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Published in:

01-05-2015

A Meta-analysis of Universal Mental Health Prevention Programs for Higher Education Students

Authors: Colleen S. Conley, Joseph A. Durlak, Alexandra C. Kirsch

Published in: Prevention Science | Issue 4/2015

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of universal mental health prevention programs for higher education students on a range of adjustment outcomes. A systematic literature search identified 103 controlled published and unpublished interventions involving college, graduate, or professional students. As hypothesized, skill-training programs that included a supervised practice component were significantly more effective overall (mean effect size = 0.45, confidence interval (CI) = 0.39 to 0.52) compared to skill-training programs without supervised practice (0.11, CI = −0.01 to 0.22) and psychoeducational (information-only) programs (0.13, CI = 0.06 to 0.21). When comparisons on specific outcomes were possible, skill-training programs including supervised practice were significantly more effective than the other two groups of programs in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and general psychological distress, and in improving social-emotional skills, self-perceptions, and academic behaviors and performance. The magnitude of effects achieved in several outcome areas is comparable to or higher than that reported in other reviews of universal programs, suggesting that skill-training programs for higher education students that incorporate supervised practice now join the ranks of other effective preventive mental health interventions. This review offers several recommendations to improve the experimental rigor of future research.

Throughout this report, “higher education students” refers generally to students receiving post-secondary education in 2- or 4-year colleges and universities, trade and vocational schools, or various graduate and professional programs (e.g., medical or law school).

A copy of the search terms, journals searched, and coding manual used in this review is available from the first author on request.

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Title: A Meta-analysis of Universal Mental Health Prevention Programs for Higher Education Students
Authors: Colleen S. Conley
Joseph A. Durlak
Alexandra C. Kirsch
Publication date: 01-05-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Prevention Science / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 1389-4986
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6695
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-015-0543-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A Meta-analysis of Universal Mental Health Prevention Programs for Higher Education Students

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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