Eigenstandig Werden (Becoming Independent) - life skills training with focus on substance use and bullying
At a glance
Country of origin
Eigenstandig Werden is a life skills programme aimed at promoting health and personality development. It particularly addresses substance-related addiction and bullying in middle and late adolescence. It is delivered to elementary school children by teachers who are specially trained. There are 42 lessons, taught from grade 1 to grade 4 (6-9 years old). Some 10 lessons, most of which are 90 minutes long, are distributed throughout each school year. The sessions use a variety of techniques, such as relaxation exercises, role-play, identification figures, puppet shows, songs and experiments.
Keywords
No dataLinks to this programme in other registries
Implementation Experiences
Read the experiences of people who have implemented this programme.Contact details
Ms Karin Maruska
Institute for Therapy and Health Research IFT-Nord
Harmsstrasse 2, 24114
Kiel Germany
Email: maruska[a]ift-nord.de
Overview of results from the European studies
Studies overview
The programme has been evaluated in one randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Germany with children aged six years. At post-test, there was a statistically significant effect on teacher-reported child externalising and internalising behaviour but no effect on teacher-reported child life skills (e.g. assertiveness, autonomous behaviour and critical thinking and judgement).
Countries where evaluated
- Germany
Characteristics
Protective factor(s) addressed
- Individual and peers: Problem solving skills
- Individual and peers: refusal skills and decision making
Risk factor(s) addressed
- No defined risk factors
Outcomes targeted
- Other mental health outcomes
- Other behaviour outcomes
Description of programme
Eigenstandig Werden is a life skills programme aimed at promoting health and personality development. It particularly addresses substance-related addiction and bullying in middle and late adolescence. It uses life skills such as self-awareness and empathy, and other skills such as media-related critical thinking and substance-specific resistance skills, to target addiction and violence. It is delivered to elementary school children by teachers who are specially trained.
There are 42 lessons taught from grade 1 to grade 4 (6-9 years old). Some 10 lessons, most of which are 90 minutes long, are distributed throughout each school year. The lessons are delivered in regular classes by specially trained teachers, who are provided with a manual that includes detailed descriptions of the particular units, in respect of background, aims, activities, etc., and of the relevant materials. The sessions use a variety of techniques, such as relaxation exercises, role play, identification figures, puppet shows, songs and experiments.
