Facilitators and Barriers to the Implementation of EMOTION: An Indicated Intervention for Young Schoolchildren

ABSTRACT

Research on implementation of school-based transdiagnostic interventions, conducted by personnel from the municipal services is limited. We investigated facilitators and barriers regarding implementation of EMOTION, an intervention targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression in children 8–12 years. Trained health- and childcare professionals completed one questionnaire before (N = 63) and a separate questionnaire after running an EMOTION group (N = 66). Twelve of the group leaders were interviewed to provide additional information regarding implementation. Results indicated that factors such as a perceived need for the intervention and positive attitudes from the group leaders facilitated implementation. Hindering factors were related to time constraints, workload, unsupportive leaders, and lack of cooperation from the schools. Allocating resources to implementation specifically could promote future use of the program.

KEYWORDS:

• School-based intervention
• implementation
• emotional problems
• municipal services

Disclosure Statement

Kristin D. Martinsen receives royalties from sale of the Norwegian version of the EMOTION program manuals and workbook. Anne Mari Sund has received travel support from Medice, a company which provides medication for ADHD treatment.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Norwegian Research Council (Norges Forskningsråd) under Grant 228846/H10.