A single-session universal mental health promotion program in Japanese schools: A pilot study

• Mayumi G. Mio

  Osaka University and Chiba University

• Yuki Matsumuto

  Tokushima Bunri University

A program based on cognitive behavioral therapy was developed for Japanese junior high school students aged 12–15 years. It consists of a single 50-minute session that targets a reduction in irrational beliefs, which is related to the improvement of psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The students were assigned to an intervention group (n = 238) and a control group (n = 277); the latter received an assertiveness training program. Students completed questionnaires including scales addressing irrational beliefs and self-esteem at pre- and post-program. The results revealed that, despite its short length, the OKS program significantly reduced irrational beliefs in the intervention group, in comparison to the control group. Moreover, both programs increased self-esteem. These findings imply the feasibility of a single-session universal mental health promotion program in Japanese schools.

1. Mayumi G. Mio, Osaka University and Chiba University
   Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, and Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University
   
2. Yuki Matsumuto, Tokushima Bunri University
   School of Human Life Sciences

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