Authors:John-Tyler Binfet Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Educators and parents alike have high expectations that adolescents behave prosocially and, within the context of schools, this is evident in curriculum grounded in social and emotional learning and in kindness-themed school-wide initiatives. Despite this emphasis on kindness, relatively little is empirically known about how adolescents enact kindness. To understand just how adolescents demonstrate kindness, a study of 191 ninth graders was conducted in which students were asked to plan and complete five kind acts. In addition to planning and doing acts of kindness, participants were asked to rate their face-to-face and online kindness, report the number of kind acts they completed, identify the recipients of their acts, and assess the quality of their kind acts. At post-test, participants’ self-ratings of both face-to-face and online kindness were significantly higher than their pre-test ratings. Only one third of participants completed all of their kind acts, most participants chose familiar others as the recipients of their kindness, and the bulk of participants rated their acts of kindness as medium quality on a low–medium–high scale. The kind acts done by participants reflected the themes of helping with chores, being respectful, complimenting/encouraging others, and giving objects or money. Implications for educators and parents are discussed. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-11-07T07:05:42Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519885802
Authors:Rylee Oram, Maria Rogers, George DuPaul Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Recent research has shown that undergraduate students who experience both clinical and subclinical attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle academically. Furthermore, these students have cited academic amotivation as a factor in their academic difficulties. Self-determination theory (SDT) posits that a lack of motivation—known as amotivation—may be the result of the frustration of the basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. For this reason, the current study examined whether basic psychological need frustration mediated the relationship between ADHD symptomatology and academic amotivation. A sample of undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire about their university experience. Data were analyzed using a mediational structural equation model. Results suggested significant relationships between all of the variables. Moreover, basic psychological need frustration fully mediated the relationship between ADHD symptomatology and academic amotivation. These results demonstrate the importance of fulfilling the basic psychological needs of undergraduate students experiencing ADHD symptomatology, as it may increase their academic motivation, and, subsequently, reduce their academic difficulties. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-10-03T08:55:05Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519880063
Authors:Ainsley M. Boudreau, Joseph M. Lucyshyn, Penny Corkum, Katelyn Meko, Isabel M. Smith Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of peer training in pivotal response treatment (PRT) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their first year of school. Four 6-year-old boys with ASD and eight typically developing (TD) children (aged 4-6 years) participated in the study. A non-concurrent multiple-probe (across participants) baseline design was used. Outcomes were assessed before, immediately after, and 6 to 9 weeks following an eight-session training period. Overall, rates of peer engagement increased following training for three of the four children with ASD and rates of social initiation increased following training for two of the four children with ASD; these gains were maintained at follow-up. TD peers’ fidelity in implementing PRT techniques also improved. The present study suggests that relatively brief peer training in PRT can produce immediate and short-term sustained gains in peer-related social communication skills of children with ASD at school. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-08-22T05:31:47Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519870923
Authors:Ken R. Lodewyk, Lauren McNamara, Philip Sullivan Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. School recess scholars have called for more research into collective relations between social, personal, and physical factors on students’ engagement and enjoyment of recess. Overall and by gender, this study serves to investigate a proposed model among 355 elementary school students from victimization to enjoyment through peer belonging, positive affect, and physical activity. Consenting students completed an online survey, and structural equation modeling (overall and in boys and girls) revealed an excellent fit of the data to the model (comparative fit index [CFI] and goodness of fit index [GFI]> .95, standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] < .08, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] < .10). Each of the path regression coefficients was significant (p < .001) except for between victimization and positive affect. Results by gender revealed that all factor loadings were significant for both males and females, and all pathways between factors were significant for males, whereas for females, all pathways were significant except from victimization to affect and from physical activity to enjoyment. Boys were also significantly higher in victimization and physical activity during recess. For enhanced recess enjoyment among elementary school students, some schools may need to better consider how to support students’ reciprocal needs for peer belonging, affect, physical activity, and reduced victimization. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-07-09T11:46:17Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519856814
Authors:Philippe Valois, Jacques Forget, Carolanne Ponton Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Creativity is viewed as a trait of essential use in many contexts. The need for creative people in different domains implies that school should develop and evaluate creativity in their curriculum. Runco identified more than 80 creativity tests in English. No equivalent compendium exists for creativity tests in French. Thus, francophone students are not well deserved by the current state of creativity’s testing. The first objective of this article is to identify existing French tests of creativity with children and adolescent subjects that were identified in different databases using a systematic literature review method. The second objective is to present the key components and psychometric values of each identified test. Eight instruments for francophones were identified as being validated or being used in research setting with children or adolescent. Different theories of creativity associated with each test are also presented to guide the reader in selecting the most appropriate test for his school curriculum or his research. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-06-27T11:39:19Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519853672
