were not formally utilized since there was no hypothesis and therefore no null hypothesis to prove false.
New data for this study included that which was related to the results of the pilot study, which revealed adolescent abilities for decision-making.
Variables for the study included the outcome variables: decision-making, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
This was a pilot study conducted prior to participation in the Healthy Transitions Program, a program designed to improve decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills. The Healthy Transitions program emphasizes the use of these skills in difficult situations that would typically result in fighting or aggressive behavior. The program consisted of a 19-week curriculum with interactive small group sessions. Two middle schools were compared with a third control. Students were interviewed prior to the intervention, for the pilot study, to determine their existing cognitive and decision-making abilities.
Findings from the sample were that participants demonstrated a tendency for negative consequences, despite responses with socially favorable solutions. The favorable solution responses may have been due to desires to remain in good favor and were not linked to favorable consequences.
Measures used for this study included a one-on-one interview with a trained graduate student. Students responded to six open-ended questions about three hypothetical scenarios which presented conflict in social interactions. Students stated the problem, solutions, and options they would choose (provided by the interviewer). Consequences of negative solutions were asked. Tape recordings of the interviews verified accuracy of data. Categories for grouping solutions were aggressive, communication with adults, communication with peers, avoidance, and other. Reliability and validity information was not provided.
The authors reported that causes of youth vio...