Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Introduction. Adolescent risk behaviours, such as violence and substance use, are prevalent public health concerns in Canada. Further, these behaviours often co-occur, and are associated with poor mental health. Although a number of prevention programs exist that target these behaviours, few program evaluations have systematically investigated for whom and through what mechanism these programs work, information that is critical when resources are scarce and intervention needs are high. One characteristic that is important to consider when examining responsiveness to program is executive functioning (EF), or the mental processes involved in reasoning, planning, problem-solving and self-control. Deficits in EF are linked to engagement in adolescent risk behaviours, and because of cognitive changes that occur during this period, adolescence is an optimal time to intervene and promote EF. Objective. This study will examine if EF deficits are related to response to the Healthy Relationships Plus Program (HRPP), a skills-based program designed to reduce risk behaviours (violence, substance use) and increase mental well-being in adolescents aged 14-16. This study will also examine if changes in EF mediate the relationship between HRPP participation and program outcomes. Design and Participants. Participants for this study will be students aged 14-16 enrolled in an outcome evaluation of the HRPP (N=200). Data on EF will be collected from these students using lab-based measures at baseline, post-test and 6-month follow-up. Significance of Study. The findings from this study will contribute to understanding of how neurocognition is involved in response to universal public health programs, an area of growing focus with important implications for the health and well-being of Canadian youth. Findings from this study will also inform the creation of evidence-based adaptations of the HRPP, with the goal of improving outcomes for higher-risk adolescents.