Abstract
Background
The mental health and well-being of children and adolescents declined globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people need support, yet relatively few receive psychological help, even among those who experience psychological symptoms. The existing options for support that focus on the traditional one-on-one treatment delivery approach require alternatives that can be widely disseminated.
Purpose
The current study examined the effectiveness of a brief acceptance- and values-based online intervention for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and for improving psychological flexibility among adolescents who experience depressive symptoms.
Methods
A total of 43 adolescents reporting elevated levels of depression symptoms who were selected from a total of 348 adolescents were randomized to receive a five-week intervention with support from a coach and/or virtual coach or to participate in the treatment-as-usual control condition.
Results
The results suggest that the online intervention alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety, while adolescents who received only the usual support from their schools reported increasing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cohen’s d = 0.70 and d = 0.66, respectively).
Conclusions
The online intervention is a promising alternative to respond to the increased need for support among young people who experience ill-being. Technology-based approaches can increase the reach of evidence-based psychological support while also offering an acceptable and motivating approach to young people who may not actively seek traditional face-to-face treatment. The current results support the inclusion of online support in the services provided to young people facing mental health problems.
The mental health and well-being of children and adolescents declined globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people need support, yet relatively few receive psychological help, even among those who experience psychological symptoms. The existing options for support that focus on the traditional one-on-one treatment delivery approach require alternatives that can be widely disseminated.
Purpose
The current study examined the effectiveness of a brief acceptance- and values-based online intervention for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and for improving psychological flexibility among adolescents who experience depressive symptoms.
Methods
A total of 43 adolescents reporting elevated levels of depression symptoms who were selected from a total of 348 adolescents were randomized to receive a five-week intervention with support from a coach and/or virtual coach or to participate in the treatment-as-usual control condition.
Results
The results suggest that the online intervention alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety, while adolescents who received only the usual support from their schools reported increasing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cohen’s d = 0.70 and d = 0.66, respectively).
Conclusions
The online intervention is a promising alternative to respond to the increased need for support among young people who experience ill-being. Technology-based approaches can increase the reach of evidence-based psychological support while also offering an acceptable and motivating approach to young people who may not actively seek traditional face-to-face treatment. The current results support the inclusion of online support in the services provided to young people facing mental health problems.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 107671 |
| Journal | CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW |
| Volume | 161 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2024 |
| Publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- adolescent
- online intervention
- acceptance and commitment therapy
- brief intervention
Publication forum classification
- Publication forum level 1
