Refining and pilot testing the health promotion program called 'ADAPT' aiming to empower and support adolescents in making decisions that strengthens their well-being and health and are positive and meaningful for themselves, their peers, and their wider communities.

Aims

This is a pilot study we call 'Making a difference together' aiming to: 

1. Refine ADAPT; a new health promotion program and adjusting it to Danish middle school students.
2. Examine feasibility and acceptability of the program and how it can be optimally integrated into the school day.
3. Examine preliminary effects of the program on health and well-being of the students.

Background

Adolescence is a distinct neurodevelopmental period. While much of the adolescent literature focuses on the age group’s penchant for health risks and related behavior, recent research has shown that the adolescent brain is characterized by resilience, distinctive cognitive flexibility and social attunement. Further, adolescents are increasingly capable of and oriented towards contributing positively to their communities. Informed by this line of research, ADAPT is specifically articulated to the unique gifts and neurodevelopmental nature of the adolescent brain. The program consists of 3 group session and one parent meeting, that are specifically designed to bolster the strengths that adolescents naturally have within them, thereby supporting and empowering them to make meaningful and positive decisions, that will benefit their well-being and health (e.g., regarding alcohol use) and make a positive difference in their communities. By engaging a positive neurodevelopmental perspective with adolescents, ADAPT explores new ways of strengthening well-being and health in this age group.

The study

The project is conducted in collaboration with a public school in Region Midtjylland and entails:

1. A qualitative study aiming to refine and optimize ADAPT for Danish middle school students, by taking into account the perspectives of the target group via focus groups.
2. A quantitative pilot study aiming to examine (a) acceptability and feasibility of the program and (b) preliminary effects on students’ well-being and health.

The project is being carried out from September 2021 to June 2023.

Funding

The project is funded by TrygFonden.

Collaborators

Throughout the study, the research team meets with an External Advisory Board, composed of experts on health promotion and prevention from practice, school principals, a representative from TrygFonden, and assistant professor Lotte Vallentin-Holbech. The purpose is to help the research team ensure quality, relevance and feasibility of the scientific project and the health promotion program.