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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research

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01-03-2018 | Original Article

Peer-Assisted Social Learning for Diverse and Low-Income Youth: Infusing Mental Health Promotion Into Urban After-School Programs

Authors: Sarah A. Helseth, Stacy L. Frazier

Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Community-based after-school programs (ASPs) can promote social competence by infusing evidence-based practice into recreation. Through collaborative partnership, we developed and implemented a peer-assisted social learning (PASL) model to leverage natural opportunities for peer-mediated problem-solving. ASP-Staff (n = 5) led elementary-school youth (n = 30) through 21 activities that partnered socially-skilled and less-skilled children; outcomes were compared to children (n = 31) at another site, via quasi-experimental design. Findings were mixed, including strong evidence for fidelity (adherence) and feasibility (attendance, participation, enthusiasm) of implementation. Relative to Comparison children, PASL children demonstrated improved social skills and behavior, but no changes in problem-solving, peer likability, or social network status.

The paired nature of the activities and universal implementation at the site allowed us to retrospectively calculate the true number of children present during PASL activities, regardless of study enrollment. On average 25 children participated in PASL (SD = 3.4; range 20–31), meaning our staff-to-child ratio was in fact 4:25 (i.e., 1 staff member for every 6 children), reflecting an increased demand on staff time and attention.

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Title: Peer-Assisted Social Learning for Diverse and Low-Income Youth: Infusing Mental Health Promotion Into Urban After-School Programs
Authors: Sarah A. Helseth
Stacy L. Frazier
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0894-587X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3289
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-017-0823-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Peer-Assisted Social Learning for Diverse and Low-Income Youth: Infusing Mental Health Promotion Into Urban After-School Programs

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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