Maximizing the potential of early childhood education to prevent externalizing behavior problems: A meta-analysis

TitleMaximizing the potential of early childhood education to prevent externalizing behavior problems: A meta-analysis
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsSchindler, H. S., J. Kholoptseva, S. S. Oh, H. Yoshikawa, G. J. Duncan, K. A. Magnuson, and J. P. Shonkoff
Early childhood education (ECE) programs offer a promising mechanism for preventing early externalizing behavior problems and later antisocial behavior; yet, questions remain about how to best maximize ECE's potential. Using a meta-analytic database of 31 studies, we examined the overall effect of ECE on externalizing behavior problems and the differential effects of 3 levels of practice, each with increasing specificity and intensity aimed at children's social and emotional development. In short, we found that each successive level of programs did a better job than the prior level at reducing externalizing behavior problems. Level 1 programs, or those without a clear focus on social and emotional development, had no significant effects on externalizing behavior problems relative to control groups (ES=.13 SD, p<.10). On the other hand, level 2 programs, or those with a clear but broad focus on social and emotional development, were significantly associated with modest decreases in externalizing behavior problems relative to control groups (ES=-.10 SD, p<.05). Hence, level 2 programs were significantly better at reducing externalizing behavior problems than level 1 programs (ES=-.23 SD, p<.01). Level 3 programs, or those that more intensively targeted children's social and emotional development, were associated with additional significant reductions in externalizing behavior problems relative to level 2 programs (ES=-.26 SD, p<.05). The most promising effects came from level 3 child social skills training programs, which reduced externalizing behavior problems half of a standard deviation more than level 2 programs (ES=-.50 SD, p<.05).
Title Maximizing the potential of early childhood education to prevent externalizing behavior problems: A meta-analysis
Publication Title J Sch Psychol
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2015
Authors H.S. Schindler; J. Kholoptseva; S.S. Oh; H. Yoshikawa; G.J. Duncan; K.A. Magnuson; J.P. Shonkoff
Accession Number 26054817
Number 3
ISBN Number 1873-3506 (Electronic)<br/>0022-4405 (Linking)
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