Dynamic Change of Aggressive Behavior and Victimization Among Adolescents: Effectiveness of the ViSC Program

The present study reports a high-quality evaluation of the ViSC Social Competence Program, which was implemented large scale in Austria. A rigorous test of program effectiveness has been performed to investigate the dynamic change of aggressive behavior and victimization and to ensure a high level of statistical conclusion validity. A cluster randomized control study was applied to examine program effectiveness regarding aggressive behavior and victimization. In sum, 1,377 adolescents (48.5% girls, M_age = 11.7) enrolled in 13 schools participated in the program; 665 adolescents (45.2% girls, M_age = 11.6) enrolled in 5 schools were in the control group. Data were collected with Internet-based questionnaires at pre- and posttest with several validated scales to capture the full range of the two constructs. To ensure construct validity, a series of invariance tests of the second-order factor models were performed. To test program effectiveness, a multiple group bivariate latent change score model was applied. Evidence for a dynamic change of aggressive behavior and victimization was found. As predicted, the pretest levels and the change scores of aggressive behavior and victimization were associated. Moreover, higher levels of pretest values predicted more change. The program was effective in reducing victimization but not aggressive behavior. Gender did not moderate the results. Results are important for national rollout and cross-national dissemination of the program. However, further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the intervention effects.