Evaluation of a resilience intervention to enhance coping strategies and protective factors and decrease symptomatology

J Am Coll Health. 2008 Jan-Feb;56(4):445-53. doi: 10.3200/JACH.56.44.445-454.

Abstract

Objective: In this pilot study, the authors examined the effectiveness of a 4-week resilience intervention to enhance resilience, coping strategies, and protective factors, as well as decrease symptomatology during a period of increased academic stress.

Participants and methods: College students were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 30) and wait-list control (n = 27) groups. The experimental group received a psychoeducational intervention in 4 two-hour weekly sessions. Measures of resilience, coping strategies, protective factors, and symptomatology were administered pre- and postintervention to both groups.

Results: Analyses indicated that the experimental group had significantly higher resilience scores, more effective coping strategies (i.e., higher problem solving, lower avoidant), higher scores on protective factors (i.e., positive affect, self-esteem, self-leadership), and lower scores on symptomatology (i.e., depressive symptoms, negative affect, perceived stress) postintervention than did the wait-list control group.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that this resilience program may be useful as a stress-management and stress-prevention intervention for college students.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*