Social Decision‐Making and Life Skills Development: A Critical Thinking Approach to Health Promotion in the Middle School

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Abstract
This article discusses a classroom‐based social decision‐making intervention for health promotion and prevention of problem behaviors. The social decision‐making approach brings together social‐cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social relationship areas with critical thinking skills important for academic achievement. These skills are the same ones needed to promote children's health and prevent substance abuse and related health‐compromising behaviors. Key components of this program, its development, and theoretical background are discussed, focusing on implications for school‐based health promotion. As such, social decision‐making provides an approach to health promotion that enhances coordination among classroom and health education personnel. The middle school years, a time of increasing risk for negative health‐related outcomes, are examined as a key period for intervention. Finally, empirical evidence supporting use of social decision‐making and related approaches is discussed.