Impact of PAX Good Behavior Game on Elementary School Students in Estonia

Effectiveness of a Universal Classroom-based Preventive Intervention (PAX GBG) in Estonia: A Matched-pair Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to measure the impact of the intervention (PAX GBG) in Estonian-language 1st grade classrooms on students' mental health and behaviour, and teacher's self-efficacy.

2-year, matched-pair, cluster-randomized controlled trial with a intervention and wait-list control arm is conducted during school years 2016/17 and 2017/18. 42 volunteering schools were matched to pairs. One school in each pair was randomly selected to receive the PAX GBG or continue their normal activities without intervention. After a post-test assessment in spring 2018 the control group teachers are trained and supported to implement PAX GBG.

Inclusion Criteria:

All schools with first grade classrooms and Estonian-language as instruction language in Estonia were qualified to take part of the study if they did fit the inclusion criteria.

Schools were suitable to participate if they:

• Had equal to or more than 13 pupils in the first grade classroom in 2016/17 school term;
• Did not implement any other evidence-based program in basic school stage 1 (grades 1-3), (for example KiVa bullying prevention program);
• Did not already implement PAX GBG;
• Had at least one first grade teacher who volunteers to participate for the whole study period of two years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Schools for children with special educational needs and schools with Russian language as instruction language were excluded.
• Schools with single-sex classrooms were excluded.