J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2017 Feb;23(1):5-14. 10.5977/jkasne.2017.23.1.5.

Effects of the Mental Health Promotion Program based on Positive Psychology for Adolescents with Problem Behavior

• Hyun MS
• Yun MK
• Jung SM
• Son JA
• Park E

• KMID: 2371136
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2017.23.1.5

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the mental health promotion program based on Positive Psychology for adolescents with problem behavior.
METHODS
The study used a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Eligible participants were first grade students in two high schools in K Province. The inclusion criteria for the study were those with scores in the upper 15% on the Korean Youth Self-Report. A total of 74 participants were assigned to an 8-session program (n=38) or to a control (n=36) group. The outcome variables were psychological well-being, depression, and self-esteem.
RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences in demographic variables or outcome variables, except self-esteem, between the two groups at the baseline. The experimental group had higher mean scores on psychological well-being and self-esteem and a lower mean score on depression. There were significant differences in psychological well-being (t=3.45, p=.001), self-esteem (F=5.45, p=.022), and depression (t=-2.80, p=.007) between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
The mental health promotion program based on Positive Psychology was effective in decreasing depression as well as improving psychological well-being and self-esteem for adolescents with problem behavior. This study contributes to suggesting a framework for promoting mental health for high school students with problem behavior.

Keyword

Adolescent; Psychological adaptation; Depression; Self concept; Program evaluation

MeSH Terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent*
Depression
Humans
Mental Health*
Problem Behavior*
Program Evaluation
Psychology*
Self Concept