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Heterogeneity in responses to a universal prevention program.
Rolf Sandell1, Birgitta Kimber
1Linköping University, Sandhamnsgatan 39, 115 28, Stockholm, Sweden, rolf.sandell@liu.se.
The Journal of Primary Prevention
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Universal prevention programs show varied results across different groups. A Swedish school-based socio-emotional learning program analysis revealed three distinct outcome trajectories, highlighting the need to examine individual differences beyond average effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Public Health
Background:
- Universal prevention strategies are often applied to diverse populations.
- The effectiveness of these programs can vary significantly across individuals.
- Understanding this heterogeneity is crucial for optimizing intervention outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the heterogeneity of outcomes in a school-based socio-emotional learning program.
- To analyze individual change trajectories within a previously studied population.
- To identify distinct subgroups with differing responses to primary prevention.
Main Methods:
- Latent class regression analysis was applied to longitudinal data.
- Two measures of well-being were utilized to assess outcomes.
- The study re-analyzed results from a Swedish school-based socio-emotional learning program.
Main Results:
- Three significantly different latent classes emerged from the analysis.
- Each class exhibited distinct well-being change trajectories over time.
- The identified classes yielded different program outcomes, indicating significant heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Primary prevention program analyses should not solely rely on sample means.
- Examining individual-level outcomes is essential for a comprehensive understanding of program effectiveness.
- Tailoring interventions based on identified subgroups may improve overall impact.
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