Interventions to build resilience among young people A literature review

cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)-based interventions with or without other components,
such as arts therapy:
o The most commonly researched CBT-based intervention was the Penn Resiliency
Program (PRP) (and culturally tailored versions), which reduced depressive
symptoms; particularly in young people whose parents have psychopathology or
alcohol dependence. However, there was no evidence that PRP was more effective
than active control conditions.
o FRIENDS is an Australian CBT-based intervention delivered in schools which has
produced positive outcomes.
parenting skills interventions, provided that maternal demoralisation is not high and children
possess self-regulatory skills
brief psychoeducation intervention delivered in a series of lectures to build an adaptive
explanatory style in undergraduate students
interventions that focus on attachment or parenting based on social learning frameworks
offer promise for improving a range of outcomes for foster children
the impact of mindfulness, arts therapy and participation in performing arts, as stand-alone
interventions to foster resilience, requires further research.
For interventions that aim to prevent depression, anxiety and suicide, there is evidence of
effectiveness for the following:
psychological interventions for the prevention of depression in young people, particularly
CBT-based interventions. Interventions conducted in multiple settings and interventions
conducted in schools both show benefits. Online interventions also show promise. Evidence
supports both targeted and universal programs.
the use of exercise for the prevention of depression in young people
psychological interventions for the prevention of anxiety in young people, particularly CBTbased
interventions
suicide prevention interventions for the improvement of knowledge and attitudes about
suicide in young people
studies of suicide prevention interventions for the improvement of help-seeking and
reduction of suicidal behaviours although the evidence is weak and hampered by
methodological concerns.
For interventions that aim to prevent eating disorders, there is evidence of effectiveness for:
prevention programs that are CBT-based or incorporate media literacy and advocacy for
addressing risk factors for eating disorders including beliefs about the desirability of being
thin and dieting behaviours.
For interventions that aim to prevent behaviour problems, there is evidence of effectiveness for:
parent-training interventions in families with young children and adolescents
school-based interventions for the prevention of aggression and violent behaviours.
For interventions that aim to prevent substance use, there is evidence of effectiveness for the
following:
Interventions to build resilience among young people: a literature review 5