Positive Action

How to access this program?

Visit https://www.positiveaction.net/program-training to review training options.

What is the program?

Positive Action is based on the intuitive philosophy that we feel good about ourselves when we do positive actions. The Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle (TAF) illustrates how this works in life: our thoughts lead to actions and those actions lead to feelings about ourselves which in turn lead to more thoughts. When this cycle is negative, students do not want to learn. When this cycle is positive, students want to learn. The essence of the program is to emphasize those actions that promote a healthy and positive cycle. The Positive Action program works through these concepts in a systematic way. 

Who is the program for? 

Positive Action programing is intended for all students PreK-12 with age-appropriate lessons for all ages.  

What outcomes does the program produce? 

• Improve conflict resolution skills 
• Improve student behavior 
• Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety 
• Reduce substance use  

What is the evidence? 

Lewis, K. M., DuBois, D. L., Bavarian, N., Acock, A., Silverthorn, N., Day, J., Ji, P., Vuchinich, S., & Flay, B. R. (2013). Effects of Positive Action on the Emotional Health of Urban Youth: A Cluster-Randomized Trial. Journal of Adolescent Health, 53(6), 706–711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.06.012 

In this study students in 14 school were randomly assigned to treatment groups receiving Positive Action programming and control groups. These students were then evaluated based on outcomes over 6 years from grades 3 through 8. On self-reported assessments, students in the treatment group had larger increases in life satisfaction than the control group over the course of the study. Students in the treatment group also had greater decreases in feelings of depression and anxiety relative to the control group. 

Snyder, F. J., Acock, A. C., Vuchinich, S., Beets, M. W., Washburn, I. J., & Flay, B. R. (2013). Preventing negative behaviors among elementary-school students through enhancing students’ social-emotional and character development. American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP, 28(1), 50–58. https://doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.120419-QUAN-207.2 

This study shows the impact of the Positive Action program when implemented at a universal level. 1800 students from 20 different schools were assigned to treatment (receiving PA programming) and control groups, then the impacts of PA were studied over 3 school years. Students at the intervention school reported having more positive behaviors, less substance abuse, and less violent behaviors than students in the control group.  

How is the program implemented? 

Positive Action programming can be implemented in small groups, in a classroom setting, and universally for a whole campus.  

Who can implement the program? 

Classroom uses of Positive Action programming should be implemented by teachers while large scale/universal implementation of PA should be implemented by school leaders.  

What are the costs and commitments associated with becoming trained in this program? 

Please contact the program for the most recent costs and commitments, as these may change. 

It is best to contact a PA program consultant to determine the best options for training needs. The initial orientation training is $400 per hour for the online option; the in-person option is an average of $7,000 per day. The on-site train the trainer option is an average of $24,000 for 4 days of training.  

What resources are useful for understanding or implementing the practice? 

• Developer website: https://www.positiveaction.net/ 

Rating: Well-Supported  

Secondary components: Substance Use Prevention and Intervention; Positive Youth Development; Positive, Safe, and Supportive School Climate