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What Is Needed to Create a Prosocial Classroom? The Effectiveness of the Dutch Meaningful Roles Program in Children:
Amanda W G van Loon1, Tessa M L Kaufman1
1Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Journal of Adolescence
|June 5, 2026
Summary
A primary school program to foster prosocial classroom climates showed no significant effects in the full sample. However, positive outcomes were observed in a subgroup with ideal program fidelity, highlighting the importance of implementation.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- School Interventions
Background:
- A positive classroom climate is vital for student well-being and academic success.
- Evidence-based programs to foster prosocial classroom climates are scarce.
- This study investigates a program designed to enhance prosociality by supporting students' basic psychological needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a primary school program aimed at promoting prosocial behavior.
- To assess the program's impact on students' intrinsic motivation and basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness).
- To examine the role of program fidelity in achieving positive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 2337 students and 225 teachers across 42 Dutch primary schools.
- Schools were assigned to either an experimental or control condition.
- Regression analyses were used to compare outcomes between conditions, adjusting for baseline levels and examining subsamples based on program fidelity.
Main Results:
- No significant effects were found for the entire sample.
- Teachers in the experimental group reported more positive attitudes toward prosocial behavior and autonomy.
- A subsample with high program fidelity showed small, positive effects on basic psychological needs, prosocial classroom climate, well-being, safety, and reduced antisocial behavior.
Conclusions:
- The program's effectiveness is contingent upon high program fidelity.
- Optimal implementation strategies are crucial for realizing the benefits of school-based prosocial interventions.
- Further research should focus on understanding and optimizing program delivery for maximum impact.
Keywords:
childrenclassroom‐based interventionprosocial classroom climateself‐determination‐theorywell‐beingMore Related Videos
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