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Preventing behavior problems among elementary schoolchildren: impact of a universal school-based program in China
Lin Hong1, Wang Yufeng, Kingsley Agho
1Department of Public Mental Health, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, 51 Huayuan Beilu, Haidian Qu, Beijing 100191, China. linhongw@126.com
The Journal of School Health
|April 27, 2011
Summary
A universal school-based prevention curriculum significantly reduced problem behaviors in third-grade students. This program offers a positive intervention for children, showing lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Educational Interventions
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problem behaviors in elementary school children are a concern.
- Universal, school-based prevention programs can address these behaviors.
- Third-grade students were the focus of this study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a universal school-based prevention curriculum on problem behaviors.
- To assess the effectiveness of a 13-session program for third graders.
- To determine if the curriculum leads to significant changes in behavioral issues.
Main Methods:
- Random assignment of six regular classes to intervention or control groups.
- Implementation of a 13-session prevention curriculum for the intervention group.
- Assessment of problem behaviors using the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at baseline, posttest, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significantly lower unadjusted mean behavioral problem scores posttest and at 6-month follow-up.
- Adjusted analyses, controlling for confounders, confirmed significantly lower total behavioral scores in the intervention groups.
- The program demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on reducing behavioral problems.
Conclusions:
- A universal school-based prevention program effectively improved behavioral problems in Chinese elementary school children.
- The findings are significant given the cultural emphasis on child achievement under the 1-child policy.
- The curriculum provides a valuable tool for promoting positive behavioral changes in young students.
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