Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. Schools provide an ideal setting for early identification and support, yet structured emotional support programs remain limited. This study examines the impact of early emotional support delivered by school-based mental health nurses on adolescent wellbeing, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with a control group was employed across four secondary schools. A total of 300 adolescents aged 13-17 years were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 150) and control (n = 150) groups. The intervention consisted of a 12-week structured emotional support program led by trained mental health nurses, incorporating psychoeducation, counseling, and coping-skills training. Wellbeing, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up using validated instruments. Statistical analyses included repeated measures anova, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests.
Results: Participants receiving the intervention showed significant improvements in wellbeing scores from baseline to post-intervention and follow-up compared to the control group (p<0.001). Resilience improved substantially in the intervention group (δ = +10.1) compared to control (δ = +2.0), with a moderate-to-large effect size. Help-seeking behaviors increased significantly, with 32% of intervention participants seeking formal support at follow-up compared to 18% in the control group (p=0.004).
Conclusion: Early emotional support programs delivered by school-based mental health nurses are effective in improving adolescent psychological outcomes and promoting proactive help-seeking. Integrating such interventions into school health frameworks can help address unmet mental health needs, enhance resilience, and reduce stigma. This model holds promise for scalable, sustainable mental health promotion in educational settings.