FREIRIAN-PRAXIS IN HEALTH-EDUCATION - RESEARCH RESULTS FROM AN ADOLESCENT PREVENTION PROGRAM

This article illustrates how Paulo Freire's social change theory can b e integrated with a cognitive and behavior change theory to develop a comprehensive health education program directed at both individual- an d community-level change. Through discussion of ASAP, an alcohol and s ubstance abuse prevention program for youth from high-risk communities in New Mexico, this article presents an interweaving of Freirian theo ry and protection-motivation cognitive change theory. Qualitative rese arch data are provided on the processes of change, the interplay of pe rsonal and societal factors, and the potential outcomes as a result of using this integrated approach. Programmatic and evaluation implicati ons for health education programs are discussed.