Research Report: Gance-Cleveland (2004)

1) This study sought to explore the characteristics, clinical elements, methods, and benefits of school-based support groups for children of alcoholics (COA). Identification of this information may aid in the intervention process of adolescents who are coping with the addiction of a loved one and could improve long-term outcomes for the adolescent.

2) the author found that the support groups educated on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, improved coping strategies, enhanced resiliency factors, improved relationships, and increased school achievement. Of equal importance where the observed positive changes in behavior and an increased awareness of the effect of addiction on their lives (Gance-Cleveland, 2004). The findings of the current study were consistent with previous literature including the ability of the group process to empower youth and create a sense of awareness that can be correlated to improved decision making and long-term outcomes.

3) This study has some significant weaknesses including sample size, lack of randomization, limited female participation, and retrospective design (Gance-Cleveland, 2004). Another limitation of the study is the role of the researcher as co-facilitator of the group. This may have impacted internal validity in that the participants may not have felt as comfortable engaging in the group process. Lack of faculty and staff support also could have had an impact on the results of the study and the students' willingness to openly participate. Students and staff claimed...

Since the individual interviews with participants did not include male participants, students who chose not to participate in the group, or person who did not complete the group, results can only be generalized to a small population (Gance-Cleveland, 2004). Nonetheless, the potential for positive outcomes for these youth and the gains that have been cited make transferability a desired goal. This model should be replicated in other high schools in which adolescents are struggling with the addiction of a family member. Due to the high prevalence of this phenomenon, finding a setting to use should not be a challenge to the provider.
5) This model for evaluation proposed in this study may be utilized in the future to reproduce groups for adolescents whose parents experience addiction. Findings may also be utilized to provide education and endorsement to school health professionals and policymakers about the potential positive impact that this intervention can have on this at-risk group (Gance-Cleveland, 2004).