Abstract
Children displaying early disruptive behaviour problems (DBP) in school are at risk for severe long-term problems. This study evaluated and compared a systemic school-based intervention, Marte Meo and Coordination meetings (MAC) with service as usual (SAU) in a randomised controlled trial. The teachers’ and parents’ ratings were collected before and after intervention. Target group were children aged 3–12 years that displayed DBPs in school (N = 99). MAC programme was more effective than SAU in reducing DBPs among school children based on teachers’ reports (dppc2 .30–.38), whereas the effect was equal according to parents’ reports. It is possible to achieve changes in children’s DBPs in a school setting. Advantages of MAC might be explained by a clear target for change enhancing children’s development in school, but might also be explained by shortcomings in SAU, which seems to generate more services and personnel.
Highlights
AimThe aim of the current study is to compare the MAC programme with service as usual (SAU) among 3–12-year-old children in school
The younger the children are when they begin to display disruptive behaviour problems (DBP), such as aggressiveness, truancy, defiance, non-compliance, impulsiveness or oppositional behaviour, the greater is the long-term risk of severe problems later in life (Franken et al, 2016; Frick, 2004; Moffitt, 2003; Patterson, DeGarmo & Knutson, 2000; Webster-Stratton, Reid & Beauchaine, 2011)
A MAC team was formed in each of the participating municipalities. It consisted of teachers with additional training in working with children with special needs and who had been trained as Marte Meo consultants and coordinators who were recruited from social services
Summary
The aim of the current study is to compare the MAC programme with SAU among 3–12-year-old children in school. To determine if there are any generalisation effects to home. Is there any difference between MAC and SAU regarding children’s behaviour in school, (teachers’ report, primary outcome)?. 2. Do effects generalise from school to the home in terms of children’s DBP (parents’ report, secondary outcome)?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
