Based On
The Pastel program is based on the cognitive behavioural approach and was developed in collaboration with the Université de Montréal and Boscoville.
The Foundations of the Pastel Program
Research shows the importance of intervening with youth to equip them to manage their school performance anxiety (Von der Embse et al., 2013). Consequently, Pastel workshops were structured to meet this need.
The program was developed to be simple, brief and effective, while relying on various scientifically validated strategies derived from the cognitive-behavioural approach, combined with study and organizational strategies aimed at reducing school performance anxiety in young people.
Objectives of the Pastel Program
The Pastel program is designed to respond to requests from school environments wishing to support their students with high levels of school performance anxiety.
Consequently, the program is intended to be a turnkey tool for social care professionals to help reduce performance anxiety in high school students.
With a clear structure and simple strategies, Pastel participants can adequately integrate the techniques they learn into their daily lives.
In concrete terms, the Pastel program helps:
- Reduce psychological difficulties associated with performance anxiety symptoms
- Improve school performance
- Reduce the need for intensive, individualized follow-up
School Performance Anxiety
School performance anxiety can be defined as a condition characterized by:
- Physiological reactions and feelings of tension
- Unhelpful thoughts related to the anticipation of possible failure and its consequences
- Cognitive obstructions
- Off-task, avoidance or security behaviours
All of these, in the context of an evaluation situation (Fergus et al., 2020; Putwain et al., 2021; Spielberger, 1972).
Although not a DSM-5-TR disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022), some of its manifestations, such as anxiety about performing in front of others, could be related to social anxiety disorder, particularly the performance type (Bögels et al., 2010).
In addition, school performance anxiety is associated with other difficulties such as anxiety or depressive symptoms, a tendency to have poorer academic performance and lower achievement (Yale-Soulière et al., submitted).
In Québec, around 20% of high school students have high levels of performance anxiety, representing 6 students per class of 30 (Yale-Soulière et al.).
Generally, the prevalence among female-identifying youth is estimated to be twice that of male-identifying youth.
In addition, young people who identify differently are over-represented, with a prevalence of school performance anxiety of 57% (Yale-Soulière et al. in preparation).
Pastel, A Simple, Brief and Effective Intervention
The Pastel program reduces short-term school performance anxiety in students and minimizes the effects on young Pastel participants.
When properly implemented, the Pastel program has a positive impact on symptoms of social anxiety and depression in young people for up to six months.
Young people also report benefits in school performance, such as improved organizational and study skills.
What You Get with The Pastel Program
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The Pastel Program Across Québec
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School Performance Anxiety – La Presse
In September 2023, La Presse featured an article on school performance anxiety, highlighting key findings from studies conducted by our associate researcher Gabrielle Yale-Soulière.
Researchers and Consultants
Gabriela Campeau, B. Sc.
Master’s candidate in Psychoeducation, School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal.
Floriane Binette-Laporte, M.A.
Lyse Turgeon, Ph. D.
Associate Professor, School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal.
Gabrielle Yale-Soulière, M. Sc., ps. ed.
Lecturer, School of Psychoeducation; Project Coordinator for Blues and Pastel; PhD candidate, Université de Montréal.
Mélissa Goulet, Ph. D., ps. ed
Professor, Department of Education and Specialized Training, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).
This Program Is in Collaboration with
This Program Is in Collaboration with
