School Prevention Program Improved Emotional Skills and Shifted Cannabis Habits in Polynesian Teens

Among 231 Polynesian middle and high school students, the Kusa prevention program improved emotional acceptance, awareness, verbalization, and impulse control in non-users and low-users. After the program, a larger proportion of participants reported generally not consuming cannabis during the day. Frequent users showed increased emotional verbalization but no significant change in consumption.

Quantitative longitudinal study with repeated measures (pre- and 3-month post-program) using standardized questionnaires. Classes were randomized into program participation or control groups. Sample of 231 students (57.8% girls, mean age 15.0). Results analyzed by level of cannabis use.

French Polynesia has one of the highest cannabis use rates among French territories, with early adolescent onset. This study shows that culturally adapted prevention programs targeting emotional skills can meaningfully shift behavior, especially when reaching youth before heavy use patterns develop.

Most cannabis prevention programs are designed for Western contexts. This study demonstrates that adapting programs to specific sociocultural contexts, as done with the Kusa program for Polynesian youth, can produce measurable improvements in the emotional skills that protect against problematic use.

Three-month follow-up is relatively short. No biological confirmation of cannabis use changes. Program effects were strongest in non-users and low-users, with limited impact on frequent users' consumption patterns.