Prevention for depressive symptoms among adolescents in Hong Kong: A study of enhancing subjective well-being

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this paper is to explore the insufficiently studied problem of the effectiveness of a depression prevention program with positive psychology components. Specifically, the project aims to (1) design a prevention program with positive psychology concepts, (2) implement the program in a sample of adolescents, and (3) assess the effectiveness of the program. Methods. Forty-one third-formers (23 males, 18 females) were recruited in the intervention group, and forty-two (22 males, 20 females) were assigned to the control group. The intervention group received the Positive Program, while the control group did not. Assessments were conducted at three points—pre-intervention, postintervention, and one-month follow-up. Panel professionals supervised the facilitator to maintain intervention integrity. Results. Among all variables, the strongest relationship was found between hopefulness and life satisfaction. Self-esteem was found to have the strongest correlation with depression, while social desirability only correlated with self-esteem and hopefulness. Only the intervention group reported significant attenuation in social desirability during post-intervention. Self-esteem was found to be the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms. Social desirability was not associated with depression in this study. Hope was a significant predictor for both happiness and life satisfaction. Happiness was also found to be a mediator to the link between hopefulness and life satisfaction. Discussion. Measuring happiness and life satisfaction might help measure the effect of the Positive Program on students with minimal symptoms. Establishing hope among adolescents might help enhance their happiness and life satisfaction as a buffer against depression. Although social desirability failed to support its effect in a prevention program, it should be noted that the current scale could be more reliable. Further studies could provide more information in considering the reduction of social desirability as a protective factor in depression prevention.