Emotional intelligence intervention to improve mental well-being of adolescents with emotional distress (BEAM): study...

Adolescents experiencing emotional distress are at increased risk of developing mental health problems, which can negatively impact their academic performance, social relationships and long-term well-being. Schools provide a key setting for implementing preventive interventions that promote emotional and psychological resilience. This study presents the protocol for a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent, school-based intervention grounded in emotional intelligence (EI) in improving mental well-being, EI levels and resilience among adolescents aged 14-16 years experiencing emotional distress.

The trial will be conducted in public and publicly funded secondary schools in Terrassa, Spain, during the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible participants will be identified using the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). The intervention consists of nine 55-minute group sessions delivered during school hours by a nurse and a physiotherapist, supported by the school's psychopedagogue. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, self-esteem, mindfulness, assertiveness and other socio-emotional skills. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, postintervention and 24-week follow-up. The primary outcome is mental well-being (WEMWBS); secondary outcomes include EI (Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 items) and resilience (Child and Youth Resilience Measure-32 items). It is anticipated that adolescents in the intervention group will show significantly greater improvements in mental well-being, emotional intelligence and resilience compared with the control group, with effects sustained at follow-up. This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a scalable, school-based intervention led by community health professionals. The programme could be integrated into educational and public health strategies to promote adolescent mental health and reduce emotional distress.

Approved by CEIm Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (01-24-1CR-102). Low-risk study; predefined procedures are in place for participants at risk (eg, suicidal ideation, abuse) with referral pathways to health/social services. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conferences and a plain-language summary to schools/stakeholders.

NCT06713460.