Archives: Intervention

Summary

Introduction

IPC-A is an individual intervention intended for the prevention of depression in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 and the treatment of mild/moderate depression in the same age group in base-level services. The intervention is implemented by social welfare or healthcare professionals who have been trained in the use of the intervention, and its aim is to prevent and alleviate depression symptoms and improve adolescents’ ability to cope with challenges related to interpersonal relationships.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the IPC-A intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: 1) Is the IPC-A intervention adequately documented? and 2) Does the IPC-A intervention used in Finland have evidence-based effectiveness in preventing depression or mood symptoms among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18, or the treatment of mild or moderate depression?

Data and research methods

A systematic literature search was carried out using the PCC search strategy (Population, Concept, Context), which focused on the question: What research has been done on the IPC-A intervention? The following keywords were used: P = adolescents, C = interpersonal counselling. Context (C) was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the intervention. A systematic literature search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed on the Finna.fi service, and the search was supplemented by a manual search. The accuracy of the intervention description was evaluated on the basis of the intervention manuals and other written materials maintained by the home base.

Results

The IPC-A intervention is comprehensively documented. Two studies were found in the literature search: one was a Finnish randomised controlled trial and the other was a single-group pre-post study conducted in the UK. At this time, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of the IPC-A intervention in preventing depression in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 or the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. The studies included in the review do not demonstrate a statistically significant difference from the comparison group sufficient to establish effectiveness. On the whole, the reliability of the studies was assessed to be satisfactory, and although the measurement and reproducibility of the method were, for the most part, assessed to be well-implemented, the evidence of effectiveness was weakened by limitations relating to the study designs, statistical analyses and the risk of bias.

Methodology evaluation

The intervention is well-documented and theoretically grounded, but it has not yet been demonstrated to reduce depression symptoms in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 when compared to a control group. The research evidence is based on one Finnish randomised controlled trial that was conducted in the 2020s, primarily in the student welfare context, and one UK study conducted in the 2010s in low-threshold services with a pre-post research design, focusing on adolescents aged 11–17 with depression symptoms.

Abstract

Introduction

Walk-in therapy is a form of low-threshold counselling that aims to support the mental wellbeing of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29, and help them find solutions to current challenges. Walk-in therapy is one of the forms of the Single Session intervention used in Finland, and it applies solution-focused brief therapeutic methods. Walk-in therapy is characterised by anonymity, access to a session without a referral or advance appointment, and being free of charge. No entries are made in customer or patient registers in connection with a walk-in therapy session. The session can be a one-off or, at the young person’s initiative, there may be multiple sessions, however with only one session scheduled at a time. The practitioner may change between sessions. During the visit, the aim is to find concrete solutions to the client’s presenting concerns and identify the client’s existing resources. Walk-in therapy is not an activity that takes place under the healthcare system. If necessary, the trained walk-in therapy practitioner refers the client to healthcare or social welfare services.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the walk-in therapy intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: In how much detail is the walk-in therapy intervention described? Does the walk-in therapy intervention used in Finland have evidence-based effectiveness in supporting the mental wellbeing of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29?

Data and research methods

A systematic literature search was carried out using the PCC search strategy (Population, Concept, Context), which focused on the question: What research has been done on the walk-in therapy intervention? The following keywords were used: P = adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29, C = Walk-in therapy, single session therapy. Context (C) was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the intervention, although studies carried out using different frameworks were also included. A systematic literature search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed via the Finna.fi service. The materials used in assessing the description of the intervention was the Finnish handbook for the walk-in therapy intervention, the Finnish website concerning the intervention, and material supplied by the Finnish Association for Children and Youth.

Results

The walk-in therapy intervention is well-described in the related handbook and website.In the systematic literature search, no studies were found on the Finnish walk-in therapy intervention based on the intervention handbook, or similar implementations. Consequently, there is no research-based evidence of the intervention’s effectiveness.

Methodology evaluation

There is no research-based evidence of the effectiveness of the walk-in therapy intervention. The intervention is theoretically grounded and thoroughly described in the intervention handbook and on the related website.

