Efficacy of BrainWise on Social-Emotional Skill Development of Elementary Students

This study evaluated the efficacy of the BrainWise program on 40 elementary students’ social-emotional skills. Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) model, we used paired samples t tests to analyze within-group differences and independent samples t tests to analyze between-group differences for treatment and wait-control groups using the BASC-3 Flex Monitor (FM) reports (parent, teacher, student/self Custom Flex form) and DESSA-mini reports (teacher). Using multiple linear regression, we investigated the relationship between demographic and student support variables of interest from BASC-3 FM and DESSA-mini scores. Although results were mixed, overall they support using the BrainWise program to impact social-emotional skill development in elementary students. We discuss implications for school counselors.