O-33 Increased emotional resilience and mental well-being in Virgin Islands (UK) Youths through early therapeutic intervention
Author(s):
V Rubaine, K Huggins-McKenzie, K Parker-Fraser, M Deane-Bahadoor, S James-Bell, F Ramdatt
Type Of Study:
- Experimental or Intervention Study
- Mixed Methods
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based
psychosocial skills intervention on students’ mental health
across the Virgin Islands (UK), to improve emotional regulation, coping skills, and behavioural functioning among
primary and secondary students.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was conducted with 116 students aged 7–17 years identified through school personnel, parents, and COMHSAS clinicians. intervention consisted of twice-monthly sessions from October 2024 to June 2025, utilising dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for secondary students and a copingskills curriculum for primary students. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), and Patient Health Questionnaire-Adolescent Version (PHQ-A). Pre-post analyses were performed using SPSS.
Results: Baseline BAI scores were moderate (15–25). Anxiety reduction was observed across islands. Virgin Gorda’s mean BAI declined from 26.8 to 19.9, while Anegada showed a slight reduction. CES-DC scores increased slightly, with rises in Tortola (16.2–21.5), Anegada (20.6– 22.5), and Jost Van Dyke (15.0–18.1), while Virgin Gorda remained stable (25.3–27.6). PHQ-A scores decreased in Virgin Gorda (13–8) and Anegada (11–10). Qualitative findings indicated improved emotion regulation and coping skills, with consistent attendance was associated with better outcomes.
Conclusion: The program demonstrated effectiveness in improving emotional functioning among school-aged children in the Virgin Islands (UK). Participants gained therapeutic tools with potential longer-term benefits. Variability in outcomes highlights the need for improved implementation and follow-up. Continued interventions are recommended to support early identification and improvement of psychosocial distress.