Paths to psychological empowerment in an urban community: Sense of community and citizen participation in substance abuse prevention activities

N. Andrew Peterson, Robert J. Reid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

105 Scopus citations

Abstract

Empowerment represents a promising intervention target for substance abuse prevention activities. To date, however, there has been a paucity of research examining the role of empowerment processes engaged in by citizens within substance abuse prevention contexts. Addressing this concern, this study tested a path model that included perceptions of person, situation, and environment-related predictors of empowerment. The hypothesized model was found to fit data from a sample of randomly selected urban residents (n = 661) who participated in an evaluation of a Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Community Partnership. Findings elucidate the need for developing substance abuse prevention initiatives that promote empowerment by increasing participation in substance abuse prevention activities, with particular emphasis on incorporating strategies designed to improve sense of community. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)25-38
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Community Psychology
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2003

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