LifeSkills® Training

Effective drug prevention strategies are focused on

changing behavior

LifeSkills®

Major Components

Personal Self-Management SkillsGeneral Social SkillsDrug Resistance Skills

Personal Self-Management Skills

Personal Behavior Change• Self-Image & Behavior / Goal Setting

• Self-Monitoring & Reinforcement

Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

Stress and Anxiety Management

General Social Skills Effective Communication Greetings and Brief Social Exchanges Conversational Skills Navigating Social Requests Assertiveness

Social Resistance Skills Awareness of Media and Other Pro-Drug

Social Influences Development of Anti-Drug Use Norms Prevention-Related Drug Knowledge Drug Refusal Skills

Summary of Evaluation Results Reduces Substance Abuse by up to 87% Effective in reducing tobacco, alcohol,

marijuana, inhalants, narcotics & hallucinogens Effects last for at least 6 years Effective in reducing aggressive/violent

behavior Researched and proven effective with African-

American, Hispanic, White, Urban, Suburban and Rural Youth

Summary of Elementary Pilot Study Results

Reduces annual smoking rates by up to 63%

Increases self-esteem Findings show that the evidence-based

LST model is equally effective at the elementary level

Theoretical Foundations

ModelingReinforcementFunctional Behavior

Cognitive-Behavioral Skills Cognitive Skill Development Connecting thought to action

• Discussing & Analyzing

• Reframing

• Cause & Effect Reasoning

Cognitive-Behavioral Skills

Behavioral Skill DevelopmentConnecting action to thought

Behavioral Rehearsals• Modeling, “Safe” Practice with Peers

• Observation and Feedback Building Repertoire of Skills & Tools Changing Norms Through Practice,

Reflection & Application of Skills

Elementary Program Content by Grade/LevelTOPIC L1: 3rd/ 4th L2: 4th/ 5th L3: 5th/ 6th

Self-Esteem 1 1 1

Decision-Making 1 1 1

Smoking Information 1 1 1

Advertising 1 1 1

Dealing with Stress 1 1 1

Communication Skills 1 1 1

Social Skills 1 1 1

Assertiveness 1 1 1

Total Class Sessions 8 8 8

Provider Techniques and Fidelity

Teaching Key Points, Activities and Objectives in Sequence

Using Recommended LST Teaching Skills

Control Low Fidelity High Fidelity

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Mon

thly

Sm

okin

g (%

)

1Post Test

The Role of Information Information alone does not work, and

may increase drug use Provide developmentally appropriate

information on Risk Factors• Immediate and short-term consequences

• Salient Issues

Do LifeSkills with Kids – Not to them!