Efficacy of a School-Based Mental Health Intervention Based on Mindfulness and Character Strengths Use Among Adolescents: a Pilot Study of Think Happy-Be Happy Intervention

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of a school-based intervention (8 sessions of 45 min) based on mindfulness and character strengths use (i.e., “Think Happy-Be Happy”). A quasi-experimental study, including assessments at baseline, post-intervention (i.e., one week after the intervention), and follow-up (i.e., six months after the intervention) was performed. Results at post-intervention revealed that adolescents who participated in all intervention sessions experienced significantly increased well-being (i.e., emotional, psychological, and social well-being) and decreased hyperactivity/inattention symptoms and peer-related problems compared to adolescents who did not participate in the intervention. The “intention to treat” analyses showed that adolescents who started the intervention, regardless of the number of sessions they attended, experienced significantly decreased hyperactivity/inattention symptoms compared to adolescents who did not participate in the intervention. However, significant outcomes were not maintained at follow-up. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that integrating mindfulness with strengths use in school-based interventions might have the potential to promote the mental health of adolescents in terms of both increased well-being and reduced psychological problems.