The DOI matches its Crossref record; 39 of the 40 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of a School-Based Depression Prevention Program
Abstract
Objective To conduct a placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of a universal school-based depression prevention program.Method Three hundred ninety-two students age 13 to 15 from two schools were randomized to intervention (RAP-Kiwi) and placebo programs run by teachers. RAP-Kiwi was an 11-session manual-based program derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy. The placebo was similar but with cognitive components removed. Outcomes were self-rated depression scales, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS), and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Follow-up was to 18 months. Analysis was done on an intent-to-treat basis.Results Immediately after the intervention, depression scores were reduced significantly more by RAP-Kiwi than by placebo, with a mean difference in change from baseline between groups of 1.5 on BDI-II (CI > 0.38, p =.01) and 2.24 on RADS (CI > 0.22, p =.04). Categorical analysis confirmed significant clinical benefit with an absolute risk reduction of 3% (95% CI, 1-11%, McNemar chi, p =.03), with the "number needed to treat" for short-term benefit of 33. Group differences in depression scores averaged across time to 18 months were significant on RADS but not on BDI-II. Retention rates were 91% at 6 months and 72% at 18 months.Conclusions The RAP-Kiwi program is a potentially effective public health measure. Confirmation of effectiveness measuring episodes of depressive illness and broader measures of adjustment is warranted.
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“Furthermore, programs that have been successful in reducing psychopathology in adolescents have incurred high financial costs and relied on scarce resources, such as teachers’ classroom time or researchers for program delivery [15].”
From Feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based positive psychology program for youth mental health: Randomized controlled trial (2014) · cites this paper as [15]
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“Reported means in some trials, even those that reported statistical significance, suggest no clear advantage for the early intervention condition (e.g. Horowitz, Garber, Ciesla, Young, & Mufson, 2007; Merry, McDowell, Wild, Bir, & Cunliffe, 2004; Quayle, Dziurawiec, Roberts, Kane, & Ebsworthy, 2001).”
From A randomized controlled trial of strong minds: A school-based mental health program combining acceptance and commitment therapy and positive psychology (2016) · cites this paper as Merry et al., 2004
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“The RAP-Kiwi was adapted for New Zealand, and was found to decrease depressive symptoms up to 18 months after the programme ended (Merry et al., 2004).”
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“Depressive symptoms are associated with several negative consequences in adolescence, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors, other mental health problems, poor academic performance, school drop out, and social and family difficulties (McGorry et al., 2007; Merry et al., 2004).”
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Metadata
- Authors
- Merry, S., McDOWELL, H., Wild, C. J., Bir, J., & Cunliffe, R.
- Affiliations
- University of Auckland (NZ)
- Corresponding author
- Merry, Sally
- Venue
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2004-05
- Volume
- 43
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 538-547
- ISSN
- 0890-8567 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2088454316
- Cited by
- 249
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 20
- FWCI
- 16.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- the Health Research Council (99/039)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › School Health and Nursing Education
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- depression prevention, school-based intervention, adolescent depression, cognitive behavioral therapy, universal prevention programs, program retention, public health prevention
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Preventive Health Services, School Health Services, United States, Single-Blind Method
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