Summary

Introduction

The Daring to Care group treatment model is applied as a group-based treatment for parents who have experienced abuse in their childhood. The aim of the intervention is psychoeducation on the effects of childhood abuse on one’s own parenthood and the management of trauma symptoms.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the Daring to Care group treatment model on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: In how much detail has the Daring to Care group treatment model been described? Does the Daring to Care group care model have evidence-based effectiveness, applicable to Finland, in supporting the stabilisation and management of symptoms of parents who have experienced abuse and in preventing the effects of multi-generational trauma?

Data and research methods

A systematic literature search was carried out using the PCC search strategy (Population, Concept, Context), which focused on the question: What research has been done on the Daring to Care group care model? The following keywords were used: P = Parents, C = Vakautta vanhemmuuteen, Daring to Care. Context (C) was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the intervention. A systematic literature search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed on the Finna.fi service, and the search was supplemented by a manual search.

Results

No effectiveness studies or other peer-reviewed studies have been published on the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention cannot be assessed on the basis of research. The theoretical description of the intervention is good and extensive. The description of implementation support is also good and comprehensive.

Methodology evaluation

The intervention is a group care model developed in Finland and suitable for Finnish institutions. The intervention is based on mechanisms described in theoretical literature and measures aimed at managing trauma symptoms, such as psychoeducation and exposure. Based on its strong theoretical basis, the method is rated 2/5.

Summary

Introduction

The Strategy intervention is a psychosocial support intervention aimed at supporting the parents or guardians of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. The intervention aims to reduce the child’s ADHD symptoms by strengthening parenting skills and improving the executive function of the parents and the child. The objective of the Strategy intervention is to increase the parents’ understanding and knowledge of ADHD so that they recognise the limitations to executive function caused by the symptom profile and their impacts on the family. The intervention also supports the parents’ adaptation to their child’s ADHD diagnosis.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the Strategy intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: In how much detail is the Strategy intervention described? Does the Strategy intervention have evidence-based effectiveness, applicable to Finland, in increasing the ADHD knowledge of the parent, strengthening parenting skills and improving the executive function of the child and the parent?

Data and research methods

This study used the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) strategy to search for literature, which is a typical strategy in exploratory literature reviews. The search targeted the following question: What research has been done on the Strategy intervention? The following keywords were used: P = children, adolescents, parents, C = Strategy intervention, Strategi-programmet. Context was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the method, although studies carried out by using different frameworks were also included. A systematic search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed on the Finna.fi service, and the search was supplemented by a manual search.

Results

Based on the literature search, only one effectiveness study was selected for a systematic review. In addition, one Swedish peer-reviewed study and one Swedish non-peer-reviewed report were reported at the end of this review and did not affect the methodology evaluation of the intervention. The selected Swedish study was conducted without a control group using a pre-post design, where the effectiveness of the Strategy intervention was examined in terms of the parents’ increased knowledge of ADHD. The secondary response variables examined were the intervention’s effect on the child’s behavioural symptoms and characteristics (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), parental stress (The Parental Stress Scale (PSS)) and parenting attributions (modified Written Analog Questionnaire). Parents (n=549) were divided into three groups based on the severity of their ADHD symptoms. The severity of the parents’ ADHD symptoms had no effect on the response variables: the parents’ knowledge of ADHD increased in allof the groups.

Methodology evaluation

As the Strategy intervention is well-described and there is promising evidence of its effectiveness, it receives a methodology evaluation score of 3/5. There is research evidence of increased knowledge of ADHD among parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. More research is needed to support the intervention’s strengthening of parenting skills and the improvement of the child’s and parent’s executive function.

Summary

Introduction

As mental health challenges increase among children in various age groups, there is a need for preventive measures and low-threshold support to alleviate symptoms. The purpose of the Friends programme is to support mental wellbeing and strengthen resilience. Different versions designed to suit the needs of different age groups utilise peer learning and activity-based exercises. The programme suits a wide range of target groups and is easy to implement. It can be used either in the child’s developmental environment, such as school, or as part of health and social services, in which case it is targeted at children who exhibit symptoms. The Friends for Life version of the Friends programme is intended for children aged 9–12 years to prevent anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the Friends for Life version of the Friends suite of interventions on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: In how much detail is the Friends programme described? Does the Friends for Life version of the Friends programme have evidence-based effectiveness, applicable to Finland, on the mental wellbeing of children aged 9–12, especially with regard to anxiety and depressive symptoms?

