PREVENTION OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENCE THROUGH UNIVERSAL INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

Schools offer an excellent platform for the implementation of universal preventions of numerous emotional and behavioural problems. In this symposium several preventive experiences and their beneficial results in depression, aggressive behaviuor and victimization are presented. In the first two presentations, Esther Calvete and Liria Fernández, will present the results of an experimental study of a randomized controlled trial with a sample of 900 adolescents, in which the effect of a single session intervention based on implicit theories of personality is evaluated. The intervention involves sowing the idea that people can change. The results show that intervention in girls, but not in boys, reduces the incidence of major depression by more than 40% at six months. In addition, the results show that a brief intervention of only one session can have beneficial effects over time in problematic behaviors related to perpetration and victimization by peers and in dating relationships. In the third presentation, Manuel Gámez-Guadix will show the results of an online grooming prevention program (manipulation and trickery carried out by an adult through new technologies to get contents or sexual interactions with a minor), which is a growing and worrying phenomenon. This program improves knowledge and safety behavior in relation to this online risk. In the fourth presentation, Joana Gómez Odriozola will present the results of a pilot study of the Learning to Breathe program based on mindfulness in reducing psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or sleep problems, of students.

Esther Calvete Zumalde is PhD in Psychology. Professor at the University of Deusto in subjects related to research methodology and psychological treatments. She directs Deusto Stress Research, a research unit focused on factors of vulnerability and resilience to stress. Many of the studies in this unit have focused on depression and aggressive behavior in adolescence. She is author of more than 150 publications on behavior problems in adolescence, including filio-parental violence, depression and cyberbullying. She is member of editorial committees of numerous psychology and mental health journals of national and international scope.