Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education have found that small group counseling can help sixth-grade students improve their emotional skills, feel more connected to school, and increase their engagement. The study focused on the Student Success Skills (SSS) intervention, which is based on the Advocating Student-Within-Environment (ASE) theory.
The research team worked with sixth graders in the Southeastern United States during the 2023-24 school year. They gathered data through interviews before and after the intervention, field notes, session transcripts, student drawings, and counseling activities. Thematic analysis revealed that students who participated in the six-week SSS program developed better anger management and conflict resolution abilities, academic and life skills, and felt safer and more positive about their school environment.
Students learned techniques for emotional regulation such as positive self-talk and seeking peer support. Role-playing exercises helped them practice resolving conflicts and setting goals. Over time, students’ responses shifted from neutral or negative views of school to ones emphasizing friendship, belonging, and motivation to learn.
Elizabeth Villares Sacks, Ph.D., co-author of the study and chair of FAU’s Department of Counselor Education, said: “As the students became more connected to one another, so did their sense of contribution and compassion, which extended far beyond the school environment. Small group counseling provided students with far more than strategies for managing emotions and relationships – it offered them a space to feel seen, heard and valued. Through these shared experiences, students began to recognize their own strengths and see themselves not just as learners, but as capable, compassionate contributors within their school communities and beyond.”
The study also found that trust grew among participants as they created confidentiality agreements and group norms. This safe environment encouraged authentic sharing among peers. The researchers concluded that ASE-based small group counseling supports both social-emotional growth and academic development.
“Interventions grounded in ASE not only support students’ emotional growth but transform how they experience their school environments,” Villares Sacks said. “When students feel connected and understood, they become more engaged learners and more compassionate peers.”
Five sixth-grade students identified as being at academic or behavioral risk took part in the study under the guidance of a trained counselor over six weekly sessions focusing on anger management, goal setting, social problem-solving, and self-management.
Other authors include Kadeem Campbell, Ph.D., Hannah Bowers, Ph.D., associate professor of school counseling; and Greg Brigman, Ph.D., all from FAU’s Department of Counselor Education.
The authors recommend further research into long-term effects of ASE-aligned curricula in schools along with expanded training for counselors in evidence-based group facilitation. They say investments in counselor-led interventions rooted in empathy can foster stronger learning communities.
