The theoretical model of the school-based prevention program Unplugged

Unplugged is a school-based prevention program designed and tested in the framework of the EU-Dap prevention trials. The program consists of 12 standard units, one-hour each, delivered by class teachers to adolescents 12-14 years old, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing cigarette use, drunkenness episodes and cannabis use at short term. It is a strongly interactive program including a training of personal and social skills with a specific focus on normative beliefs. From the definition of the theoretical model of the program, and of the contribution of the theories to the units, it is possible to identify the main targeted mediators and to study mechanisms of effect of the program. The program is based on several theories: Social Learning, Social Norms theory, Health Belief model, theory of Reasoned Action-Attitude and Planned Behaviour, and Problem Behaviour theory, which are integrated creating a complex model. Every theory contributes to the development of the units’ contents, with specific weights. Problem Behavior theory accounts for 47% of the Unplugged content, and other theories account each for about 12-15% of the contents. Knowledge, risk perception, attitudes towards drugs, normative beliefs, critical and creative thinking, relationship skills, communication skills, assertiveness, refusal skills, ability to manage emotions and to cope with stress, empathy, problem solving and decision making skills are the targeted mediators of the program.