Coping Power Adapted as Universal Prevention Program: Mid Term Effects on Children's Behavioral Difficulties and...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Interventions

Background:

• Aggressive behaviors in schools negatively impact student well-being and academic success.
• Prevention programs are crucial for addressing behavioral issues in educational settings.
• Universal and targeted interventions can be employed to mitigate aggressive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Coping Power program as a universal prevention strategy.
• To assess the program's impact on reducing behavioral problems in elementary students.
• To determine the program's effect on improving students' academic performance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 184 students across nine classes in two Italian elementary schools.
• The Coping Power program was adapted for universal prevention delivery.
• Intervention and control groups were compared for changes in behavioral problems and school grades.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in behavioral problems observed in the intervention classes compared to control classes.
• Significant improvement in school grades for students participating in the Coping Power program.
• The program demonstrated positive outcomes at the universal prevention level.

Conclusions:

• The Coping Power program is an effective intervention for reducing behavioral problems and enhancing academic achievement in schools.
• The program's flexible, multi-tiered model allows for adaptation by teachers, educators, and psychologists.
• Implementation in school settings can be cost-effective and reduce the complexity of managing multiple interventions.