Adolescent mental health program components and behavior risk reduction: a meta-analysis
Skeen S, Laurenzi CA, Gordon SL, et al. Pediatrics. 2019 Aug;144(2). pii: e20183488. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-3488. Epub 2019 Jul 1.
Given the wide variety of universal and targeted interventions for addressing adolescent mental health, a frequently asked question is “what active components of these approaches are the most effective?”. This review of 158 studies found that three program components, namely interpersonal skill training, emotion regulation and alcohol and drug education had positive effects across multiple domains of mental health and risk-related behaviour. Other components such as conflict resolution, relaxation, coping skills, self-efficacy training and skills to resist peer pressure were associated with more mixed outcomes.