Randomized controlled trial on the effects of the integrated empowermentprogram POWER for youngsters from immigrant families

Youngsters from immigrant families have an elevated risk on marginalization and
associated problem behaviour. Empowerment is an often adopted strategy to
reduce these risks. Several studies demonstrate that empowerment can positively
influence social skills, problem behaviour and attitudes of youngsters.
Although these results are promising, the existing knowledge is yet
insufficient to consider empowerment as an evidence-based methodology.

In the Netherlands, the integrated empowerment program POWER is developped
based on the analysis of foreign empowerment programs and theories on
development psychology on the prevention of marginalization. POWER is directed
towards youngsters from immigrant families (12-18 years of age) who threaten to
marginalize, their parents and their social environment. The main purpose of
POWER is to reduce problem behaviour, improve coping skills and the perception
of control and to increase social participation by education, employment or
volunteer work. Currently, POWER is considered to be a promising intervention.

In this project, the effects of POWER will be examined in a randomized
controlled trial. De effects of POWER will be compared to a waiting list
control condition. In the experimental group a 6 months follow-up assessment is
scheduled in order to examine whether potential effects are maintained over
time. Clinical end terms are: problem behaviour, coping skills, mastery / locus
of control and participation in social activities such as school and work.

The objective of this project is examining whether the empowerment program
POWER reduces the risk on marginalization of youngsters from immigrant families
(with an elevated risk).

In this project the following research questions will be answered.

(1) Is the empowerment program POWER effective in terms of:
(-) reduction of problem behaviour (Strenght and Difficulties Questionnaire)
(-) improvement in coping skills (Utrechtse Coping Lijst - Adolescenten)
(-) improvement in perception of controle (mastery)
(-) increase in social participation (education, employment or volunteer work)
(2) Are these effects maintained 6 months later?

DESIGN
This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 2
parralel groups: the experimental group (POWER) and a waitinglist control
group. Allocation to the research condition occurs by means of
clusterrandomization.

CONDITIONS: THE INTERVENTION
POWER is an integrated empowerment program for youngsters from immigrant
families (12-18 years) with an elevated risk on marginalization or problem
behaviour. The program consists of 4 components that have to be carried out
together: a youngster course, a parental course, community approach and
aftercare.

CONDITIONS: WAITING LIST CONTROL
The control group is made up of comparible youngsters who are allocated to a
waiting list. The waiting list control group is recruited at the same time as
the experimental group and is offered the intervention immediately after the
experimental group is finished. During the waiting period (approximately 3
months) sport acitivities are offered in order to keep the group motivated.

CLINICAL END TERMS:
problem behaviour (primary), coping skills, mastery / locus of control and
participation in social activities such as school and work (secundary).

MEASUREMENTS:
Both groups have 3 measurements:
1. The baseline measrement preceded the first session of the experimental
group; the baseline measurement in the control group is scheduled simultaneously
2. The first follow-up measurement is scheduled 3 months after the baseline
measurement; immediately after the last sessionin de experimental group and
before the start of the intervention in the waiting list control group.
3. In the experimental group, the second follow-up measurement is scheduled 6
months after the intervention (9 months after baseline); in the control group,
the second follow-up measurement is scheduled immediately after their
intervention (6 months after baseline).

BURDEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE STUDY:
Respondents in both conditions complete a questionnaire at 3 points in time.
Completing each questionnaire wil take up 30 minutes. Respondents are assisted
by one of the researchers.

RISKS: We expect no risks for the participants because:
- participant apply voluntary to the intervention and the study
- the intervention concerns an empowerment program, no therapy.
- youngsters with serious psychological problems are excluded from the
intervention and therefore from the study as well. In case of unforseen
problems, the youngster can be reffered to other services.