Early impact indicators from several multi-school trials of the SATNAV:Compass programme of morality change to reduce youth antisocial behaviour and crime

• In Event: Exploring Moral Development: empirical and intervention applications informed by Situational Action Theory in schools.

Abstract

This paper will demonstrate early impact indicators from several SATNAV:Compass trials in multiple UK schools and with various age groups between 2022-2025. SATNAV:Compass is an evidence-backed programme of change centred around developing individual morality and related skills, for the reduction of youth rule-breaking, including antisocial behaviour and crime. Several core concepts are focused upon in 25+ interactive discussion-based activities, in line with theoretical explanations (including Situational Action Theory’s) of which factors assist us when we come to rule- breaking decision making. For example, moral rules, moral emotions, empathy, emotion management and regulation, and peer resistance (relating to self-control). SATNAV:Compass is suitable for delivery in a range of other youth settings beyond schools.

Various mixed-methods assessments of impact have been collected and analysed, some of which will be presented in this presentation. Some early impact indicators suggest that our young people express that they find the compass programme useful, specifically in the areas that we wish to focus on that we know are linked to rule-breaking behaviour, as well as having wider knock-on benefits for wellbeing, relationships with others, and school engagement. In relation to morality, for example, “when I get into a negative spiral I now know how to get my way out”, and empathy, for example, “It’s helpful to learn how to recognise how people feel”.

Authors

• Neema Trivedi-Bateman, Loughborough University

• Beth Hardie, University of Cambridge