Implementation and Evaluation of the Intervention Program “The Circle of Friends” in Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of the intervention program “The Circle of Friends” at reducing of the externalizing behavior problems, internalizing problems, the intense attention deficits and the hyperactivity behaviors, as well as the enhancement of the self-esteem level among primary school students with emotional and behavioral disorders. An AB single subject design was used which included a baseline phase (phase A) and a treatment phase (phase B). The participants were twenty one school-aged students, nine to eleven years old. The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale completed by the students and a Behavior Evaluation Form based on Achenbach Questionnaire completed by parents and teachers were used for the research purpose. Independent record of the target behaviors was conducted for each student during both phases and these data were compared. The results showed that the intervention reduced the behavior problems of all participants and enhanced significantly their self-esteem level. Furthermore, factors which reinforced this positive effect of Social Stories were reported.