International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology
Open Access

Abstract

Socio-emotional Health in School Children: An Emotion-focused Intervention

Tony C, Marian M and Melanie G

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of an intervention (Pyramid Club) focusing on the reduction or elimination of internalising symptoms in 226 7-8 year old and 294 10-11 year old children.
Methods: A 3 × 2 mixed-model design was used: group (intervention group vs. waiting list control) × 3 time points (baseline vs. post-intervention vs. 12 weeks follow up). Children were screened for socio-emotional difficulties using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 1997) before being allocated to either a Pyramid Club intervention, or a waiting list control. Results: SDQ emotional and peer problem scores were reduced significantly, and prosocial and emotional intelligence scores were increased significantly compared to waiting list controls post intervention and at follow up. Conclusions: The Pyramid Club intervention improves the socio-emotional health of vulnerable children through promoting positive outcomes as well as reducing socio- emotional deficits.