Effectiveness of the training program for aggressive children in psychiatry and youth welfare setting.

tim

Effects of the training program for aggressive children [Training mit aggressiven Kindern, TAK, Petermann & Petermann, 2008] were compared with the effects of a combination of youth welfare service and TAK and psychiatric intervention with TAK. Groups of 8,12 and 13 children (32 boys, 1 girl, average ages of 9 years and 8 months) took part in the study. At the beginning as well as 6 months after completion of the training behavioral and social problems were measured. A sub-sample of six boys in the psychiatric intervention-TAK group was examined directly after training terminated. Emotional problems, social difficulties with peers, and conduct problems were reduced more effectively with combined interventions. Pre-post comparisons of the ratings in the sub-sample documented a strong decrease in peer relationship and emotional problems. Results indicated that it should be possible to optimize mental health care of aggressive children through the integration of TAK in standard intervention programs.