Effectiveness of resilience-based interventions in schools for adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Frontiers in psychology 2023-10, Vol.14, p.1211113-1211113
• Main Authors: Llistosella, Maria, Goni-Fuste, Blanca, Martín-Delgado, Leandra, Miranda-Mendizabal, Andrea, Franch Martinez, Berta, Pérez-Ventana, Carmen, Castellvi, Pere
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adolescence; meta-analysis; Psychology; resilience; school intervention program; systematic review
• ISSN: 1664-1078; 1664-1078
• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1211113

IntroductionResilience has been identified as a dynamic process that provides capabilities to face adversity. Considering the many protective factors involved in resilience and that the school is a key context to promote resilience, this review aimed to examine the effect of school-based interventions on resilience in adolescents.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted in July 2021 on four databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates. Stratified analyses were done according to population type (general, at risk), intervention type, and follow-up assessments.ResultsOf the 1,667 articles obtained, 27 were included in the systematic review and 16 in the meta-analysis. The random effects indicated a significant increase in resilience after the intervention [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI (0.29-0.87)]. Subgroup analysis showed effectiveness only in the population at risk [SMD = 1.28, 95% CI (0.53-2.03)] and early adolescence [SMD = 1.28, 95% CI (0.42-2.14), PI (-7.44 to 10.33)]. Multicomponent intervention [SMD = 1.45, 95% CI (0.11-2.80)] and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) [SMD = 0.20, 95% CI (0.06-0.34)] demonstrated substantial effectiveness. Significant results were observed within 8-week follow-ups or less [SMD = 1.55, 95% CI (0.61-2.48)].DiscussionThese findings provide evidence that multicomponent and CBT interventions increase resilience in early at-risk adolescents only in the short term. Developing resilience interventions is useful in schools exposed to unfavourable socioeconomic contexts. Furthermore, long-term interventions should be redesigned to improve their effectiveness.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO [CRD42021277493].