Understanding the Back2School Intervention
School absenteeism is a significant issue that can lead to academic difficulties and long-term social, work-related, and health problems. The Back2School (B2S) program, a modular cognitive behavioral intervention, aims to address this problem by increasing school attendance and decreasing psychological issues among youths.
The Research Behind the Intervention
The study titled "The Back2School modular cognitive behavioral intervention for youths with problematic school absenteeism: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial" provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the B2S program. This randomized controlled trial involved 160 children aged 7 to 16, who were assigned to either the B2S intervention or treatment as usual (TAU).
The primary outcome of the study was school attendance, while secondary outcomes included youth psychosocial functioning, quality of life, bullying, self-efficacy, and teacher-parent collaboration. These outcomes were measured through reports from youths, parents, and teachers.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The B2S intervention was found to be superior to TAU in improving school attendance and reducing anxiety, depression, and behavior problems. This suggests that practitioners can achieve better outcomes by implementing the B2S program.
Here are some practical steps for practitioners to consider:
- Adopt a modular, transdiagnostic approach that includes evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and a focus on increasing self-efficacy.
- Collaborate with schools and families to ensure a comprehensive support system for the child.
- Utilize structured clinical interviews and case formulations to tailor interventions to the specific needs of each child.
Encouraging Further Research
While the B2S program shows promise, further research is needed to explore its long-term effectiveness and potential for large-scale implementation. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this research by conducting their own studies and sharing findings with the broader community.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Back2School modular cognitive behavioral intervention for youths with problematic school absenteeism: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
