Adolescence is often characterized as a tumultuous time in youth development, marked by occasional mood swings and intense emotions. For some young people, however, more serious, internalizing problems such as depressive or anxious moods, negative self-perceptions and emotional distress, compromise healthy development. Child Trends' latest brief, What Works to Prevent or Reduce Internalizing Problems or Socio-Emotional Difficulties in Adolescents, synthesized findings from 37 random-assignment social intervention programs designed to prevent or treat internalizing problems for adolescents. Left untreated, internalizing problems can undermine one's ability to succeed in school and work, form and maintain close relationships with others, and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Findings from this literature review suggest that social interventions to address internalizing problems are most effective when they teach adolescents how to cope with negative thoughts and emotions, solve problems, and interact effectively with others. Therapeutic approaches, such as family therapy, group therapy, individual therapy, and treatment-focused, school-based approaches appear to be effective. Psychological findings also indicate that combining psychotherapy with antidepressant medications is more effective than therapy alone. Mixed results were found for programs including activities to increase self-esteem and programs directed at non-clinical populations of youth.
Programs were identified by searching LINKS (Lifecourse Interventions to Nurture Kids Successfully), Child Trends' online database of rigorously-evaluated social interventions for children and youth.
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