Attenuating the negative effect of transience on the social attitudes and behaviours of non-transient students in New Zealand schools: An exploratory study of programme impact

Abstract

There are high rates of school-level transience reported in New Zealand, particularly within areas of high deprivation. From a social health perspective, this can be problematic. In this longitudinal, quasi-experimental study we explored the impact of participation in a health promotion programme, Kiwi Can, on the social attitudes and behaviours of non-transient students (n = 1219) attending highly transient schools. The programme is strongly informed by positive youth development theorising, with specific attention given to Lerner’s 5C’s of Positive Youth Development Theory. Changes in mean scores for prosocial attitudes and behaviours were compared as a function of transience level and programme condition (new and experienced) at baseline and across a single academic school year. Results suggested that sustained participation (> 2 years) in the Kiwi Can programme may have attenuated the negative effects that a highly transient environment had on the social attitudes and behaviours of non-transient children. The implications of these results are significant for those interested in redressing the substantive, negative effects that a transient environment can have on the health and well-being of young New Zealanders.