A single-session universal mental health promotion program in Japanese schools: A pilot study

Abstract

A program based on cognitive behavioral therapy was developed for Japanese junior high school students aged 12–15 years. It consists of a single 50-minute session that targets a reduction in irrational beliefs, which is related to the improvement of psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The students were assigned to an intervention group (n = 238) and a control group (n = 277); the latter received an assertiveness training program. Students completed questionnaires including scales addressing irrational beliefs and self-esteem at pre-and post-program. The results revealed that, despite its short length, the OKS program significantly reduced irrational beliefs in the intervention group, in comparison to the control group. Moreover, both programs increased self-esteem. These findings imply the feasibility of a single-session universal mental health promotion program in Japanese schools.