RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a peer helper training program on existential spiritual well-being, peer relationship, and depression for students attending a specialized girls vocational high school. METHODS: The participants were forty-two students attending a specialized girls vocational high school in D city. Data were collected form october 23 to December 24, 2013. To test the effects of the peer helper training program, the participants were divided into two mached groups, an experimental group (21) and a control group (21). Data were analyzed using chi2-test, Fisher exact probability test, and t-test with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. RESULTS: After attending the peer helper training program, significant differences between the experimental group and the control group were found for existential spiritual well-being (t=3.35, p=.002) and peer relationship (t=2.29, p=.028). However, there was no significant differences in depression between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the peer helper training program enhances existential spiritual well-being and peer relationship for students attending a specialized girls vocational high school. Therefore, this program is a good strategy that teachers and community mental health nurses can use to increase existential spiritual well-being and peer relationship of these high school girls.