Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

The implementation and effectiveness of the KiVa antibullying program in Finland




List of AuthorsChristina Salmivalli, Elisa Poskiparta, Annarilla Ahtola, Anne Haataja

PublisherHOGREFE & HUBER PUBLISHERS

Publication year2013

JournalEuropean Psychologist

Journal name in sourceEUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST

Journal acronymEUR PSYCHOL

Number in series2

Volume number18

Issue number2

Start page79

End page88

Number of pages10

ISSN1016-9040

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000140


Abstract
Bullying is a widespread problem in schools and communities around the world, and nationwide initiatives to prevent and reduce it have begun to emerge in European countries. In Finland, the effects of the national antibullying program, KiVa, have been evaluated first in a randomized controlled trial (2007-2009) and then during nationwide rollout across schools (since 2009). The KiVa program has been found to reduce bullying and victimization, while it increases empathy toward victimized peers and self-efficacy to defend them. Moreover, the program has produced reductions in reinforcement of the bullies' behavior. Finally, KiVa has been found to increase school liking and school motivation, whereas it has led to significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and negative peer perceptions among children and youth. The uptake of the program by Finnish schools has been remarkable, as 90% of the comprehensive schools are at present implementing KiVa. The paper describes the development of the KiVa program, evaluation of its effects, and its implementation across Finnish schools. Challenges in sustainability and high-level implementation of the program are discussed.


Last updated on 2021-24-06 at 11:28