Examining the Efficacy of the PRAISE With Coaching Program

BEHAVIORAL

Universal, classroom-based, Bullying and Aggression Prevention Program

PRAISE is a universal, classroom-based aggression and bullying prevention program that addresses all forms (physical, verbal, relational, cyber), with a strong focus on the relational and reactive behaviors. All emotional and social skills taught focus on applying and practicing the skills within peer relationships. This program has gone through iterative development and adaptations using a community-based participatory approach whereby the elementary students and staff were active partners with researchers in refining the program. Specific attention was paid to ensuring that the program is feasible for schools to implement and sustain while also being relevant and relatable for students from a variety of backgrounds and school communities (e.g., under-resourced, higher levels of community violence). This updated PRAISE includes \~14 sessions (amounts can vary by grade) and training and coaching for school-based facilitators of the program.

Knowledge of Social Information Processing

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Student self-report of social information processing knowledge will be gathered using the Knowledge of Anger Problem Solving measure (9 items) where items are scored a 1 if correct and 0 if incorrect and summed (Range: 0-9), higher scores reflect better social information processing

Hostile Attributions

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Student self-report of hostile attributions will be assessed using the Cartoon-Based Hostile Attributional Bias measure, with 2 relational vignettes and 2 physical vignettes, with one question asking whether a behavior was intentional or unintentional. Each vignette has a range of 0 (no bias) to 4 (strong bias). Scores on the 2 items per vignette type (relational, physical) are summed where higher scores reflect a worse outcome.

Reactive/proactive Aggression

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Measured via student self-report using items drawn from the Peer Conflict Scale -Youth Version measure, the proactive relational (6 items) and reactive relational (6 items) and overt (5 items). Items, with a range of 1-Not at all true to 4-Definitely true, will be averaged per scale. Higher scores indicate more proactive relational, reactive relational and reactive overt aggression.

Cyberbullying

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Student Self-report on items drawn from the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire will assess two scales: cyberbullying perpetration (7 items) and victimization (7 items) with answers ranging from 1-Never to 5-A few times a week. Items will be averaged such that higher score is more perpetration or victimization experiences.

Bystander Behaviors

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Self-report of positive bystander behaviors will be assessed using 5 items drawn from the Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools (MDS3) Climate Survey with answers ranging from 1-Never to 5-All the time. Items are averaged with higher scores indicating more use of positive bystander behaviors.

Relational and Overt Aggression

Time frame: At baseline and post intervention, approximately 8 months.

Using teacher report on each child in their classroom, the Children's Social Behavior Questionnaire will assess a child's relational (7 items) and overt (4 items) aggression with a range of 1-Never true to 5-Almost always true. Items are averaged per scale with higher scores indicating more relational or overt aggression.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.