Effect of the Teaching Kids to Cope (TKC) program on outcomes of depression and coping among rural adolescents

Abstract

Problem: Incidence of depressive symptoms and lack of sufficient adaptive coping skills in adolescents.

Methods: A randomized controlled study to test the effectiveness of a group-administered, cognitive-behavioral interventions method, TKC, on rural adolescents (N = 89). Outcomes were measured by changes in the scores on an Adolescent Depression Scale and the Coping Response Inventory pre/post intervention, at 6 and at 12 months.

Findings: Results indicated improvement in depressive symptomatology and certain coping skills. Students in the intervention reported a higher use of cognitive problem-solving coping strategies.

Conclusions: The role of a psychiatric nurse in the school system providing short-term psychoeducation interventions is a practical and effective mental health practice.