As practitioners dedicated to improving child outcomes, it is essential to stay informed about innovative and evidence-based interventions. One such intervention is the "4 Steps To My Future" (4STMF) protocol, a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducational program designed to support the psychological well-being of young adolescents. This blog will delve into the outcomes of a feasibility study conducted in the Western Cape, South Africa, and explore how these findings can be implemented to enhance your practice.
The 4STMF Program: An Overview
The 4STMF program consists of eight sessions aimed at grade 5 students (aged 10–13 years). The intervention focuses on four core CBT principles:
- Enhancing self-esteem
- Promoting helpful thinking
- Developing emotional regulation
- Empowering goal-focused action
Each of these principles is covered in two brief school lessons, designed to be engaging and culturally sensitive. The program is delivered by trained facilitators with a background in psychology.
Key Findings from the Feasibility Study
The feasibility study, conducted in two public schools in the Western Cape, aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the 4STMF program. The study involved 224 children and used a mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data.
Feasibility Outcomes
- Consent and Assent Rates: High rates of parental consent and child assent were observed, indicating strong community support.
- Session Completion: The majority of sessions were completed as planned, demonstrating the program's feasibility within the school schedule.
- Program Fidelity: Observers noted high levels of facilitator confidence and preparedness, ensuring consistent delivery of the program.
Acceptability Outcomes
- Participant Feedback: Exit focus groups revealed that children found the program engaging and relevant to their daily lives.
- Teacher and Parent Feedback: Both teachers and parents reported positive changes in children's behavior and emotional well-being.
Implications for Practitioners
The positive outcomes from the 4STMF feasibility study offer several actionable insights for practitioners:
- Incorporate CBT Principles: Integrate CBT techniques such as enhancing self-esteem and promoting helpful thinking into your practice to improve child outcomes.
- Community Engagement: Engage parents and teachers in the intervention process to ensure a supportive environment for children.
- Ongoing Training: Ensure facilitators are well-trained and confident in delivering CBT-based interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
While the feasibility study provides promising results, further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of the 4STMF program in diverse settings. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or initiate similar studies to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting school-based mental health interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: 4 Steps To My Future (4STMF): protocol for a universal school-based pilot and feasibility study of a CBT-based psychoeducational intervention to support psychological well-being amongst young adolescents in the Western Cape, South Africa.
