The PreVenture program is a personality targeted brief intervention. Science has shown that certain personality profiles put adolescents at higher risk of developing substance misuse and mental health issues. Using the SURPS (substance use risk profile scale) questionnaire, eligible teens are matched with the personality profile they most closely align with. Subsequently, trained facilitators take eligible teens through 2 90-minute workshops. Teens begin to understand how their personality impacts their life. They are taught adaptive coping skills and leave the workshops equipped with skills to help them make better choices.
x
Personality traits play an important role in determining the choices people make and the way in which they respond to stress. The PreVenture program is unique in that it targets specific personality traits which have the potential to influence teen mental health and risk-taking.
85% of prevention programs currently used in North American schools are not evidence based. They have no concrete results to show that they work.
PreVenture was tested in multiple randomized control trials across the globe. These trials produced solid scientific results demonstrating that PreVenture works. It has been recognized as an evidence-based program by several authoritative agencies such as UNESCO, WHO, UNODC and the US Surgeon General.
The program consists of (2) 90-minute workshops. The brief nature of the program brings added value in that PreVenture does not require a significant amount of resources to run, nor does it take much time away from regularly scheduled curriculum or activities. The program can be delivered face to face and a new online version has just been completed.
In the online format, the intervention will maintain much of its essential delivery components (group-based, peer-interactions, facilitator-guided discussions, structured personality-targeted cognitive-behavioural exercises), but will be provided to youth via a video conferencing platform (Zoom, Webex…).
A state-of-the art highly secure web-based delivery of the personality screening tool (SURPS) will enable Facilitators to rapidly screen for eligible youth in a highly secure end-to-end encryption platform. Confidentiality is assured and no personal identifying information will be loaded to a digital cloud. The student manuals have been modified and are now available in digital format. Youth will receive a high-quality, personalized manual that will encourage participation in cognitive behavioural exercises during and after completion of the program. Students will be asked to download their manual and work directly in it as they follow the screenshared version of the manual the Facilitator will use to lead the workshops.
x