School-based mental health promotion and behavioral modification in pubertal adolescents: A controlled intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence represents a period of rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive transition. Early pubertal changes, hormonal fluctuations, and psychosocial pressures increase vulnerability to behavioral disturbances. School-based mental health programs have been shown to enhance coping ability, emotional regulation, and adaptive behavior among adolescents. To evaluate the effect of a school-based mental health program on behavioral modifications during puberty among school students in Bhubaneswar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted among 92 adolescents aged 9-15 years selected through purposive sampling. A socio-demographic proforma and a 30-item Behavioral Modification Scale were used. The experimental group received a structured five-session mental health program; the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Chi-square statistics. RESULTS: Pre-test maladaptive behavior was high in both groups (experimental 82.6%, control 87%). Post-intervention, adaptive behavior increased to 76.1% in the experimental group, with negligible change in the control group. Between-group differences were statistically significant (U = 147.5, P < 0.001). Behavioral improvement within the experimental group was significant (Z = -5.9, P < 0.001). Behavior was significantly associated with age, gender, pubertal stage, educational level, and family type. CONCLUSION: The school-based mental health program effectively improved behavioral modification among early adolescents. Findings highlight the necessity of integrating structured mental health education into school curricula.