Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
06:04
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
School-based counseling using systematic feedback: a cohort study evaluating outcomes and predictors of change
Mick Cooper1, Dave Stewart, Jacqueline Sparks
1Counselling Unit, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, UK. mick.cooper@strath.ac.uk
Summary
School counseling using the Partners for Change Outcome Monitoring System (PCOMS) significantly reduced psychological distress in children. This systematic feedback approach showed high clinical improvement, especially for disabled and older children using CBT methods.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- School-based counseling services are crucial for addressing children's social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.
- Systematic outcome monitoring can enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of school-based counseling that integrated the Partners for Change Outcome Monitoring System (PCOMS).
- To identify predictors of therapeutic change in children receiving counseling.
Main Methods:
- A cohort design was employed with 288 children aged 7-11 experiencing psychological difficulties.
- Multilevel modeling was used to analyze changes in psychological distress.
- The Partners for Change Outcome Monitoring System (PCOMS) was incorporated into the counseling intervention.
Main Results:
- The intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in psychological distress (effect size d = 1.49).
- A high rate of clinical improvement (88.7%) was observed.
- Disabled children, older children, and those receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) showed greater improvements.
Conclusions:
- Systematic feedback, as provided by PCOMS, is a valuable component of effective child therapy.
- School-based counseling interventions can yield substantial positive outcomes for children with psychological difficulties.
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