A Multiple-Baseline Case Study of an Online Academic Stress Intervention

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based school counseling emphasizes data-driven decision making and evaluation of interventions, yet many practicing school counselors lack practical models for implementing rigorous outcome research in applied school settings. Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) offer a feasible methodology for evaluating individualized interventions while maintaining validity. Objectives: This study examined the feasibility and outcomes of a school-counselor-led, online, multiple-baseline design targeting middle school students’ perceptions of academic stress and classroom engagement, while illustrating practical SCED implementation. Research Questions: 1. Will participation in a weekly online school counseling intervention influence academic engagement and perceived academic stress? 2. Are any changes maintained at 3-week follow-up? 3. How do participants perceive the usefulness of the intervention? Methods: A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline across participants design was used with four middle school students. Weekly data were collected during baseline and intervention phases using teacher direct behavior ratings, school counselor systematic direct observations, and student self-report stress measures. Visual analysis and Tau-U effect sizes were used to evaluate change. Social validity and procedural fidelity were also assessed. Results and Conclusions: Results indicated generally stable patterns across participants, with minimal changes in engagement or perceived stress and small effect sizes. However, respectful behavior increased and disruptive behavior decreased for most participants. Social validity ratings were high, and procedural fidelity exceeded 90%. Findings suggest that SCED methodology is a practical and rigorous approach for school counselors to evaluate interventions in real-world contexts. Even when measurable outcomes are limited, SCED data can inform individualized decision making, intervention refinement, and evidence-based school counseling practice.

Keywords

evidence-based school counseling single-case design multiple-baseline design school counseling

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