Applying Theories and Models to Educational Interventions for Target Populations:

Countering Drug Abuse among Youths

The youths are vulnerable to drug abuse mainly when peer groups influence their behavior to engage in drug abuse. One of the primary methods to counter the trend is education interventions that instill a new culture of embracing a positive culture free from drugs. The chosen behavior can be analyzed and predicted by employing the theory of reasoned action(TRA) or the theory of planned behavior(TPB). The understanding helps in structuring an education plan that can be applied in their lives to counter perceived beliefs and instead develop new ones. TPB and TRA focus on the motivational factors that contribute to specific behavior. TRA argues the power of intention in determining the behavior, which determines the subjective and normative norms. When youths want to quit drugs, the intention is the desire to quit with the belief that drugs will affect their future lives. In attaining these, the theories note that evaluation is essential to determine the subjective norms and normative beliefs linked to quitting drugs where positive effects become the motivation tools. The theories held in understanding...

Here, the education interventions do not consider unconscious reactions, for they are hard to predict.

In modeling education interventions for youths involved in drug abuse, it is essential to understand the primary determinants. A deeper understanding of the intentions, motivations, and influencers through TRA and TPB also contributes to further research on prevention programs. While pessimistic arguments exist that it is impossible to develop educational interventions where different people have similar responses for varying reasons, TRA and TPB theories have proven to be satisfactory in tailoring education interventions. In doing this, action, context, target and time must be considered. Thus, varying behavior prompts the development of different interventions. First, the education interventions may focus on preventing the youths from engaging in drugs. Other education interventions might target a...

…In keeping with these risks, developing a positive future for the youths to counter drug use is essential. According to Stoddard and Pierce (2016), there is scanty research on contextual factors and their influence on the lives of adolescents.

TRA can be used to predict the contextual factors integrated with educational interventions to positively impact the at-risk youths of drug use, those who have started or are already addicted. According to the authors, adolescents' attitudes vary based on contextual attributes. As a result, it is essential to introduce positive educational interventions to prevent AOD and enhance research on associated factors that contribute to peer influences that accelerate drug usage.

In summary, educational interventions positively impact the reduction of drug use among youths. TRA and TPB serve as tools to guide the best interventions and predict youths' behavior hence designing the best educational plans that match the individual needs. In doing these, it is essential to recognize the attitudes, subjective and normative norms, and their contribution to customizing educational intervention for youths. The educational interventions also serve…