Authors:Deinera Exner-Cortens, Vanja Spiric, Claire Crooks, Maisha Syeda, Lana Wells Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Implementation of evidence-based, Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) programming that supports healthy relationships skills is recognized as a key mental health promotion and violence prevention strategy for youth. However, work specifically exploring how to support the high-quality implementation of such programming with Canadian teachers and schools is just beginning to emerge. Drawing on implementation frameworks that emphasize the importance of setting, provider, and implementation process characteristics for understanding program implementation outcomes, this prospective, longitudinal study explores implementation of the Fourth R, a SEL-based healthy relationships program, in a Western Canadian province using a sample of middle school teachers. The aim of this mixed-methods study was to illuminate relationships among teachers’ attitudes toward evidence-based programming, perceptions of organizational climate, and training experience with program implementation outcomes (dosage, quality, fidelity). Findings of this exploratory study identified that these characteristics influenced implementation dosage, quality, and fidelity in differential ways. Qualitative data drawn from teacher interviews supported quantitative findings and highlighted the importance of organizational support for high-quality implementation. We discuss areas for further study, given that there are significant gaps in knowledge about teachers’ attitudes toward evidence-based programming, school climate, and other systemic factors in the Canadian context, as well as relevance of study findings to the field of school psychology. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-06-20T05:38:18Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519857422
Authors:Aviva Segal, Delphine Collin-Vézina First page: 317 Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. The influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the developing child across several domains of functioning has much theoretical and empirical support. Yet, surprisingly, the impact of ACEs on the development of language skills specifically remains somewhat understudied. The present report provides a brief review of research on ACEs and associated impacts on brain functioning and on language skills development specifically. Trauma-informed practices are discussed, with a specific focus on school-based trauma-informed programs. Next steps to explore in future research are then provided. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2019-06-13T06:05:26Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573519856818
Authors:Natalie Spadafora, Zopito A. Marini, Anthony A. Volk Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Bystanders play a crucial role in encouraging or preventing bullying situations and feature prominently in several international antibullying programs (e.g., KiVa). Despite a surge of recent interest in bystanders, relatively little is known about the functional reasons why individuals choose to engage with or ignore bullying incidents. Given the importance of bystanders’ influence on bullying, we argue that further consideration needs to be given to the individual costs and benefits of bystanders’ intervention. Adolescents in our study (N = 101, M = 15.37 years) read different bullying scenarios and were then asked to respond with how the bystander would react in each scenario while considering and explaining potential personal costs and benefits. We focused on the cognitive reasoning of important factors adolescents may consider when faced with the decision of whether to intervene or not in a bullying situation. Our study provides novel evidence that adolescents engage in quite explicit cost–benefit decisions regarding their decisions of whether or not they would intervene in bullying. The content and structure of these cost–benefit decisions support an adaptive model of bullying behavior and may be helpful in developing more targeted peer-based antibullying programs. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2018-08-23T11:20:50Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573518793752
Authors:Ainsley M. Boudreau, Penny Corkum, Isabel M. Smith First page: 259 Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Few effective school-based interventions that target social-communication skills are available for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The growing gap between interventions designed for use in research settings and the school environment is concerning for researchers and clinicians alike. Research methods that incorporate relevant stakeholders (e.g., educators, early intervention providers [EIPs]) throughout the process from intervention design to implementation help to bridge this gap. This study used content analysis of interview data to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a specific peer-mediated intervention (PMI) for school use for young children with ASD. We explored educators’ and EIPs’ perspectives on evidence-based practice (EBP), the components of the proposed intervention (using Pivotal Response Treatment, PRT), and the overall acceptability and feasibility of using the intervention at school, through interviews with 29 participants (24 elementary school educators and five EIPs serving children with ASD). Results indicated that stakeholders had some knowledge of PRT and found the PMI approach to be acceptable and feasible. Several potential challenges were identified with respect to typically developing peers as intervention agents. We discuss educators’ specific recommendations for intervention adaptation and provide a model for researchers and educators to collaborate in promoting optimal use of EBPs at school. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2018-05-29T10:00:18Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573518777417
Authors:Daniel B. Hajovsky, Matthew R. Reynolds First page: 283 Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. To better understand the longitudinal relations between risk and relationship variables during early to middle adolescence, we employed latent variable cross-lagged panel models using data (N = 1,050) from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study. Results showed self-reported individual risk behavior (β = .77–.88) and mother-reported child-parent relationship quality (CPRQ; β = .59–.76) were stable, whereas the self-report of one’s peer’s risk behavior (β = .21–.27) was less stable. After controlling for previous levels of peer risk behavior and CPRQ, higher levels of individual risk behavior resulted in subsequent increases in the number of peers who demonstrated risk behavior (β = .38–.54) across early to middle adolescence. CPRQ and peer risk behavior, however, did not influence subsequent individual risk behavior. School psychologists can encourage friendship selection strategies that reduce potential risk affiliation while increasing healthy, supportive friendships and teach adolescents stress management skills. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2018-04-22T05:20:03Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573518769711
Authors:Natalia Lapshina, Claire V. Crooks, Amanda Kerry First page: 300 Abstract: Canadian Journal of School Psychology, Ahead of Print. Mental health promotion programming in schools and community settings is an important part of a comprehensive mental health strategy. The goal of this study was to identify and explore meaningful classes of youth based on their pre- and post-intervention depression symptoms scores with 722 youth involved in a 15-week healthy relationships and mental health promotion program. We utilized latent class growth analysis to identify depression class trajectories, controlling for group clustering effects. A three-class solution identified high decreasing, moderate stable, and low stable trajectories. Gender, age, and reported experience of bullying victimization predicted trajectory class membership. The low stable class trajectory was associated with the highest positive mental health, followed by the moderate stable and the high decreasing trajectories. These results suggest that youth with the highest depression scores showed significant improvement in symptomatology over the course of the program. Citation: Canadian Journal of School Psychology PubDate: 2018-06-11T12:27:30Z DOI: 10.1177/0829573518777154
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