Analyzing the efficacy of social-emotional education program INSIGHTS Into Children's Temperaments

Abstract

Individual differences in temperament have important implications for the social, emotional and aca-demic development of students. This presentation reviews empirical research on the efficacy of the American social-emotional education program INSIGHTS Into Children's Temperaments. As an early in-tervention program, INSIGHTS seeks to use temperament-based strategies to support the academic and social competence of K-2 students. A small scope of research on INSIGHTS’ efficacy suggests that the program may effectively increase academic competence as well as behavioural and attentional control, and that students at risk for negative social and emotional outcomes may benefit the most. However, these promising findings are mediated by concerns regarding their generalizability. This limitation means that more research is needed before the program can be recommended for implementation in Canadian schools.