Long-Term Outcomes of Intervention Promoting Positive Development in High-Risk Children: Early Risers Skills for Success

• In Event: Social and Academic Adjustment in Early Childhood

Abstract

Early Risers Skills for Success is a comprehensive social, emotional, behavioral, and academic intervention that was delivered to 124 children with initial aggressive behavior for 5 years (first through fifth grade). Designed to divert children off of the “early starter” antisocial trajectory and onto a more positive developmental course, the program includes an annual summer program as well as components addressing peers, teachers and parents. Annual assessments during the program showed positive effects, relative to a control group of 121 children, on academic achievement, social competence, and behavioral regulation. For the current study, these participants were re-assessed in 12th grade. Program participants had lower levels of emotional disturbance and depression and fewer symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder than did controls.

Authors

• Joel M. Hektner, North Dakota State University

• Gerald J. August, University of Minnesota