A Pilot Study of The Efficacy of Group Teacher Training for Behavioural Modification in School Aged Children at Risk for Emotional and Behavioural Problems.

Abstract

Objectives : To develop and evaluate the outcome of group teacher training for behavioral
modification in school-aged children at-risk for emotional and behavioral problems.
Methods : Group teacher training program for behavioral modification in school-aged children
at-risk for emotional and behavioral problems was developed by integrating experiential
learning theory with contingency management strategies. The 2-day training program entitled
‘School and Family Empowerment for Behavioral Modification in School-aged children; SAFE
B-Mod’ consisted of 6 activities and able to operate with up to 100 teachers. 106 at-risk children
were recruited and assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) teacher
and parent form at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Paired t-test and chi-square
were used for data analysis.
Results : After 3-month behavioral modification, at-risk children had significantly lower scores
in emotion problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and overall difficulties
by teacher-rating SDQ. 33.96% of them returned to normal stage. Prosocial behaviors did not
differ significantly between pre- and post-test evaluation.
Conclusion : Group teacher training for behavioral modification could help teachers to modify
behavioral and emotional problems in school-aged children. Further study should be done
by randomized control trial and evaluate long-term outcome in preventing mental problems
in school-aged children.