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At-Risk Students in a Rural Context: Benefits and Gains From a Coping Skills Program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Chelsea Eacott
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne, Australia.
Erica Frydenberg*
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne, Australia. [email protected]
*
*Address for Correspondence: Associate Professor Erica Frydenberg, Coordinator Master and Doctor of Educational Psychology Program, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, 234 Queensberry Street, Carlton VIC 3010.
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Abstract

There are increasing demands in schools to provide social–emotional learning opportunities for students. This article reports on the utility of a universal coping skills program for young people at risk for depression in a rural context. The study deals specifically with the utility of the Best of Coping (BOC) program implemented to all students in Year 9 with a view to examining the benefits for students at-risk for depression. Two cohorts of Year 9 students (N = 159) participated in the program across 2006–07. Program effects were evaluated using the Adolescent Coping Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and qualitative interviews. Successful intervention with the BOC was found to help students at-risk decrease dependence on Non-Productive coping strategies and reduce risk for negative mental health outcomes. Findings demonstrated that those in greatest need were able to benefit from a universal intervention program.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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