Twelve-Month Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of the Positive Thoughts and Action Program for Depression Among Early Adolescents

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Web End = Prev Sci (2016) 17:295305 DOI 10.1007/s11121-015-0615-2

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Web End = Twelve-Month Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of the Positive Thoughts and Action Program for DepressionAmong Early Adolescents

Mylien T. Duong1 & Rick A. Cruz2 & Kevin M. King1 & Heather D. Violette3 &

Carolyn A. McCarty1,3

Published online: 21 October 2015# Society for Prevention Research 2015

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the 12-month effects on depression and depressive symptoms of a group-based cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for middle school students (Positive Thoughts and Actions, or PTA), relative to a brief, individually administered supportive intervention (Individual Support Program, or ISP). A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 120 early adolescents (73 girls and 47 boys; age 1214 years) drawn from a school-based population who had elevated depressive symptoms. Youths completed measures of depressive symptoms at baseline, post-intervention, and 6 and 12 months into the follow-up phase. Measures of internalizing problems, externalizing problems, school adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and health behavior were obtained from parents and/or youth. Multilevel models indicated that the effect of PTA on youth-reported depressive symptoms persisted until 12-month follow-up; d=0.36 at post-intervention, d=0.24 at 6-month follow-up, and d=0.21 at 12-month follow-up. PTA youths also reported lower internalizing symptoms at post-intervention, d=0.44, and at 12-month follow-up, d=0.39. Time-limited effects were found for parent-reported internalizing symptoms and health behavior. Onset of new depressive episodes did not differ based on intervention group (21 % ISP; 17 % PTA). Results demonstrate support for the long-term efficacy of PTA, a cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention in which

youths engage in personal goal-setting and practice social-emotional skills.

Keywords Depression . Prevention . Intervention . Indicated . School-based

The proportion of youth experiencing depressive disorders increases sharply from childhood to late adolescence (Lewinsohn et al. 1994). Even at subclinical levels, depressive symptoms impair functioning (Fergusson et al. 2005) and increase risk for later depression (Klein et al. 2009). Financial expenditures to treat youth depression are significant (Lynch and Clarke 2006). In light of the negative ramifications of youth depression, efforts to prevent youth depression are important, especially those that maintain effects after the program...