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School-Based Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Among Children (Ages 5–11): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

Exposure to trauma at a younger age has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing PTSD. School-based interventions have been utilized to address traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms in children. However, to date, no meta-analyses have been performed to evaluate the strength of intervention impacts on PTS symptoms in school-aged children, ages 5–11. Thus, the current review sought to address these gaps. Nine international databases were searched during the study’s timeframe. Inclusion criteria were: (1) randomized controlled trials of an intervention or prevention program, (2) implementation in a school-based setting, (3) children aged 5–11, and (4) an outcome variable for PTS or PTSD. Although 26 studies met the above criteria, 21 studies met all inclusion criteria, including the data necessary to run the analysis, and were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Random effects models were used; the standard mean difference was reported at -.30, which was determined as statistically significant (t =  − 2.70, p = .01; 95% CI: [− 0.52, -0.07]). The results indicate that school-based interventions can effectively reduce posttraumatic stress in young children. These results indicate that school-based programs to address trauma in children may be an effective strategy to reduce PTS-related symptoms. Some limitations include a small number of studies included in the meta-analysis. Additionally, few studies reported enough detail to determine racial and ethnic demographic and specific age outcomes. As a result, it was not possible to isolate the specific effects on the intended age group and conduct moderator effects for racial and ethnic demographic data.

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  1. College of Social Work, Florida State University, 296 Champions Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32304-2570, USA

    Jessica R. Bagneris, La Tonya Noël, Rachel Harris & Edward Bennett IV

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  1. Jessica R. Bagneris
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  2. La Tonya Noël
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  3. Rachel Harris
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  4. Edward Bennett IV
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Dr. La Tonya Noël developed the study conception. Rachel Harris conducted the initial search of the literature. The systematic screening of the literature was conducted by Jessica Bagneris, La Tonya Noël, Rachel Harris, and Edward Bennett IV. Jessica Bagneris and Rachel Harris completed data collection. Jessica Bagneris conducted the data analysis. Dr. La Tonya Noël and Jessica Bagneris wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jessica R. Bagneris.

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Bagneris, J.R., Noël, L.T., Harris, R. et al. School-Based Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Among Children (Ages 5–11): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. School Mental Health 13, 832–844 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-021-09451-9

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