Good behavior game - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a preventive behavior management program in...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Early conduct problems are significant risk factors for later life difficulties.
• School-based interventions offer a valuable approach for universal prevention.
• The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a proven school-based program for behavior management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Swedish adaptation of the Good Behavior Game (GBG) under pragmatic conditions.
• To assess the GBG's impact on reducing classroom conduct problems (primary outcome).
• To investigate secondary outcomes including classroom climate, teacher efficacy, and on-task behavior.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized trial with two parallel groups (GBG vs. business-as-usual).
• Data collection at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months (end of school year).
• Involved teacher-rated measures, blinded observer assessments, and procedural fidelity checks.

Main Results:

• Data collection is complete; analysis is pending.
• The study is designed to provide insights into the effectiveness of an adapted GBG in real-world settings.
• Will identify factors influencing implementation and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This research will contribute knowledge on universal prevention and school-based interventions.
• It will offer specific insights into the adapted GBG's effectiveness and implementation in Sweden.
• The findings aim to enhance the application of behavioral management programs in schools.