An Analysis of the Effects of WhyTry on Behavior in Low Socioeconomic Status Early Adolescent Populations
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom A
Start Date
17-5-2012
End Date
17-5-2012
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of the Why Try curriculum on behavior of students from low socioeconomic (SES) households in order to evaluate the program’s ability to help students cope with the risk factors associated with low SES. The need for this study was highlighted by research findings that suggest that students from low SES exhibit more instances of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Why Try is a curriculum designed to develop resilience, and improve behavior in school-aged children. The sample consisted of seven students from low SES households, two of which were in the control group with the other five participating in Why Try. The students were given the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a pre and posttest. Data was also collected on the number of Office Discipline Referrals at pre and posttest. Preliminary analysis demonstrated slight differences between the control group and the Why Try group with behaviors changing over time in both groups. Although further analysis, which is currently being conducted, will determine the statistical significance of these differences. Limitations of the study including small sample size, lack of a comparative economic group, and short timespan to implement the program which may influence the results. Overall, programs to mediate the effects of low SES for school-aged students must be examined further, and this study shows data trends that support further research of using the WhyTry curriculum for this purpose.
Recommended Citation
Albin, Kali, "An Analysis of the Effects of WhyTry on Behavior in Low Socioeconomic Status Early Adolescent Populations" (2012). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 4.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2012/posters/4
Poster Number
19
Additional Mentoring Department
Psychology
An Analysis of the Effects of WhyTry on Behavior in Low Socioeconomic Status Early Adolescent Populations
SURC Ballroom A
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of the Why Try curriculum on behavior of students from low socioeconomic (SES) households in order to evaluate the program’s ability to help students cope with the risk factors associated with low SES. The need for this study was highlighted by research findings that suggest that students from low SES exhibit more instances of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Why Try is a curriculum designed to develop resilience, and improve behavior in school-aged children. The sample consisted of seven students from low SES households, two of which were in the control group with the other five participating in Why Try. The students were given the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a pre and posttest. Data was also collected on the number of Office Discipline Referrals at pre and posttest. Preliminary analysis demonstrated slight differences between the control group and the Why Try group with behaviors changing over time in both groups. Although further analysis, which is currently being conducted, will determine the statistical significance of these differences. Limitations of the study including small sample size, lack of a comparative economic group, and short timespan to implement the program which may influence the results. Overall, programs to mediate the effects of low SES for school-aged students must be examined further, and this study shows data trends that support further research of using the WhyTry curriculum for this purpose.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Suzanne Little