Initiative Description: A universal school-based cognitive behavioral program whose target is to prevent depressive symptoms in adolescents. The program is manual based, with a fixed curriculum for every session. It focuses on training in cognitive-restructuring skills, techniques for modifying irrational and negative self-statements, and ideas to reduce the risk of developing depressive symptoms It was given once a week, 11=2 hr each time, for a period of 10 weeks, on the same weekday and at the same time for every session.

Study Results:mThe students, both females and males, rated their depressed symptoms as significantly lower after the course; and for the females, this was maintained 1-year postintervention.

Reference:Garmy, P., Jakobsson, U., Carlsson, K. S., Berg, A., & Clausson, E. K. (2015). Evaluation of a school-based program aimed at preventing depressive symptoms in adolescents. The Journal of School Nursing, 31(2), 117–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840514523296

Level of Evidence: Good