Tool Information
|
Title |
The "Friends" Programme
|
|
Settings |
Education
|
|
MHP Steps |
Implementation
|
|
URL |
http://www.friendsinfo.net/ |
|
Publication Information |
FRIENDS is the only childhood anxiety prevention program acknowledged by the WHO for its 12 years of comprehensive evaluation and practice. It has proved effective for up to 6 years after initial exposure. FRIENDS started in mid-1980s and it is now in commitment to evidence-based research suppot for all aspects of the program (a booklet of research abstracts can be found attached).
|
|
Country of Origin |
Australia
|
|
Languages |
Dutch |
English |
German
|
|
Tool Description |
The Friends Programme is a leading school-based anxiety prevention program that helps children aged 7-11 and teenagers aged 12-16 cope with feelings of fear, worry, and depression by building resilience and self-esteem and teaching cognitive and emotional skills in a simple, well-structured format. Cognititive-behavioural intervention includes ten child sessions and three parent sessions.
|
|
Application in the Field |
Applied internationally
|
|
Tool mainly used in |
Australia
|
|
Stage of Development |
Well established
|
|
Evaluation and Research |
Studies/Technical Data available
|
|
Beneficiary Involvement in Design |
No information found
|
|
Evaluation |
Yes
|
|
Evaluation Description |
Rigorous randomised control studies say that up to 80% of children showing signs of an anxiety disorder no longer display that disorder after completing the program (effect has been confirmed at up to 6 years posttreatment). FRIENDS programme appears to be an efficacious and acceptable way to promote emotional resilience (reduced anxiety and increased self-esteem) in primary school aged children.
|
|
Available Formats |
Paper Based |
Soft Copy |
Online
|
|
Free |
No
|
|
Restrictions on Use |
No
|
|
Tool Focus |
Individual
|
|
Tool Type |
Educational/Training
|
|
Download(s) |
- Abstracts of studies - 196 KB
- Introduction to FRIENDS - 296 KB
|