Abstract :
Background: Adolescents in India face increasing mental health challenges, yet school-based mental health promotion remains fragmented and underdeveloped. This study aimed to develop a culturally grounded, strength-based Positive Youth Development (SPYD) program to enhance adolescent well-being within the school ecosystem.Materials and Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 70 stakeholders (school staff, parents, and mental health professionals) and focus group discussions with 110 adolescents from three schools. Thematic analysis and a content-ranking exercise informed the development of five core modules.Results: Stakeholders and adolescents reported high levels of emotional distress, stigma, and limited mental health support. The final SPYD framework included five modules: Mental Health and Well-Being, Risk Mitigation, Goal Setting and Personal Growth, Community Engagement, and Strength-Based Competencies. All modules received high ratings for relevance, clarity, and feasibility.Conclusion: The findings affirm the need for school-based, strength-oriented mental health promotion in India. The SPYD program offers a context-sensitive, scalable model that fosters psychosocial resilience and developmental strengths among adolescents through experiential, teacher-led delivery.
Keyword :
Strength-based positive youth development, Mental health, Indian context.