Is short term counselling recommended for sub-clinical mental health difficulties in school going adolescents?
Journal Title: INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization model for school mental health states that psychosocial and mental health issues are present in all schools at different levels. Very often it is assumed that the stresses faced by adolescents can be transitional in nature and will pass away with time and hence those adolescents with subclinical problems tend to fall through the net. Short-term psychological interventions have been suggested to alleviate the distress adolescents’ face. This study is aimed to examine if short-term counselling has made any difference for adolescents who has subclinical mental health difficulties. Methods:Twenty six adolescents in the age range 13-16 years who were identified as having subclinical difficulties were randomized to individual counselling for 5 weeksand assessed at post and 6 month followup. Another group of 26 adolescents received one session of group counselling and were assessedat post and 6 month follow-up. They were assessed using various measures such as evaluations included Problem Checklist, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Pre-adolescent Adjustment Scale. Results: At baseline, both groups had similar demographics, adjustment difficulties, nature and severity of problem,chronic nature, distress, social impairment and burden for others. Those who received counselling reported significant reduction in the number of problems perceived, difficulties experienced and improvement in adjustment immediately after counselling session and these improvements were maintained at 6 month follow-up while there were no changes reported in any of the domains for those who received only one session of general problem-solving skills. Conclusions: Counselling is a valuable intervention and must be used regularly in the management of subclinical difficulties in school going adolescents.
Authors and Affiliations
Akoijam Linthoi, Uma Hirisave
Keywords
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- EP ID EP249739
- DOI 10.30877/IJMH.3.2.2016.152-156
- Views 127
- Downloads 0
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