Citation

Veltro F, Ialenti V, Morales García MA, Bonanni E, Iannone C, D'Innocenzo M, Gigantesco A. Biomed. Res. Int. 2017; 2017: e2546862.

Affiliation

Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Hindawi Publishing)

DOI

10.1155/2017/2546862

PMID

28642871

PMCID

PMC5470000

Abstract

AIM: In Italy, a handbook has been developed based on the principles of cooperative learning, life skills, self-effectiveness, and problem-solving at high school level. Early studies have shown the handbook's effectiveness. It has been hypothesized that the revised handbook could be more effective in middle schools.

METHOD: The study design is a "pre- and posttest" that compares the results obtained from 91 students of the high schools with those of the 38 students from middle schools. The assessment was made through "self-reporting" questionnaires of (a) learning skills including problem-solving and (b) perceived self-efficacy in managing emotions, dysfunctional beliefs, and unhealthy behaviours (i.e., drinking/smoking).

RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in both groups with the exceptions of perceived self-efficacy in managing emotions. The improvement of dysfunctional beliefs and the learning of problem-solving skills were better in middle schools.

CONCLUSION: The results confirm the authors' hypothesis that the use of this approach is much more promising in middle school.

Language: en