Design and delivery of a need-based mental health promotion program for shelter-home adolescents

Abstract

Background: India has a large population of adolescents living in shelter homes. However, there is a scarcity of empirical literature on mental health promotion programs developed to suit their unique needs. Aim: The aim of this research was to design a need-based mental health promotion program for runaway and homeless adolescents living in a shelter home in Vadodara, India. Methods: To gain a holistic understanding into their mental health issues and felt needs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with these adolescents along with key stakeholders such as their care takers, counselors, and teachers. The key needs identified pertained to issues related to academics, reduction of substance abuse, anger management, and emotional regulation. On the basis of identified needs, a training program of 13 sessions was developed using indigenous technique of Yoga and techniques from literature of subjective well-being and life skills. Total sample included 35 male adolescents from 12 to 18 years of age. Participants were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 19) and control group (n = 16). Pre- and post-intervention assessment was performed using Academic Stress Scale, State Trait Anxiety Scale, Children and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, and Children Depression Inventory. Results: The results indicated that trait anxiety was significantly reduced, and there was a significant increase in mindfulness in the intervention group. However, there was no significant improvement in depression and academic stress. Discussion: The observations from this study are detailed to sensitize researchers toward the design and delivery of mental health promotion programs for institutionalized youth.

Keywords

• adolescent well-being
• institutionalized adolescents
• shelter-home