Preventing high school maladjustment: Effectiveness of professional and cross-age behavioral group counseling

Abstract

The effectiveness of behavioral group counseling in preventing and remediating maladjustment of ninth grade students was studied in a public high school. Behavioral group counseling was provided to ninth graders by experienced school counselors and by twelfth grade students. Results suggested that behavioral group counseling may be a cost-effective approach. When compared to a group of ninth graders who received the school's routine counseling services, students receiving group counseling improved their school attendance and grade point average, while reducing their number of disciplinary referrals and referrals for special education. These results reflected no differences between groups receiving counseling from professionals and from older students, and were maintained during a 10-week follow-up period. Qualitative data also are provided reflecting judgments of teachers, counselors, and vice-principal that the behavioral group counseling intervention was a socially worthwhile and practical approach.