Transdiagnostic REBT Prevention Program for Adolescents

The Efficacy of a Video-based Transdiagnostic REBT Universal Prevention Program Delivered in a School Context for Internalizing Problems in Adolescents

Anxiety and depressive disorders are common in adolescents, however they are often unrecognized. Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficient for children and adolescents. School settings are appropriate environments to deliver such interventions for vulnerable youths. Given youth's access and predilection to use technology, a video-based prevention program was developed. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of a transdiagnostic REBT prevention program for internalizing symptoms in adolescents, implemented in a school setting.

Classes from different Romanian public schools will be randomized in either intervention or wait list group.

The prevention program will be group-based, delivered in 6 sessions, over 3 weeks.

Each of the six modules aimed a different component: Psychoeducation, Relaxation, Relationship between cognitive distortions/irrational beliefs and emotions, Cognitive restructuring, Exposure/ behavioral activation and problem solving, Maintenance of gainings. Despite specific activities, for each session a video cartoon on that subject will be viewed and discussed. Homework would be given at every session.

REBT prevention programs delivered in school settings represent ecological modalities to target vulnerable groups. Technology components added to traditional programs may lead to greater motivation and satisfaction with treatment.

Adolescents will complete assessments at four time-points: T1 (baseline), T2 (post-intervention), T3 (3 months follow-up) and T4 (12 months follow-up).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Preadolescents and adolescents will have ages between 12 and 17 years old;
2. Are attending middle school or high-school;
3. Adolescents have sufficient understanding of the Romanian language in order to complete assessments at all time points and to participate in the prevention program;
4. Their parents have sufficient understanding of the Romanian language in order to sign the informed consent;
5. Parents will sign the informed consent and adolescents will provide informed assent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age below 14 or above 17 years;
2. No signed informed consent from parents;
3. Adolescents will score high on suicidal ideation according to (1 item on the Depression subscale from Beck Youth Inventories);
4. Not Romanian-speaking in order to understand the content of the prevention program and to complete the assessments.