The efficacy of a universal school-based program to prevent adolescent depression

Area of Science:

• * Psychology
• * Public Health
• * Education

Background:

• * Adolescent depression is a significant public health concern.
• * School-based interventions offer a scalable approach for prevention.
• * Previous programs faced challenges in school environment integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To evaluate the implementation and efficacy of a universal school-based depression prevention program for adolescents.
• * To assess the impact of the Resourceful Adolescent Program-Adolescents (RAP-A) and Resourceful Adolescent Program-Family (RAP-F) on depressive symptoms and hopelessness.

Main Methods:

• * 260 Year 9 students participated in a randomized controlled trial.
• * Intervention groups received an 11-session resilience program (RAP-A) or a family-inclusive version (RAP-F).
• * A comparison group (Adolescent Watch) completed only baseline and follow-up measures.

Main Results:

• * High recruitment (88%) and low attrition (5.8%) rates were achieved.
• * Adolescents in both RAP programs showed significantly lower depressive symptoms and hopelessness post-intervention and at 10-month follow-up compared to the control group.
• * High participant satisfaction was reported for the RAP programs.

Conclusions:

• * The school-based resilience program (RAP) is effective in preventing depression and hopelessness in adolescents.
• * The program demonstrates feasibility for implementation within school settings.
• * Universal, school-based interventions are a viable strategy for adolescent mental health promotion.