Determining the Effectiveness of a Video-Based Social-Emotional Learning Program
PI: Cindy Y. Huang
IRB #19-230
This study evaluated the effectiveness of Open Parachute, an evidence-driven social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to destigmatize conversations on mental health in young people, and empower them with methods of self-acceptance, self-reflection, and transformation. The program is delivered through a video-based format - a series of professionally produced videotaped interviews are played for the students, and followed by a set of discussion questions led by the classroom teacher. The videos include psychoeducation information as well as real-life examples from adolescents and their experiences with mental health. The corresponding materials include exercises aimed at promoting self-reflection, and discussion points for the class. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of participating in an evidence-driven SEL program (Open Parachute) on mental health awareness and other SEL competencies among middle and high school students in New York State. Teachers’ acceptability of the program were evaluated through specific questionnaires about their perceptions on the program.
Community Stakeholders
Open Parachute developer: Haley Watson, Ph.D.
School partners: South Orangetown Middle School in Blauvelt, NY and Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, NY
School Connection Study: Assessing the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Social-Emotional Learning Program for Urban Youth
PIs: Dr. Cindy Y. Huang and Dr. Sonali Rajan
IRB #18-418
Our study evaluated 1) the fidelity and corresponding feasibility of implementing a creative SEL-driven classroom-based program, NaliniKIDS, among a sample of elementary school students and 2) the effectiveness of this program on student behaviors, student empathy, and the school’s climate.
Learn more about the NaliniKIDS program here: https://nalinikids.org/
Community Stakeholders
NaliniKIDS developer: Rupta Mehta
School partner: P.S. 66 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Preventing Suicide: Adaptation of Parenting Intervention for High-Risk Youth
PIs: Drs. Cindy Y. Huang and Christine Cha
IRB #17-415
Our study tested the feasibility of the Family Check-Up (FCU), a family centered preventive intervention that focuses on reducing child mental and behavioral health problems through positive parenting behaviors for youth who have engaged in self-harm. The adaption of such measures into the FCU may allow for improved understanding of how parenting behaviors may impact, and mitigate self-injurious behaviors in early adolescents. Learn more about the CAMHP project here.