The effectiveness of nurture groups: a systematic review

Schlösser, Annette; Hughes, Naomi Katherine

Abstract

Children with emotional difficulties often experience problems at school in terms of academic progress and within peer relationships. They are also more likely to continue to experience emotional problems in their adult lives. Nurture groups (NGs) were developed in the 1960s by the educational psychologist Majorie Boxall and their aim is to improve the emotional well-being of children who are struggling, through providing them with reparative attachment experiences. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NGs. Eleven papers examining the effectiveness of NGs were included, as well as two papers which explore the particular communication styles adopted by NG teachers. There was evidence that NGs are effective in improving the emotional well-being of children, but there is a need for higher quality and longitudinal research. There is a paucity of research into secondary school NGs. The review highlighted the NG teachers’ use of more positive verbal and non-verbal behaviour. Implications for future research are discussed.

Citation

Schlösser, A., & Hughes, N. K. (2014). The effectiveness of nurture groups: a systematic review. Emotional and behavioural difficulties : the journal of the Association of Workers for Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 19(4), 386-409. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2014.883729

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Mar 7, 2014
• Publication Date: Oct 2, 2014
• Deposit Date: May 11, 2018
• Print ISSN: 1363-2752
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 386-409
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2014.883729
• Keywords: Nurture group; Emotional difficulties; Children; School; Intervention; SEBD
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/826065
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13632752.2014.883729