As a passionate advocate for creating positive outcomes for children, I believe in the power of data-driven decisions. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health titled Effectiveness of Video-Feedback with Cognitive Preparation in Improving Social Performance and Anxiety through Super Skills for Life Programme Implemented in a School Setting offers compelling evidence that can help practitioners enhance their skills and improve children's social performance and reduce anxiety.
The study evaluated the Super Skills for Life (SSL) programme, which integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, social skills training, behavioral activation, and video-feedback with cognitive preparation. The research involved 57 children aged 8-11 years with emotional symptoms, and the results were promising. Participants showed significant improvements in social performance and a reduction in anxiety behaviors after the intervention.
Key Findings
- Children exhibited fewer anxiety behaviors and improved social and communication skills after the SSL intervention.
- Girls generally showed better social performance than boys, but the SSL programme had a greater impact on males.
- Social self-concept was the only significant mediator of change in social anxiety from pre- to post-treatment.
Implementing Video-Feedback with Cognitive Preparation
The SSL programme's effectiveness is rooted in its use of video-feedback with cognitive preparation. This technique helps children objectively assess their social performance, which in turn boosts their confidence and reduces anxiety. Here’s how you can implement this in your practice:
- Record Sessions: Record children during social performance tasks at the beginning and end of the intervention.
- Cognitive Preparation: Before watching their recordings, instruct children to focus on their social behaviors rather than their feelings during the performance.
- Objective Assessment: Encourage children to watch their recordings as if they were external observers, fostering a neutral and objective self-assessment.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use the recordings to highlight improvements and provide constructive feedback, enhancing their social self-concept.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides robust evidence supporting the SSL programme, it also highlights the need for further research. Future studies should explore additional mediators of change, such as cognitive emotion-regulation strategies and the presence of comorbid conditions like depression or behavioral problems.
By integrating these findings into your practice, you can help children improve their social performance and reduce anxiety, ultimately fostering better social interactions and mental health outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effectiveness of Video-Feedback with Cognitive Preparation in Improving Social Performance and Anxiety through Super Skills for Life Programme Implemented in a School Setting.
