Research Seminar with Hanie Edalati, "Well-Venture Project: Adapting Personality-targeted Interventions for Reducing the Risk of Substance Use and Mental Health Problems in Adolescents Involved in Youth Protection Services"

Adolescents involved in Youth Protection Services (YPS) are at high risk of substance use and mental health problems. However, there is an enormous gap between the needs and availability of trauma-informed substance use early intervention programmes in YPS. This study aimed to adapt an evidence-based personality-targeted intervention program for needs of adolescents in YPS by examining the feasibility and proof-of-concept of implementing these interventions for reducing the risk of substance use and mental health problems. Adolescents were recruited from the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres (N = 62, 52% females, Mean age= 16.07) and invited to receive two group-based intervention sessions targeting their dominant personality profile: Anxiety Sensitivity, Hopelessness, Impulsivity, or Sensation Seeking. Adolescents were assessed before and then three months after receiving interventions. This presentation will report on the steps for adapting these interventions for victimised youth and preliminary results on the feasibility and proof-of-concept of implementing these interventions to improve youth outcomes experiencing transitions in YPS.

Bring your lunch. Cookies & coffee will be served.

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