The Effectiveness of a Substance Abuse Prevention Program Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a substance abuse prevention program utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training for early adolescents. The program was designed to improve participants’knowledge and attitudes toward substance use, as well as their self-esteem and emotional regulation abilities. To test its effectiveness, two fifth-grade classes from W Elementary School in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do, were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to either an experimental group (n = 18) or a control group (n=17). The experimental group participated in a DBT skills training program, delivered once a week for 40 minutes over a period of 10 weeks (10 sessions in total). Pre- and post-tests were conducted using standardized scales measuring substance-related knowledge, attitudes, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to assess program effects. The findings revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in substance-related knowledge, attitudes, and self-esteem compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was found in emotional regulation. These results suggest that DBT-based skills training can be effective in preventing substance abuse among early adolescents. The study discusses implications for school-based prevention programs, as well as its limitations and directions for future research.