Efficacy of the Aussie Optimism Program: Promoting Pro-social Behavior and Preventing Suicidality in Primary School Students. A Randomised-Controlled Trial

Abstract

The efficacy of an enhanced version of the Aussie Optimism Program (AOP) was investigated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Grade 6 students aged 10–11 years of age (N = 2288) from 63 government primary schools in Perth, Western Australia, participated in the pre, post, and follow-up study. Schools were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Aussie Optimism with teacher training, Aussie Optimism with teacher training plus coaching, or a usual care condition that received the regular Western Australian Health Education Curriculum. Students in the Aussie Optimism conditions received 20, 1-h lessons relating to social and interpersonal skills and optimistic thinking skills over the last 2 years of primary school. Parents in the active conditions received a parent information booklet each year, plus a self-directed program in Grade 7. Students and parents completed the Extended Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Students who scored in the clinical range on the Emotional Symptoms Scale were given The Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents IV, to assess suicidal ideation and behavior, and depressive and anxiety disorders. Results indicated that Aussie Optimism with teacher training plus coaching was associated with the best outcomes: a significant increase in student-reported pro-social behavior from pre-test to post-test 1 (maintained at post-test 2) and significantly lower incidence rates from suicidal ideation at post-test 2 and follow-up. No significant intervention effects on anxiety and depressive disorders, and total difficulties were reported. These findings suggest that the AOP with teacher training along with coaching may have the potential to positively impact on suicidality and pro-social behavior in the pre-adolescent years.

The Canmore Declaration: Statement of Principles for Planetary Health

“…Our meeting had a strong focus on positive emotional assets for long-term health and resilience, including evidence of anti-inflammatory effects [74] and other biological benefits of interventions such as mindfulness training [73]. Interventions to promote positive emotional assets in children are showing benefits for global mental health outcomes [80]. This is of increasing importance in the face of the current mental health crisis (another consequence of dysbiotic drift), with significant increases in psychological distress now affecting children and youth.…”

Optimism and Childhood: Theory and Current State of Research

“…En algunos estudios es posible encontrar una relación negativa entre optimismo infantil y depresión, estrés, ansiedad, conductas auto lesivas y suicidas (Ames, Rawana, Gentile y Morgan, 2013; Roberts et al, 2018;Smokowski, Evans, Cotter y Webber, 2013). Además, la evidencia resalta el efecto que el optimismo tiene sobre la reevaluación positiva de las experiencias y el aumento de sentimientos positivos en padres al cuidado de niños y niñas con problemas del desarrollo (Kurtz-Nelson y McIntyre, 2017; Slattery, McMahon y Gallagher, 2017).…”

“…Además, la evidencia resalta el efecto que el optimismo tiene sobre la reevaluación positiva de las experiencias y el aumento de sentimientos positivos en padres al cuidado de niños y niñas con problemas del desarrollo (Kurtz-Nelson y McIntyre, 2017; Slattery, McMahon y Gallagher, 2017). Esto último, como lo veremos más adelante, terminaría siendo un beneficio sustancial igualmente para la infancia, entendiendo que las reacciones de los padres, madres y/o adultos significativos, sí pueden predecir en alguna medida, la disposición optimista de los hijos (hjelle, Busch y Warren, 1996;Roberts et al, 2018;Lench, Quas y Edelstein, 2006;yon y Jong, 2007).…”

“…uno de los conceptos que ha concitado amplio interés para la psicología positiva, y que se abordará en el presente artículo, es el ya nombrado optimismo (Castillo-Escobar, 2010). Este interés surge por los efectos positivos que se le atribuyen y que favorecen el bienestar de las personas (Carver y Gallagher, Lopez y Pressman, 2013;Pavez, Mena y Vera-Villarroel, 2012;Roberts et al, 2018;Veronese, Castiglioni, Tombolani y Said, 2011;Williams, Davis, hancock y Phipps, 2009). El optimismo es definido como "una expectativa generalizada de experiencias y resultados positivos a lo largo de la vida, así como la confianza en la propia capacidad para enfrentar los desafíos" (p. 429, Gallagher, Lopez y Pressman, 2013).…”

“…Con independencia de lo anterior, son indiscutibles los efectos positivos que tiene favorecer y mantener una actitud optimista desde la infancia (hernangóme Criado 2002;Roberts et al, 2018;Veronese, Castiglioni, Tombolani y Said, 2011). Pese a que la proporción de estudios desarrollados en infancia son menos en comparación con los realizados en población adulta y joven, estos son consistentes en demostrar los efectos positivos del optimismo sobre la salud física y mental de los niños y niñas (Lemola et al, 2011;Roberts et al, 2018;Rooney et al, 2013;Williams, Davis, hancock y Phipps, 2009).…”