Background:
Multi-session therapy programs face barriers in low-resource settings due to time, cost, andlogistics. Single-session interventions—programs completed in just one meeting—might offer an alternative.This study tested whether brief, one-time interventions could reduce depression and anxiety in Kenyanadolescents.
Methods:
1,161 students from 40 Kenyan secondary schools participated. Schools were randomly assigned tohave students receive either one of three single-session interventions (growth mindset, gratitude, or valuesaffirmation), a study skills session, or no intervention. Students completed assessments immediately before andafter sessions, and two weeks later.
Findings:
All three single-session interventions reduced anxiety symptoms more than control conditions, witheffects maintained at two-week follow-up. Growth mindset and gratitude interventions were most effective forreducing anxiety. Depression symptoms improved across all groups, including controls, making it difficult todetermine specific intervention effects.
Implications:
Single-session interventions can meaningfully reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents, even inschool settings with limited resources. These ultra-brief programs offer a highly scalable approach to mentalhealth care that requires minimal time and training. However, more research is needed to understand how bestto address depression with single-session approaches
