Exploring the effects of the ‘Seasons for Growth’ intervention for pupils experiencing change and loss

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the impact of the Seasons for Growth (SFG) programme for pupils experiencing loss and change. SFG is a manualised group intervention led by a trained facilitator (a ‘companion’) for young people aged 6 to 18 who have experienced significant loss (Graham, 1996). A repeated measures design was used whereby two groups of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils (N=5; N=7) took part in the study, within a mainstream secondary school. Pupils’ self-ratings of anxiety, self-concept, depression and emotional resiliency were collected pre-intervention, post-intervention and, at two months’ follow-up. All pupils were interviewed individually to explore their experiences and perceptions of the SFG programme. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data provided evidence that the SFG programme had a positive and significant impact on pupils’ emotional health and coping behaviours. The findings of this study are discussed in relation to the wider theoretical framework and the practice of educational and child psychology.