Evaluation of the DREAM (Developing Resilience and Empowering Adaptive Minds Program among Adolescents:

A Pilot Study at Kefitegna 12 High School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of the D.R.E.A.M. (Developing Resilience and Empowering Adaptive Minds) program in enhancing adolescents’ psychological well-being, specifically focusing on resilience, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research involved 24 students aged 15 to 17, equally divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using psychometric scales and individual interviews. Quantitative results indicated that the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in resilience, expressive suppression, and self-esteem following the intervention, while the control group showed no comparable gains. Notably, cognitive reappraisal scores declined in both groups, highlighting the complexity of emotional regulation in adolescents. Qualitative findings supported these outcomes revealing positive shifts in participants’ coping strategies and self- perceptions. The study underscores the potential of structured, school-based psychosocial interventions in fostering mental health and emotional competencies in youth. Limitations include the small, urban-based sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Future research is recommended to expand participant diversity and incorporate longitudinal and qualitative methodologies. Overall, the D.R.E.A.M. program shows promise as an effective model for adolescent mental health promotion within educational settings.