Data and research methods

This study used the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) strategy to search for literature, which is a typical strategy in exploratory literature reviews. The search targeted the following question: What research has been done on the Friends programme? The following keywords were used: P = children and adolescents, C = Friends. Context (C) was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the Friends for Life version of the intervention, although other types of studies were also included. A systematic search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed via the Finna.fi service. The search was supplemented with a manual search.

Results

A total of 19 effectiveness study articles were included in the assessment. One of the studies was Finnish, three were Nordic and the rest were studies that met the inclusion criteria and had been carried out in high-income countries in accordance with the World Bank’s country classification. In addition, the literature searches identified two Finnish studies that are reported in the reflection section. Two systematic literature reviews, four meta-analyses and one study that was both a systematic review and a meta-analysis could not be assessed as such because they also included studies concerning countries other than high-income countries. Two of the studies also included other interventions besides Friends. Evidence of effectiveness has been obtained from Nordic studies as well as studies concerning other high-income countries. The quality of the studies was varied. The studies were focused on assessing the effectiveness of Friends for Life, which is the version of the Friends programme aimed at school-aged children. The studies were divided in terms of whether the intervention was assessed as 1) a universal intervention implemented for everyone in a particular school, or 2) a targeted intervention for children or adolescents with anxiety symptoms, either a) in school or b) in the context of a service providing psychosocial care. Effectiveness with regard to the wellbeing of children and adolescents was primarily measured in terms of the reduction of anxiety symptoms and, in certain studies, also changes in depressive symptoms and social skills. According to the assessment, the intervention was observed to have positive effects on the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents through the reduction of anxiety symptoms (d=0.008–0.70) and the reduction of depressive symptoms (d=0.04–0.63). No negative effects were observed. In particular, the programme appears to be beneficial for children who are already exhibiting symptoms. The studies provided indications that, in the school environment, especially interventions implemented by external professionals produced positive effects. The verification of preventive and long-term effects was made more difficult by the research design that is typical of intervention studies, where the control group was on a waiting list for participating in the programme. Support for the implementation of the intervention was assessed to be moderate. The intervention and its theoretical foundation are well-described, and the link between the core elements and the theory is satisfactorily explained.

Methodology evaluation

The Friends for Life version of the Friends suite of interventions receives a methodology evaluation score of 4/5. There is evidence of effectiveness with regard to improved mental wellbeing among children and adolescents in the 9–12 age group, particularly in terms of reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms. In several studies, the programme is compared with another intervention, a waiting list or standard care or support. The results provide indications of the usefulness of the intervention as part of communal activities in a child’s developmental environment. More research is needed on the effectiveness of universal interventions focused on the prevention of anxiety symptoms.

Summary

Phenomena

Behavioural problems, emotions and emotional regulation, parenting skills and knowledge, and neuropsychiatric challenges

Introduction

The ENGAGE intervention has been developed for the prevention and treatment of difficulties in self-regulation and executive function among children below school age. At the core of the intervention are shared sessions of play, where parents are guided to support the child’s executive function skills through positive interaction. The ENGAGE intervention is intended for children aged three to six who have challenges related to hyperactivity, inattention and behavioural regulation. The group intervention comprises six meetings with the parents and six meetings with the children over an eight-week period, as well as two telephone or video conversations with the parents. Challenges in self-regulation and executive function are among the most common reasons for seeking support for a child’s development. For a child below school age, the challenges may manifest in the form of hyperactivity, difficulties with waiting and listening to instructions, and deficiencies in emotional regulation in exciting or frustrating situations, for example. Early self-regulation has been found to have a strong connection to executive function and psychological wellbeing that extends well into adulthood. In childhood, the development of executive function is strongly shaped through daily activities and interaction. In guided practice, the child can be supported and encouraged so that they dare to try things even when they are difficult, thereby strengthening their nascent self-regulation and executive function skills.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the ENGAGE intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following question: Does the ENGAGE intervention have evidence-based effectiveness, applicable to Finland, in the prevention and treatment of difficulties in self-regulation and executive function among children below school age?

