School-based intervention programs for PTSD symptoms: a review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This is a review and meta-analysis of school-based intervention programs targeted at reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nineteen studies conducted in 9 different countries satisfied the inclusionary criteria. The studies dealt with various kinds of type I and type II trauma exposure. Sixteen studies used cognitive-behavioral therapy methods; the others used play/art, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mind-body techniques. The overall effect size for the 19 studies was d = 0.68 (SD = 0.41), indicating a medium-large effect in relation to reducing symptoms of PTSD. The authors' findings suggest that intervention provided within the school setting can be effective in helping children and adolescents following traumatic events.