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influence developmental pathways

Level of research support: Evidence of effectiveness

What is it?

The developmental pathways approach acknowledges that harms from alcohol and other drug use may occur at key developmental stages in an individual's life, and may arise from a variety of individual, social and environmental factors. These key developmental stages include

  • the pre-natal/post-natal period,
  • transition to school (starting kindergarten),
  • adolescence and the transition to high school,
  • transition to independence (going to college or entering the work force), and
  • transitions relating to family and occupation, including retirement.

This approach pays particular attention to building resilience and protective factors. Resilience is the ability to rise above or bounce back from adversity, while protective factors refer to things such as social and emotional competence, healthy family attachment, school connectedness, participation in a faith community, and having a meaningful adult role-model relationship during adolescence or a supportive relationship in adulthood. The idea is that the more protective factors people have in their lives, the more resilient they will be in the face of obstacles or challenging circumstances.

The developmental pathways approach also focuses on mitigating risk factors such as genetic factors, parental substance use (pre- or post-natal), childhood trauma, inadequate income and/or housing, and early initiation into excessive or regular substance use.

Why do it?

Effective health promotion programs influence developmental pathways across a lifespan by addressing individual, social and environmental factors, including increasing protective factors and mitigating risk factors (Loxley et al., 2004; CARBC, 2006).

Studies suggest effective strategies include building strengths and competence in children and families, and enhancing their relationships (Masten & Gewirtz). This is particularly important when it comes to transition points linked to substance use.

Who is it for?

  • General population (universal)
  • Young people (selected)

Who can facilitate it?

  • Interested citizens
  • Community leaders
  • Schools
  • Health services
  • Social services

How can we implement it?

Develop or enhance pregnancy support programs

  • Work with stakeholders to provide community-based pregnancy support programs to assist expectant mothers.
  • Explore ways to ensure broad access to information about the impacts of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use on fetal development.

Invest in parent education programs

  • Work with stakeholders in the helping professions to develop or enhance home-visitation programs for new parents.
  • Provide support to help parents increase their understanding of child and adolescent development. Use transition points as opportunities to provide information and engage parents in discussions on effective support (see Helping Schools for further guidance).

Promote school adjustment

  • Explore ways to increase access to pre-school environments that provide intellectual stimulation and social interaction for young children.
  • Encourage schools to use (or continue using) curriculum and classroom practices that support the development of social and emotional competence and the knowledge and skills youth need to survive and thrive (see Helping Schools for further guidance).

 

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