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.