The Penn Resilience Program

Initiative Description: The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP). A group intervention that teaches cognitive–behavioral and social problem-solving skills. Students also learn a variety of techniques for coping and problem-solving, including assertiveness, negotiation, decision making, and relaxation. Students apply the cognitive and problem-solving techniques in their lives through group discussions and weekly homework assignments.

Study Results: The PRP significantly reduced depressive symptoms, but results varied across schools.

Reference: Gillham, J. E., Reivich, K. J., Freres, D. R., Chaplin, T. M., Shatté, A. J., Samuels, B., … & Seligman, M. E. P. (2007). School-based prevention of depressive symptoms: A randomized controlled study of the effectiveness and specificity of the Penn Resiliency Program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(1), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.75.1.9

Level of Evidence: Very Good