A Quasi-Randomized Trial of a School-Wide Universal Prevention Program: Results and Lessons Learned

Abstract

Prevention in School (PS) is a comprehensive program which aims to improve the learning climate and reduce problem behavior in elementary schools. Core components are teaching of school rules, praise and rewards to support prosocial behavior, and a forum involving parents. This trial investigated the effects of PS on its intended outcomes, and includes 23 schools, 3,207 students, and 188 teachers. Multilevel regression analyses indicated no program effects two years after the start of the program. Problems with program components, implementation and study limitations may have contributed to the null findings. The lessons learned may be used to guide program revisions, and are important to consider in future attempts to implement and evaluate similar school interventions in a Swedish context.

Keywords:

• quasi-randomized
• school-based prevention
• program implementation
• problem behavior

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the important and large contribution to this study by the headmasters, teachers and other staff at the participating schools. The authors would also like to thank Elisabet Karlsson for her significant contribution to data collection, and three anonymous reviewers for comments on a previous draft of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was commissioned and funded by the Development Center for Child Mental Health at the National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden.