The effectiveness of two universal preventive interventions in reducing children's externalizing behavior: a cluster randomized controlled trial

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2011;40(5):677-92. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2011.597084.

Abstract

This article reports the effectiveness of two universal prevention programs in reducing externalizing behavior in elementary school children. A sample of 1,675 first graders in 56 Swiss elementary schools was randomly assigned to a school-based social competence intervention, a parental training intervention, both, or control. Externalizing psychopathology and social competence ratings were provided by the children, primary caregivers, and teachers at the beginning and end of the 2-year program, with a follow-up 2 years later. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that long-term effects on teacher- and parent-rated externalizing behavior were greater for the social competence intervention than for the control. However, for most outcomes, no statistically significant positive effects were observed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bullying / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schools
  • Social Behavior*
  • Students / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Violence / prevention & control*
  • Violence / psychology