FRIENDS for LIFE Resilience Program

https://www.friendsresilience.org

Initiative Description: Schools were randomized to an intervention group (n=13) or a wait-listed control group (n=14). 2 teachers per classroom delivered the intervention to a whole class in their school. Each child was given as workbook which was used throughout the duration of the program. Parents of participating children were invited to attend 2 parent psycho-educational workshops jointly facilitated by the teachers delivering the program and the school’s educational psychologist, one of which was held at baseline and the other halfway through the intervention. The control group participated in the intervention 3 months later that the intervention group (between April and June).

Study Results: There was a significant improvement in positive student outcomes such as emotional wellbeing, coping skills, and school connectedness.

Reference: Ruttledge, R., Devitt, E., Greene, G., Mullany, M., Charles, E., Frehill, J., & Moriarty, M. (2016). A randomised controlled trial of the FRIENDS for Life emotional resilience programme delivered by teachers in Irish primary schools. Educational & Child Psychology, 33(2), 69-89.

Level of Evidence: Excellent