Evidence-Based Interventions: An International Perspective

The development of interventions supported by research is critical to the practice of school psychology. Despite the availability of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) related to social, emotional, and behavioral functioning, questions have been raised about the application of EBIs across diverse populations across the globe. Critical issues that warrant further research include external validity of EBIs across cultural and national boundaries, methods for adaptation to culture and context, and how to best develop interventions for diverse populations. This chapter addresses these issues and provides guidance for researchers and practitioners related to applications of EBIs across diverse populations across the world. Specifically, the use of mixed-methods research and participatory approaches to intervention development with the goal of developing interventions for diverse youth are highlighted. Throughout the chapter, illustrations of clinical and research efforts exemplifying the use of these methods in the development of interventions for diverse youth in school settings are provided. We conclude with a review of development, implementation, and evaluation challenges and considerations, as well as a discussion of future areas of research and practice as they relate to the development of EBIs for diverse youth populations in international school settings.