Does the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Training programme have positive effects for young children exhibiting severe externalizing problems in school? a quasi experimental pre post study
BackgroundYoung children exhibiting severe externalizing problems in school are at risk of developing several poor outcomes. School based intervention programs have been found to be effective for students with different problems, including those with behavioral problems, emotional distress, or social problems. The present study investigated whether the IY TCM programme, as a universal stand alone school intervention programme, reduced severe child externalizing problems as reported by the teacher, and evaluated if these children improved their social competence, internalizing problems, academic performances and student teacher relationship as a result of the IY TCM training.MethodsA quasi experimental pre post study was conducted, including 21 intervention schools and 22 control schools. Children in 1st 3rd grade (age 6 8 years) assessed by their teacher as having severe externalizing problems on the Sutter Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory Revised (SESBI R) total Intensity score, were included in the study, N 83 (65 boys and 18 girls) Treatment effects were evaluated using 3 level linear mixed models analysis.ResultsIn our study we found no differences in change between the two conditions from baseline to follow up in externalizing problems, social skills, internalizing problems and closeness with teacher. The intervention condition did however show advantageous development in terms of student teacher conflicts and increased academic performances.ConclusionThe IY Teacher Classroom Management program is not sufficient being a stand alone universal program in a Norwegian primary school setting, for students with severe externalizing problems. However; some important secondary findings were found. Still, young school children with severe externalizing problems are in need of more comprehensive and tailored interventions.
BMC Psychiatry