Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
1. Meta-Analysis
We are currently conducting a meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of DBT skills groups when delivered as a universal school-based (USB) social emotional learning (SEL) program. This project will synthesize the currently available literature evaluating DBT skills as a USB SEL program, with the ultimate goal of informing policymakers and educators about the utility of this program in supporting adolescent well-being.
2. Integrating Youth Feedback
The DBT STEPS-A program has yielded promising preliminary results in promoting youth wellbeing. However, there have been few attempts to integrate adolescent feedback into the delivery of this program. Research suggests that mental health supports may be less effective for students from minoritized groups. Thus, we conducted focus groups asking Black high school students for feedback on social emotional learning (SEL) programs and DBT STEPS-A specifically. Using this data, we aim to understand how to adapt mental health interventions, SEL programs, and DBT STEPS-A to better serve Black students.
3. Meta-Analytic Database of SEL Interventions
We are currently creating a database of randomized controlled trials of universal school-based (USB) social emotional learning (SEL) interventions for high school students. This will result in an open-access, meta-analytic research database that we regularly update and maintain. This database will be used to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the effectiveness of USB SEL programs.
4. Schools' Capacity for Community
This study indirectly examines both: 1) the unseen labor of community-engaged scholarship, and 2) the interest/capacity of schools to integrate programs supporting student wellbeing. We are contacting local high schools offering free partnership in supporting student well-being and documenting the number and quality of responses.
5. DBT STEPS-A Implementation
We are actively pursuing partnerships with local high schools to deliver DBT STEPS-A and evaluate its effectiveness.
