The Circle of Friends intervention: a research synthesis

Abstract

This research synthesis investigates studies that evaluated a wellknown intervention, the Circle of Friends (CoF) -which seeks to promote the inclusion of socially neglected students. The aim of the review is two-fold; first, to identify the intervention's variant applications and, second, to record what evidence-based outcomes have been reported. A systematic literature search including seven databases was conducted and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of nine articles were identified. The primary outcomes indicated that the intervention was mainly used with younger students (primary education) and only rarely used in secondary schools. Additionally, the results show that the intervention was set up significantly less often for girls. The quality of the majority of evaluations was lacking which leads to recommendations for further research on this intervention to include the utilisation of more rigorous and more rounded research designs and proper trialling. Critical issues surrounding the implementation of the intervention are also outlined.

Still a rite of passage? A perspective on current therapeutic attitudes and interventions in relation to cyberbullying

“…Hassani et al (2022) identify that the “ Circle of Friends Method” (COFM) is designed to encourage the inclusion of students who struggle socially within academia. Furthermore, the COFM seeks to generate a support network for these students, so they feel more understood by their peers.…”

“…Nevertheless, Hassani et al (2022) argue that although focus groups (namely COFM) can be successful, they are not without limitations. Hassani et al (2022) found that these interventions were used substantially less for females and that the conditions of many of these groups and circles were deficient.…”

“…Nevertheless, Hassani et al (2022) argue that although focus groups (namely COFM) can be successful, they are not without limitations. Hassani et al (2022) found that these interventions were used substantially less for females and that the conditions of many of these groups and circles were deficient. The literature introduces COFM as a method aimed at promoting inclusion and greater social well‐being and that these can potentially be used to help multiple parties in relation to cyberbullying.…”

“…Moreover, this method was developed before the introduction of social media, rendering its effectiveness with cyberbullying as potentially inconclusive and outdated. Hassani et al (2022) identify that the "Circle of Friends Method" (COFM) is designed to encourage the inclusion of students who struggle socially within academia. Furthermore, the COFM seeks to generate a support network for these students, so they feel more understood by their peers.…”

Social participation in the context of inclusive education: primary school students’ friendship networks from students’ and teachers’ perspectives

“…For instance, teachers can intervene to foster friendships (e.g. Circle of Friends program; see also Hassani et al 2021), form positive social behaviour or arrange contacts (e.g. through school projects) between students (for an overview, see Schwab 2018).…”