Group-based emotional regulation training for adolescents in primary health care settings: a proof-of-concept study of its utility to improve mental health

Abstract

Providing mental health care in high-demand but resource-limited settings requires creative approaches. Group-based emotional regulation training has shown promise in other contexts, but its usefulness among South African adolescents in primary health care settings has not been fully examined. Emotional regulation is crucial for long-term health, psychological wellbeing, and reducing common mental disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the potential utility of a 6-week group-based emotional regulation training programme designed for adolescents in South Africa and to provide recommendations for future application in related contexts. Participants aged 15 to 17 years attended the 6-week programme consisting of weekly 90-min sessions that focussed on self-care, emotional awareness, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, interpersonal effectiveness, and goal setting. Measures of clinical depression and anxiety, and emotional regulation, were administered before, after, and at 3 months following the programme. Parental and participant feedback were subjected to thematic analysis. Significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, and emotional regulation among the participants, compared to controls. Depression and anxiety symptoms decreased from pre-programme to post-programme, with sustained improvements at the 3-month follow-up. In addition, parental feedback highlighted positive changes in children’s empathy and self-awareness. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the potential utility of a structured, group-based programme to enhance emotional regulation and improve mental health among adolescents in South Africa. It also offered recommendations for refinement in primary health care settings, based on themes identified in the qualitative analysis.