TRAVELLERS: a school-based early intervention programme helping young people manage and process change, loss and transition. Pilot phase findings.
OBJECTIVE
This paper outlines the conceptual background and findings from the pilot phase of TRAVELLERS--an early intervention programme designed to enhance protective factors for young people experiencing change, loss and transition events and early signs of emotional distress. The pilot study aimed to determine whether TRAVELLERS was a feasible, acceptable and promising intervention for young people within secondary schools in Aotearoa/New Zealand.


METHODS
The conceptual origins of the TRAVELLERS programme are described in terms of: adolescent mental health concerns; emerging mental health promotion theory and practice; and prevention and early intervention models. The key elements of the TRAVELLERS programme are described. The programme was piloted in two secondary schools, one rural and one urban with 34 participants (females n = 24, males n = 10). Evaluation methods included: review of programme materials; identification of potential selection tools appropriate to Year 9 students; analysis of selection questionnaire; and conduct of feedback from participants, facilitators and parents/caregivers.


RESULTS
The TRAVELLERS programme provides a means of identifying and selecting young people who may benefit from participating in an early intervention programme. The programme has achieved a statistically significant reduction in participants' distress (p < 0.01). Young people were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about most aspects of TRAVELLERS. School personnel reported that TRAVELLERS was an appropriate and acceptable programme to the school.


CONCLUSIONS
Targeted interventions provided within a supportive school environment can contribute to enhancing protective factors such as personal and interpersonal coping strategies, increased help-seeking behaviour, and young people feeling more positive about themselves and their lives. The pilot programme has been amended and prepared for a two year trial phase in 10 secondary schools during 2002-2003.
Dickinson
Pauline
P
Injury Prevention Research Centre, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92013, Auckland, New Zealand. p.dickinson@auckland.ac.nz
Coggan
Carolyn
C
Bennett
Sara
S
D000293:Adolescent; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009520:New Zealand; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population; D012572:School Health Services; D012932:Social Facilitation; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population