ABSTRACT
The authors investigated the effectiveness and specificity of the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP; J. E. Gillham, L. H. Jaycox, K. J. Reivich, M. E. P. Seligman, & T. Silver, 1990), a cognitive-behavioral depression prevention program. Children (N = 697) from 3 middle schools were randomly assigned to PRP, Control (CON), or the Penn Enhancement Program (PEP; K. J. Reivich, 1996; A. J. Shatté, 1997), an alternate intervention that controls for nonspecific intervention ingredients. Children's depressive symptoms were assessed through 3 years of follow-up. There was no intervention effect on average levels of depressive symptoms in the full sample. Findings varied by school. In 2 schools, PRP significantly reduced depressive symptoms across the follow-up relative to both CON and PEP. In the 3rd school, PRP did not prevent depressive symptoms. The authors discuss the findings in relation to previous research on PRP and the dissemination of prevention programs.
Subject(s)
Depression/prevention & control , Mental Health Services/organization & administration , School Health Services/organization & administration , Adolescent , Child , Depression/psychology , Depression/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Sensitivity and Specificity , Treatment FailureABSTRACT
Unipolar depression is a major problem among youth today, with some estimates indicating that more than 20% will experience an episode before age 18. The disorder is often accompanied by academic problems, alcohol abuse, interpersonal difficulties, and physical health problems. The financial burden of depression is also significant. To address the high prevalence and associated costs, our research group developed at 12-session 24-hour cognitive-behavioral therapy based program for administration to middle school aged children. This article describes the content of the program and evidence for the program's efficacy in preventing depressive symptoms in early adolescence.