Data and methods

This study used the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) strategy to search for literature, which is a typical strategy in exploratory literature reviews. The search targeted the following question: What research has been done on the ENGAGE intervention? The following keywords were used: P = children and parents, C = Leikitään ja keskitytään -menetelmä (the English equivalents) and concepts related to executive function and play-based interventions. Context was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the method, although studies carried out by using different frameworks were also included. A systematic search was carried out for the following six intervention databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed via the Finna.fi service.

Results

Based on the literature search, three effectiveness studies were selected for a systematic review. Two studies that affected the assessment were conducted in New Zealand on the ENGAGE intervention, on the basis of which the Finnish Leikitään ja keskitytään perheille intervention has been developed. In addition to the studies conducted in New Zealand, a Finnish effectiveness study on the LeKe perheille intervention was assessed. The quality of the effectiveness studies was good. The intervention has been shown to have positive effects on self-regulation and executive function at home. Based on the assessment, the intervention has a robust theoretical foundation and description. The intervention is comprehensively described in the instructor’s manual, and implementation support offered by the intervention is fulfilled in six out of seven areas. There are good opportunities for the successful implementation of the ENGAGE intervention.

Methodology evaluation

The methodology evaluation score for the Finnish Strongest Families Parent Training Programme is 5/5, which means that there is strong evidence of the intervention’s effectiveness in the Finnish context. There is evidence of the effectiveness of using the intervention for children aged three to six who have difficulties with self-regulation and executive function.

Abstract

Delivery of the intervention

Child families

Aim of the intervention

Family Group Conference aims to improve the children’s wellbeing in child protection by enhancing the participatory role of the child, family and the child’s closest networks. The Family Group Conference strengthens the initiatives by the child and the family during the child protection process.

Description of the intervention

Family Group Conference is a structured intervention for the child families in the Finnish child protection. It may be used at different stages of the child protection process, and for children at different ages. Theoretical frameword lies on the problem solving theory, which focuses on resources and solution-focused brief therapy. In addition, dialogue, principle of restorative social work (Frost et al. 2012) and child’s information (Heino 2005) are important background factors. Family Group Conference is voluntary for the client. Client family, impartial conference inviter, social worker and the closest network related to the child’s case participate in the Family Group Conference. In addition, the child has an assistant. Intervention proceeds from preparations to Family Group Conference, where contact, communication and a plan for the child’s case are agreed on. The plan and its realization are followed and evaluated. Duration of the intervention varies depending on the child’s case from a year to a couple of years. Intervention has also been used in cases of young criminals, custody disputes and in disability, mental health and elderly services.

Availability of the intervention in Finland

The actors who deliver the intervention organize the training for the Family Group Conference, and there are no criteria for the participation in the training. Content and structure of the trainings vary between instructors. Exact information on the availability and quantity of trainings is not readily available. Family Group Conference has been developed in New Zealand as a legitimate working model in custody situations and cases of young criminals. In Finland, Family Group Conference has been developed in a multiactor project run by Stakes, and the intervention is used in the child protection. Exact information on national availability and implementation are not readily available.

Research- and evidence-based efficacy of the intervention

There is moderate research-based evidence for the intervention, including an international meta-analysis (Dijkstra et al. 2016), two RCTs (Asscher et al. 2014; Hollingshead et al. 2017), a prospective quasi-experimental study (Sundell & Vinnerljung 2004) and some qualitative studies. There is no research-based evidence of efficacy for the Family Group Conference.

Literature

Asscher, J., Dijkstram S., Stams G., Decovic, M. & Creemers, H. (2014). Family group conferencing in youth care: characteristics of the decision making model, implementation and effectiveness of the Family Group (FG) plans. BMC Public Health, 14, 154.

Dijkstra, S., Creemers, H., Asscher, J., Decovic, M. & Stams, G. (2016). The effectiveness of family group conferencing in youth care: A meta-analysis. Child Abuse & Neglect, 62, 100–110.

Frost, N. Abram, F. & Burgess, H. (2012). Family group conferences: context, process and ways forward. Child and Family Social Work, 19, 480–490.

Heino, T. (2005). Lapsen tieto – sen paikka tutkimuksessa ja käytännössä. Teoksessa Hänninen, S. & Karjalainen, J. & Lahti, T. (toim.): Toinen tieto – kirjoituksia huono-osaisuuden tunnistamisesta. Stakes.

