Middle School Matters Study

Prevention of Depression Within Salient Adolescent Contexts

This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of two preventative intervention approaches designed to support middle school youth.

This study involve two parts: Part 1 entailed screening 7th and 8th graders from 4 public middle schools to identify students who may be showing moderate signs of stress. Students who score at the designated cutoff on a depression symptoms measure received a brief check-in to determine eligibility for the follow up randomized trial (Part 2). An "indicated" sample of 120 adolescents in the 7th and 8th grade and their caregivers were randomly assigned to a brief, Individual Support Program (ISP) comparison group or a Skills Group Program. Research interviews were conducted at multiple timepoints with students and caregivers, and teacher questionnaires were used to examine changes in outcome measures. Following completion of the intervention, all participants were followed for 12-months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 7th and 8th grade students at 4 participating middle schools
• Score 14 or above on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire at screening (approximately top 25%)
• No imminent plans to move or change to non-participating school
• At minimum 6th grade language skills
• Agree to participate in random assignment and research interviews
• One Parent/caregiver willing to complete research interviews

Exclusion Criteria:

• Student with past or current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Probable MDD
• Students with parents who do not speak English or Spanish
• Students in concurrent treatment
• Students in self-contained classroom, or with cognitive delays, or emotional behavioral problems that would preclude them from benefiting from the group or being a good group member
• Parent not willing to complete research interviews