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School-based program reduces depression, promotes resilience

A school-based intervention promoting resilience in children from deprived communities effectively reduced depression among girls aged 11 to 13 years.

“This research shows that it is possible to promote psychological well-being in middle childhood through an integrated school-based intervention program informed by concepts of positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy,” Michael Pluess, PhD, of Queen Mary University of London, said in a press release.

To determine efficacy of SPARK Resilience Program, a universal school-based resilience-promoting program for children from deprived urban communities, researchers utilized quantitative and qualitative methods in a two-cohort treatment/control design among 483 girls aged 11 to 13 years. One cohort served as the control group and a subsequent cohort served as the treatment group. The control group received a single assessment, while the treatment group was assessed before and immediately after treatment and 6 and 12 months after treatment end.

Depression symptoms were significantly lower among participants who received the intervention directly after treatment and at 6 months, but not 12 months.

Resilience scores were significantly higher among participants who received the intervention, compared with the control group, at posttreatment, 6 months and 12 months.

Qualitative findings indicated a beneficial teacher experience overall.

“Our results suggest that it is important to repeat the content of the program throughout the school year given that some of the positive treatment effects appeared to fade out after 6 months,” Pluess said in the release. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.