore, parents received feedback about the results of the assessments.…”