Second Step®: A Violence Prevention Curriculum for Elementary School (2002 Edition)
Problems addressed
Externalizing behaviors/problems
Effectiveness

No Effect

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No Effect

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Life periods served
Children (4 to 13 years)
Where the program was applied
Education establishment
Country of application
United States
Description

This is a curricular program for the prevention of aggressive and impulsive behavior in elementary school children. The aim is to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills, reduce maladaptive beliefs and aggression, and encourage the definition of social goals and values.
The program consists of 15 to 22 sessions held once or twice a week, in which the teacher uses teaching materials, roleplay, and classroom activities to train students in emotional self-regulation strategies and behavioral skills.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that students participating in the program had a small reduction in aggressive behavior, using adult intervention for conflict resolution, and an improvement in more socially competent behavior and prosocial goals. There was no statistically significant effect on antisocial behavior [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Frey, K. S., Nolen, S. B., van Schoiack Edstrom, L. & Hirschstein, M. K. (2005). Effects of a school-based social–emotional competence program: Linking children's goals, attributions, and behavior. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 26(2), 171–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2004.12.002

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