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Social Decision Making / Problem Solving

An Effective Practice

Description

The Social Decision Making/Problem Solving (SDM/PS) program was originally developed in 1979 as the Improving Social Awareness--Social Problem Solving Program. SDM/PS is a universal program, meaning it can be provided to any students, rather than targeting those with special characteristics. The program aims to help students acquire social and decision-making skills and to develop their ability to effectively use those skills in real-life and academic situations. More specifically, the program seeks to develop children's self-esteem, self-control, and social awareness skills, including identifying, monitoring, and regulating stress and emotions; increasing healthy lifestyle choices; avoiding social problems such as substance abuse, violence, and school failure; improving group cooperation skills; and enhancing the ability to develop positive peer relationships.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to help students acquire social and decision-making skills and to develop their ability to effectively use those skills in real-life and academic situations.

Results / Accomplishments

The studies of the SDM/PS program were quasi-experimental in design, but they used reasonably well-matched comparison groups and statistical methodology to assess program impacts. When compared with children in control groups, SDM/PS program participants were found to experience significant decreases in depression (boys only), increases in emotional and behavioral control, and decreases in violent behavior and conduct problems.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Primary Contact
Linda Bruene
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
University Behavioral HealthCare
Behavioral Research and Training Institute
SDM/PS Program
151 Centennial Ave.
Suite 1140
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(732) 235-9280
spsweb@umdnj.edu
Topics
Community / Social Environment
Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Organization(s)
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Source
Promising Practices Network
Date of publication
Jan 2007
Location
New Jersey
For more details
Target Audience
Children