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The Effectiveness of School-Based Skills-Training Programs Reducing Performance or Social Anxiety: Two Randomized
Amanda W G van Loon1, Hanneke E Creemers2, Simone Vogelaar3
1Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Child & Youth Care Forum
|February 13, 2023
Summary
A school-based program targeting performance anxiety in adolescents showed small but significant reductions in test anxiety. However, the social skills program was ineffective in improving social skills or mental health.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent psychology
- Educational psychology
- Intervention science
Background:
- Adolescent stress is linked to negative outcomes, necessitating early support through school-based interventions.
- There is limited research on the effectiveness of school programs for adolescents with psychological needs, focusing on reducing stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two targeted school-based skills-training programs for adolescents.
- To assess programs addressing performance anxiety and social skills.
Main Methods:
- Two randomized controlled trials involving 361 adolescents (mean age 13.99 years).
- Participants self-selected into either a performance anxiety or a social skills program.
- MANCOVA was used for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- The performance anxiety program yielded small effects in reducing test anxiety and fear of failure, particularly with higher attendance.
- The program did not significantly improve coping skills or overall mental health.
- The social skills program demonstrated no effectiveness in enhancing social skills, reducing social anxiety, or improving mental health.
Conclusions:
- Targeted, short-term school-based programs can potentially reduce adolescent performance anxiety.
- Further research is needed to develop effective social skills interventions for adolescents.
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