Caregiver-Mediated Psychoeducational Intervention for Transforming Irrational Thoughts and Enhancing Emotional Well-Being among Adolescents

Abstract

The present study examines the effectiveness of a structured caregiver-mediated psychoeducational intervention in transforming irrational thought patterns and improving emotional well-being among adolescents. Conducted in Visakhapatnam, the study included adolescents aged 12–18 years and their primary caregivers, recognizing the critical role of family context in adolescent cognitive and emotional development. A total of 100 caregiver–adolescent pairs (N = 200) were selected and equally divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a structured intervention based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), while the control group did not receive any intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze the data, including paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Baseline comparisons confirmed no significant differences between the groups, ensuring comparability. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in dysfunctional attitudes (DAS) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II) among adolescents in the experimental group (p < 0.001). Emotional well-being improved substantially, with a 30.6% reduction in depressive symptoms, while post-test comparisons showed significantly better outcomes in the experimental group compared to the control group. In addition, caregiver outcomes demonstrated a significant reduction in perceived burden (CBI) and notable improvements in knowledge and confidence levels (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated strong negative relationships between caregiver competence and adolescent outcomes, highlighting the critical influence of caregiver knowledge and confidence on reducing irrational beliefs and emotional distress in adolescents. The findings confirm that caregiver-mediated psychoeducational intervention is highly effective in promoting cognitive restructuring and emotional regulation among adolescents. The study contributes to the field by emphasizing the dual benefit of such interventions for both adolescents and caregivers and underscores the importance of family-centered approaches in preventive mental health strategies.