Development of a school-based prevention program for children in alcoholic families.

The systematic development of a preventive intervention for elementary-aged children of alcoholics (COAs) is described. First, the risk status of children of untreated alcoholics was established. Second, risk and protective factors that appeared to be mediators of mental health status for COAs were identified. Third, a preventive intervention was designed to teach coping skills and enhance self-esteem. Fourth, the intervention was pilot tested to assess its feasibility and potential. Finally, plans for a large scale experimental field trial of the revised curriculum are outlined. The advantages of following a systematic intervention development plan are demonstrated.