A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized evaluations of the effect of child social skills training on antisocial development

A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized evaluations of the effect of child social skills training on antisocial development

Authors
Beelmann, A. Losel, F.
Year
2021
Journal
Journal of Developmental and Life Course Criminology
Volume
7
Pages
41-65
Purpose: Developmental and life course criminology (DLCC) engages not only in correlational longitudinal research but also in programs of developmental prevention. Within this context, child training on social skills plays an important role. The present article contains a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of this type of intervention. Method: We updated a meta-analysis on this topic Losel & Beelman (Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 587:84-109, 2003) to cover more recent studies while focusing specifically on aggression, delinquency, and related antisocial outcomes. From a systematic search of 1133 reports, we found 113 studies with 130 eligible RCT comparisons between a program and control group. Overall, 31,114 children and youths were included in these evaluations. Most interventions were based on a cognitive-behavioral approach. Results: Overall, the mean effect was positive, but rather small (d = 0.25 using the random effect model). There were similar effects on aggression, delinquency, and other outcomes, but a tendency to somewhat stronger effects in behavior observations and official records than in rating scales. Most outcome measurements were assessed within 3 months or up to 1 year after training. Only a minority (k = 14) had follow-up assessments after more than 1 year. In the latter studies, mean effects were no longer significant. Indicated prevention for youngsters who already showed some antisocial behavior had better effects than universal approaches and (partially related to this) older youngsters benefited more than preschool children. There was much heterogeneity in the findings. Evaluations performed since our previous meta-analysis in 2003 did not reveal larger effects, but training format, intensity, and other moderators were relevant. Conclusions: Mean results are promising, but more long-term evaluations, replications, booster approaches, and combinations with other types of interventions are necessary to ensure a substantial impact on antisocial development in the life course. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Oversett med Google Translate
-
Type of intervention

Preventive- and Promotive Health Interventions

Early Intervention

Topic

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Behavior Problems

Antisocial Behaviors

Development and Life Coping Skills

Social skills

Intervention

Psychological Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Therapy

Age group

Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)

Preschool Aged Children (3-5 years)

School Aged Children (6-12 years)

Adolescents (13-18 years)

More information
Looking for more information on this topic? Click on the links below to search PsykTestBarn and Håndboka