NIMH
ID: 9R44HD069183-02
PI: AMANDA HARRELL, JUSTIN PARKER
TERM: 04/11 – 03/13

During adolescence, youth undergo pivotal biological, emotional, and cognitive shifts. Along with these immense internal shifts, adolescent peer relations become increasingly complex (e.g., cliques) and challenging (e.g., peer pressure) and, as teens struggle to define their young adult role, relationships within the family can become increasingly strained and conflictual. When youth experience difficulties navigating the transitions of adolescence, they are at heightened risk for developing a variety of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), maladaptive behavior patterns (e.g., self-destructive or risk-taking behaviors) and academic failure. Parents are often at a loss for how to communicate with teens and lack strategies for how to help them through the turmoil of adolescence. The resulting elevated levels of parental stress not only negatively impacts adolescent adjustment, but also places parents at heightened risk for their own mental health problems, particularly depression.

A phase I SBIR grant was completed in which the prototype for the parent training intervention program, Parent Guide to Adolescent Social-Behavioral Development (PGA), was developed and tested. PGA is a multi-component group intervention specifically designed to help parents help their adolescent successfully navigate relationships with peers and family. Through PGA, parents learn and practice effective methods to engage with their adolescent and collaboratively develop prosocial interpersonal problem-solving strategies. PGA focuses on parents of adolescents ages 13-16 years and includes 12 session scripts, workbook materials, video segments, and web-based materials for parents as well as a variety of on-line professional development and implementation support resources for providers. Phase II of the PGA project is currently underway and continues the research and development of the intervention program, including scientific evaluation. Efficacy will be evaluated by examining changes in (a) parent understanding of social issues facing adolescents and social problem solving skills; (b) parental self-efficacy for helping their child navigate interpersonal challenges; (c) parenting stress; (d) adolescent social and behavioral functioning; and (e) quality of the parent-adolescent relationship (e.g., communication, conflict). PGA is a valuable resource for parents and providers and has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of adolescents and their families.