Early intervention for at risk children: 3-year follow-up

McArdle, P., Young, R. , Quibell, T., Moseley, D., Johnson, R. and LeCouteur, A. (2011) Early intervention for at risk children: 3-year follow-up. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 20(3), pp. 111-120. (doi: 10.1007/s00787-010-0148-y)

Abstract

Childhood behavioral and emotional symptoms are linked with distress and dysfunction that may persist into adulthood. Effective and practical early prevention could make a significant contribution to the well-being of individuals and the functioning of communities. School-based targeted interventions are relatively easy and inexpensive to deliver and have been shown to reduce symptoms in the short term. The current study evaluates the 2- and 3-year outcome of targeted school-based drama group therapy (DGT) as compared to teaching maths and English. It shows a rapid decline in teacher-observed behavioral symptoms following DGT. By a year post intervention, symptom rates following both interventions converged and remained low throughout follow-up. Drama group therapy is rapidly effective in reducing symptoms. However, the findings also suggest that despite differing content, school-based small-group interventions are likely to share some effective components.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Young, Mr Robert
• Authors: McArdle, P., Young, R., Quibell, T., Moseley, D., Johnson, R., and LeCouteur, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1018-8827
• ISSN (Online): 1435-165X