Hollingshead, D. M., Corwin, T. W., Maher E. J., Merkel-Holguina, L., Allan, H. & Fluke, J. (2017). Eﬀectiveness of family group conferencing in preventing repeat referrals to child protective services and out-of-home placements. Child Abuse & Neglect, 69, 285–294.

Sundell, K. & Vinnerljung, B. (2004). Outcomes of family group conferencing in Sweden: A 3-year follow-up. Child Abuse Neglegt, 28, 267–287.

Abstract

Delivery of the intervention

Group-based / individually

Aim of the intervention

The aim of the intervention is to promote anxiety management skills among 7–17 year-old children and adolescents, to teach how to identify situations causing anxiety and to reduce worrying in the target group. The Cool Kids –intervention teaches parents how to respond and react to child’s anxiety in a supportive manner.

Description of the intervention

Cool Kids is targeted at child families where the child or the adolescent has anxiety symptoms, which affect everyday life. Cool Kids is delivered either in a group or individually. In the intervention, parents participate actively, supporting and reacting to the child’s anxiety. The intervention is based on psychoeducation and comprises cognitive exercises, step-by-step exposure exercises and learning to identify emotions. The intervention lies on the cognitive-behavior therapy. (Lyneham et al. 2003; Rapee et al. 2006a; 2006b.) A group-based intervention is delivered to 4–8 child families and it contains ten meetings, weekly at first and every fortnight towards the end. In the meetings, the focus is on learning new strategies to manage anxiety through discussions, games and playing. In the group meetings, the families are given homework to practice new skills at home. A workbook suitable for the age of the child or the adolescents, is used in the intervention. Cool Kids is provided both as a treatment program and preventive method.

Availability of the intervention in Finland

Cool Kids –training is targeted at social and healthcare professionals who have experience in cognitive-behavior therapy and in mental health work with children and adolescents. Method training is organized by the Future health and social services centres –initiative (Viva) and the Mielen tila (engl. State of mind) -project run by Kummit ry. of the clinic of child psychiatry and the children’ clinic, the HUS Helsinki University Hospital. The Cool Kids has been developed in the University of Macquire in Australia (Lyneham et al. 2003; Rapee et al. 2006a; 2006b) and intervention has been adopted in USA and Europe also. In Finland, Cool Kids is applied in the clinic of child and adolescent psychiatry in HUS.

Research- and evidence-based efficacy of the intervention

The Cool Kids –intervention has been investigated in several randomized controlled trials (e.g. Arend et al. 2006; Chavira et al. 2014; Hudson et al. 2009; Rapee et al. 2006a). RCT studies on Cool Kids have been conducted in school environment from the perspectives of early support and prevention (Haugland et al. 2020; Mifsund & Rapee, 2005). Group-based Cool Kids at school reduced anxiety symptoms among 8–11 years old children compared to the children in the waiting list (Mifsund & Rapee, 2005). In a Norwegian study, the effectiveness of Cool Kids on anxiety, reported by the children and parents, was found to be moderate compared to the control group (Haugland et al. 2020).

Literature

Haugland B, Haaland ÅT, Bast V, Bjaastad J, Hoffart A, Rapee RM, Raknes S, Himle JA, Husabø E & Wergeland GJ (2020) Effectiveness of brief and standard school-based cognitive-behavioral interventions for adolescents with anxiety: A randomized noninferiority study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(4), 552–564.

Lyneham H J, Abbott M J, Wignall A & Rapee R M (2003) The Cool Kids Anxiety Treatment Program. Sydney: MUARU, Macquarie University.

Mifsud C & Rapee R M (2005) Early intervention for childhood anxiety in a school setting: Outcomes for an economically disadvantaged population. Journal of the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(10), 996–1004.

Rapee R M, Abbot M J & Lyneham H J (2006a) Bibliotherapy for children with anxiety disorders using written materials for parents: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(3), 436–444.

Rapee R M, Lyneham H J, Schniering C ym. (2006b) The Cool Kids child and adolescents anxiety program – therapist manual. Sydney, NSW: Centre for Emotional Health, Macquire University.

