"I want to behave prosocially and I can choose to do so": Effectiveness of TIGER (Kanjertraining) in 8- to 11-year-olds

Lilian Vliek*, Geertjan Overbeek, Bram Orobio de Castro

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study examined whether TIGER ("Kanjertraining" in the Netherlands) reduces psychosocial problems in eight- to eleven-year-olds in a mental health-care setting. TIGER is a cognitive behavioural intervention in the peer group, with an additional parent component. Characterizing features include the emphasis on affirming children's prosocial intentions and feelings of responsibility for their own behaviour. To study effectiveness in routine daily practice, a quasi-experimental design with 185 intervention and 39 waiting list control children was used. Results indicated that TIGER significantly reduced externalizing and internalizing problems. Children with clinical-level internalizing problems at pretest benefited more from TIGER than children with subclinical or nonclinical internalizing problems. Effect sizes (between.33 and.46) were in the small to medium range and comparable to behavioural parent-training and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Future interesting topics to study are the long-term effects of TIGER and mechanisms of change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)77-89
Number of pages13
JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Effectiveness
  • Intention
  • Intervention
  • Psychosocial problems
  • Responsibility

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