Effectiveness of Social Inclusion Interventions for Anxiety and Depression among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Adolescents who are socially excluded are at increased risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Promoting social inclusion could be an effective strategy for preventing and treating adolescent depression and anxiety. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of intervention studies which aimed to prevent or treat adolescent depression and/or anxiety by promoting social inclusion. Throughout the review we engaged a youth advisory group of 13 young people (aged 21–24) from Uganda, Turkey, Syria, South Africa, and Egypt. Results: We identified 12 studies relevant to our review. The interventions tested use a range of different strategies to increase social inclusion and reduce depression and anxiety, including social skills training, psychoeducation, teaching life skills training, and cash transfers. Pooled standardised mean differences (SMDs) based on random-effects models showed medium-to-large benefits of interventions on improving depression and anxiety symptoms (n = 8; SMD = −0.62; 95% CI, −1.23 to −0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although there are not many studies, those which have been done show promising results that strongly suggest that social inclusion could be an important component of programmes to promote adolescent mental health.

Ageing Happily in Ghana: How Does Social Inclusion Contribute?

“…Some studies have hypothesised that social interaction may enhance cognition and improve emotion regulation, reducing mental distress toward happiness 12 . Recent systematic reviews have shown that more social interactions relate to decreases in mental/psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems 16–18 . Moreover, our previous analysis found that sleep problems were negatively associated with happiness among older adults after adjusting for potential confounders 46 .…”

“…12 Recent systematic reviews have shown that more social interactions relate to decreases in mental/psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. [16][17][18] Moreover, our previous analysis found that sleep problems were negatively associated with happiness among older adults after adjusting for potential confounders. 46 Gyasi et al 2 have also reported significant associations of poor sleep quality, loneliness, anxiety, and boredom, with happiness.…”

Resilience in vulnerable university groups: An analysis of social work intervention strategies from the perspective of social inclusion

“…In response to the first objective, it can be indicated that there is a positive impact on strengthening resilience in vulnerable groups, as well as socio-economic and cultural factors. Therefore, it is important to continue working on the inclusion of these groups and on the design and implementation of effective intervention strategies to promote their resilience [15].…”

“…However, this does not imply that they are passive or incapable of overcoming their difficulties. On the contrary, many vulnerable groups demonstrate great resilience in the face of adversity and generate strategies of resistance and social transformation [15].…”

Analysis of the Importance of Islamic Religious Education and Life Skills in Forming a Noble Young Generation in Indonesia

“…Life skills education is an intervention program designed to improve mental wellbeing and strengthen coping skills among children and adolescents (Hunt et al, 2023). The program focuses on teaching responsible decision-making and healthy choices in life (Kaur & Singh, 2023).…”