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

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Paul McArdle, David Moseley, Robert Johnson, Professor Ann Le Couteur

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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.

Publication metadata

Author(s): McArdle P, Young R, Quibell T, Moseley D, Johnson R, Le Couteur A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Year: 2011

Volume: 20

Issue: 3

Pages: 111-120

Print publication date: 14/01/2011

ISSN (print): 1018-8827

ISSN (electronic): 1435-165X

Publisher: Dr. Dietrich Steinkopff Verlag

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00787-010-0148-y

DOI: 10.1007/s00787-010-0148-y

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