EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ADOLESCENT COPING ENHANCEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME (ACETP) IN IMPROVING TEACHERS' KNOWLEDGE AND ADOLESCENTS' MENTAL HEALTH AND COPING ABILITIES IN KERALA, INDIA

Abstract

Adolescent mental health assessment and intervention represent critical applied psychology challenges. This longitudinal intervention study evaluated the Adolescent Coping Enhancement Training Programme (ACETP) in six schools in Ernakulam District, Kerala. 190 adolescents (aged 12-15 years) were randomly assigned to control (n=94) or experimental (n=96) groups. Teachers' knowledge was evaluated with a validated 28-item questionnaire. Adolescents' mental health was assessed using validated psychometric instruments: Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, Child and Youth Resilience Measure, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Coping was assessed using Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences. Teachers showed significant knowledge improvement (F=42.26, P<0.001, η²=0.70). Adolescents demonstrated enhanced mental health (F=31.739, P<0.01, η²=0.25) and coping abilities (t=3.841, P=0.002, d=0.56) at 10 weeks, with diminished gains by 20 weeks. The ACETP significantly improved outcomes short-term; sustained benefits require longer interventions.