We are doing research on the prevention of depression in children. Depressive symptoms and depressive episodes increase dramatically from late childhood through adolescence, particularly during the high school years. Depression is a recurrent disorder for many and the incidence of adult depression is higher for those individuals who suffer from depression as children or adolescents. Thus, an important goal for researchers, clinicians and educators is to arm children with tools that protect them against this disorder.
Students also learn techniques for assertiveness, negotiation, relaxation, and decision-making.
In PEP, students discuss a variety of topics that are particularly relevant to interpersonal relationships during the middle and high school years. POP and PEP are both brief interventions, typically lasting for twelve 2-hour sessions. Students meet in groups of approximately 8 to 10. Groups are led by school teachers and guidance counselors trained by developers of the intervention programs. In previous studies, POP and PEP have been compared to a no-intervention control.