SONRISA (SMILE) PROGRAM: EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

The Smile program was developed with the aim of promoting personal well-being and preventing depression in adolescence. It consists of eleven weekly sessions of two hours. The contents and activities are grouped into six modules: I. Motivation and emotional education, II. Behavioral activation and emotional regulation, III. Resolution of problems, IV. Optimism, V. Social skills, VI. Goals and life plan. The program has proven to be effective in improving mood, self-concept, psychological well-being and to reduce depressive symptomatology (Sánchez-Hernández, 2012; Sánchez-Hernández & Méndez, 2009; Sánchez-Hernández, Méndez & Garber, 2014; 2016).

Professor at the University of Murcia. Specialist in Clinical Psychology. Tutor teacher at the Associate Centre in Elche, of the Spanish National University for Distance Education (UNED). Invited lecturer to various Spanish and international universities. Author and coordinator of numerous books on psychological treatment in children and adolescents, putting special emphasis on, Programa FORTIUS: Fortaleza psicológica y prevención de las dificultades emocionales (FORTIUS Programme: Psychological strength and prevention of emotional difficulties) (Pirámide, 2013), Miedos y temores en la infancia (Scares and fears in children) (Pirámide, 2012), Manual del psicólogo de familia (Family psychologist manual) (Pirámide, 2012), Terapia psicológica (Psychological therapy) (Pirámide, 2012), El niño que no sonríe (The child that does not smile) (Pirámide, 2011), El niño miedoso (The scared child) (Pirámide, 2011), Terapia psicológica con niños y adolescents (Psychological therapy with children and adolescents) (Pirámide, 2011), Depresión infantil y adolescente (Depression in children and adolescents) (Klinik, 2011), Cómo dar alas a los hijos para que vuelen solos (How to give our children wings so they can fly by themselves) (Pirámide, 2010), ¿Depresión o felicidad? (Depression or happiness?) (Nova Galicia, 2010). Director of the collections “Ojos Solares” (Solar Eyes) and “Guías para Padres y Madres” (Guides for Mums and Dads). Currently, his research and clinical interest is centred on positive psychology and on the prevention and treatment of emotional problems in children and adolescents.