An Evaluation of the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies Curriculum at Key Stage 1

Abstract

Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) is a curriculum designed to promote social and emotional thinking in primary aged pupils. Research in the US has indicated that where used there has been an increase in emotional understanding and a decrease in behavioural difficulties. This study relates to 287 children (114 from intervention schools and 173 controls). Pre‐ and post‐assessment using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) indicated a significant improvement on all five dimensions for the intervention group but not the control. Teacher interviews also indicated that they perceived the programme to have helped children acquire a better understanding of emotions and to have fostered better empathy and self‐control skills.