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Contribution title Young People’s Perspectives on Participation in the ReSET programme: a Group-Based, Preventative Mental Health Intervention delivered in Schools.
Contribution code D2.124
Authors
  1. Laura Lucas University College London Presenter
  2. Olivia Stirling University College London
  3. Essi Viding University College London
  4. Pasco Fearon University College London
  5. Nick Midgley Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T35 - School based intervention
Abstract Aims

There is growing recognition of the importance of preventative interventions in addressing the onset or escalation of mental health issues during adolescence. While these interventions are often evaluated using quantitative methods, qualitative approaches can offer deeper insights into the mechanisms driving their effectiveness. This study explored young people’s experiences of participating in the ReSET programme; a new school-based, group mental health intervention aimed at preventing the onset or worsening of mental health difficulties (Lloyd et al, 2024). The ReSET programme, designed for adolescents aged 12-14, integrates socioemotional training, interpersonal psychotherapy, and cognitive-emotional techniques to enhance social relationships and emotional processing. The aim of this study was to examine how young people perceived key elements of the intervention, including its group delivery format, and the factors that promoted or hindered their motivation and inclusion.

Methods

Through semi-structured interviews with 83 programme completers and 4 'non-completers', this study examined the perceived changes in participants' emotional and social well-being, as well as their perspectives on the practical application of the skills they acquired. Using Framework Analysis, we systematically identified and interpreted themes across participant responses.

Results and Conclusions

These findings offer valuable insight into the feasibility and impact of preventative mental health interventions in school settings, and contribute to the development of future interventions tailored to adolescent mental health needs.