Summary

Introduction

Children may experience various practical challenges in daily life due to the fact that their skills are still developing. Kids’Skills is an intervention that is aimed at strengthening the self-regulation and social skills of children aged 4–15 in early childhood education and care, schools, social and health services, and at home. Kids’Skills can also be applied to a broader age group and other contexts. In addition to professionals, it can also be used by parents at home independently with their child. The intervention is suitable for supporting the typical development of a child as well as various special needs, such as learning difficulties, developmental delays and behavioural challenges. The intervention aims to shift the focus from problems to supporting the development of skills. It utilises a solution-focused approach and a 15-step structure, the use of which is guided by a handbook.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the Kids’Skills intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following questions: In how much detail is the Kids’Skills intervention described? Does the Kids’Skills intervention used in Finland have evidence-based effectiveness in developing the self-regulation and social skills of children aged 4–15?

Data and research methods

A systematic literature search was carried out using the PCC search strategy (Population, Concept, Context), which focused on the question: What research has been done on Kids’Skills? The following keywords were used: P = children of pre-school and primary school age, adolescents; C = Muksuoppi, Kids’Skills. Context (C) was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the intervention. A systematic literature search was carried out for the following six reference databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for publications in Finnish was performed on the Finna.fi service, and the search was supplemented by a manual search. The accuracy of the method description in the manuals and other written materials maintained by the home base was evaluated.

Results

The literature search found two quasi-experimental comparative studies on the Kids’Skills intervention (Hautakangas et al., 2022a; Kitta et al., 2021). Kids’Skills is well-documented in the intervention handbook. Kids’Skills has been found to have positive effects on children’s self-regulation skills using the HTKS indicator (d = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18-1.43) but, based on what is reported by teachers and parents, the effect cannot be reliably cannot be reliably established in the final or five-month follow-up measurement (95% CI: -0.34-1.23) (Hautakangas et al., 2022a). Effect size calculations indicate that the effects on children’s social skills, such as empathy, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-regulation, are uncertain (Kitta et al., 2021). In the future, it would be beneficial to study the effectiveness of the intervention using larger data sets.

Methodology evaluation

Kids’Skills is a well-documented and theoretically grounded intervention, and there is promising research evidence about it. Quasi-experimental comparative studies (Hautakangas et al., 2022a; Kitta et al., 2021) have provided evidence that the intervention can be used to improve the self-regulation and social skills of children aged 4–15 better when compared to standard support provided in early childhood education and care or schools.

Summary

Introduction

The Family School is aimed at children aged 3 to 6 years and their parents. It consists of a group of parents and a group of children. The aim of the programme is to provide tools and support for families struggling with a child’s challenging behaviour. Challenging behaviour can manifest as defiance, impulsivity, aggression or hyperactivity.

Objective and research question

This systematic literature review assesses the effectiveness of the Family School intervention on the basis of research literature. The review answers the following question: is the Family School effective in addressing behavioural problems in children under school age, aged 3 to 6 years, and contributing to positive parenting?

Data and methods

This study used the Population, Concept and Context (PCC) strategy to search for literature, which is a typical strategy in exploratory literature reviews. The search targeted the following question: what research has been done on the Family School? The following keywords were used: P = parents and young children, C = Family School. Context was omitted to avoid an excessive restriction of the results of the search. The primary area of interest in the search was effectiveness studies carried out on the intervention, although studies carried out using different frameworks were also included. A systematic search was carried out for the following six databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus. In addition, a search for Finnish publications was performed on the Finna.fi service, and the search was supplemented by a manual search.

Results

The literature search found a Finnish monograph dissertation that examines the results and effectiveness of the Family School programme. The intervention has also been the subject of a licentiate thesis, which was highlighted in the review. The Family School is well-described, and its mechanisms of action are based on the principles of cognitive-therapeutic and behavioural-therapeutic interventions and social learning theory. According to the dissertation, progress was observed in the parenting skills of the parents who participated in the Family School and in the behaviour of the participating children, but no differences compared to the control group were found. The results were maintained during a one-year follow-up. The quality of the study was good, although the group sizes were small. The implementation support provided by the intervention is satisfactory. There is room for improvement particularly in the provision of tools for monitoring, maintenance and repeatability for those who implement the intervention.

Methodology evaluation

The Family School is a well-described and promising intervention that has a theoretical foundation and preliminary research on its effectiveness. The evaluation score for the intervention is 3/5.

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