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Gender Differences in Middle School Adjustment, Physical Fighting, and Social Skills: Evaluation of a Social Competency Program

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Abstract

This study was designed to explore the effects of previous exposure to the Reach Out to Schools: Social Competency Program (SCP) on the middle school adjustment of sixth grade students. SCP is designed to teach children social skills to help them to communicate better, solve problems and build stronger relationships. Students (n = 277), parents (n = 166), and teachers (n = 13) were surveyed. Results show associations between program exposure and the middle school adjustment of girls, according to teacher and student ratings, and on physical fighting among boys, according to their self-reports. Differences were also found for teacher-rated levels of girls' assertiveness and boys' self-rating of self-control.

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Correspondence to Catherine A. Taylor.

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Taylor, C.A., Liang, B., Tracy, A.J. et al. Gender Differences in Middle School Adjustment, Physical Fighting, and Social Skills: Evaluation of a Social Competency Program. The Journal of Primary Prevention 23, 259–272 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019976617776

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