Effectiveness of a School/College-Based Life Skills and Resilience Training Programme on Suicidal Risk Awareness and Coping Skills among Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by substantial biological, psychological, social, and academic changes. Academic pressure, interpersonal difficulties, social isolation, bullying, family conflicts, and difficulties in coping with stress may adversely affect adolescents' mental well-being. Life-skills education and resilience-building interventions may strengthen adolescents' ability to manage stress and recognize warning signs associated with suicidal risk.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was proposed. A total of 200 adolescents were included, with 100 participants assigned to the intervention group and 100 to the comparison group. Baseline assessment was conducted using a structured questionnaire assessing suicidal risk awareness and a standardized coping-skills scale. The intervention group received a structured life skills and resilience training programme consisting of interactive educational sessions, stress-management activities, problem-solving exercises, communication training, emotional regulation, resilience-building activities, and information regarding appropriate help-seeking. Post-test assessment was conducted after completion of the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis.

Results: In the illustrative analysis, the intervention group demonstrated a substantial improvement in suicidal risk awareness and coping skills following the intervention. The mean awareness score increased from 11.8 ± 3.2 at pre-test to 19.6 ± 2.4 at post-test. The mean coping-skills score increased from 48.7 ± 7.1 to 62.4 ± 6.3. Improvements were greater in the intervention group than in the comparison group. The observed differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A structured school/college-based life skills and resilience training programme may be an effective approach for improving adolescents' awareness of suicidal risk and strengthening adaptive coping skills. Incorporating evidence-based mental health education, resilience-building, and appropriate help-seeking information into educational settings may contribute to early prevention and promotion of adolescent mental well-being.