Researcher(s)
The SMSyouths program, which was originated from the Program for the Prevention of Depression in Adolescents (PPDA) consists of 10 weekly sessions, applied to students attending the 7th - 9th grade. The main aims of this intervention program is to promote mental health and prevent depression in adolescents.
In each session, skills based on cognitive-behavioral and Third Generation therapy are worked on and trained, which have proven to be effective in preventing and treating many mental health problems in adolescence. The program addresses topics such as problem-solving, compassion, communication with others, how to deal with irrational thoughts, goals, mindfulness, and how to improve the mood.
The face-to-face intervention of SMSyouth will be accompanied by an e-health platform (SMS eSaúde web).
The SMSyouths program has been previously tested at international level and in Portuguese 3rd cycle schools in the center of Portugal.