Enhancing Mental Health in Rural Adolescents Through Self-Compassion

Importance of Addressing Adolescent Substance Use

Adolescent substance use disorder (SUD) is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where resources for mental health support may be limited. Recent studies indicate that approximately 29% of 12th graders, 17.8% of 10th graders, and 8.3% of 8th graders report cannabis use in the past year (Monitoring the Future, 2023). The potential risks associated with SUD are multifaceted, including immediate health risks and long-term psychological impacts, which can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties (Barnes et al., 2019).

Family dynamics also play a critical role in adolescent substance use; the influence of parental behavior often perpetuates cycles of substance misuse and can significantly impact the mental health of adolescents (Molendijk, 2018). In rural communities, where access to mental health services is often constrained, it becomes paramount to develop effective interventions that can address these issues holistically.

Overview of The Reassured Self Program

The Reassured Self is a school-based mental health intervention designed specifically for rural female adolescents in Saudi Arabia. This program integrates principles of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) to promote emotional resilience and mental well-being. The program consists of three sessions over two weeks, focusing on self-compassion, emotional regulation, and coping strategies for anxiety and body image dissatisfaction (Mavragani et al., 2025).

Through the application of CFT, the program seeks to empower adolescents to manage their mental health independently, particularly in the context of rising anxiety levels and video game addiction. Initial findings from the program indicate a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and video game addiction rates among participants, showcasing its potential effectiveness (Mavragani et al., 2025).

Table 1: Structure of The Reassured Self Program

Impact of Self-Compassion on Anxiety and Video Game Addiction

Evidence suggests that self-compassion can play a crucial role in mitigating anxiety and addictive behaviors among adolescents. The Reassured Self program demonstrated statistically significant reductions in anxiety symptoms (mean difference –4.11, P = .005) and video game addiction (mean difference –1.62, P = .009) among participants (Mavragani et al., 2025).

The parallels between anxiety and video game addiction are supported by research indicating that adolescents often engage in gaming as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety (Griffin et al., 2019). The program’s focus on self-compassion equips adolescents with tools to address underlying emotional distress, which can subsequently reduce their reliance on gaming as an escape.

Table 2: Pre- and Post-Intervention Outcomes

Connecting Cultural Values with Mental Health Interventions

The effectiveness of mental health interventions, particularly in culturally diverse settings, hinges on their alignment with the values and beliefs of the target population. The Reassured Self program integrates aspects of Islamic values, such as compassion and gratitude, which resonate deeply with the participants. This cultural relevance enhances the acceptability of the program and promotes engagement among participants, as evidenced by high satisfaction scores (mean of 28.49 out of 35) (Mavragani et al., 2025).

By embedding culturally sensitive practices into the curriculum, the program not only addresses immediate mental health concerns but also fosters a supportive community environment. This is crucial for building trust and encouraging adolescents to participate actively in their mental health journey, especially in regions where stigma surrounding mental health can be a barrier to seeking help.

Recommendations for Future Mental Health Strategies in Schools

To optimize the impact of mental health interventions like The Reassured Self, several recommendations can be made:

1. Tailored Programming: Future programs should continue to adapt culturally relevant content to meet the specific needs of diverse adolescent populations, ensuring that they resonate with local values and beliefs.

2. Long-Term Follow-Up: Implementing long-term follow-up assessments can provide insights into the sustainability of intervention effects and help refine program content based on participant feedback over time.

3. Community Involvement: Engaging local community leaders and health professionals in the development and delivery of programs can enhance their relevance and effectiveness, fostering a sense of ownership and support among participants.

4. Integration with Academic Curriculum: Incorporating mental health education into the broader school curriculum can help normalize discussions around mental health, reduce stigma, and promote proactive mental health management among students.

5. Utilization of Technology: Exploring digital platforms for program delivery can increase accessibility, particularly in rural areas where traditional service delivery may be limited due to geographic constraints.

FAQ Section

What is the Reassured Self program?

A1: The Reassured Self is a school-based mental health intervention designed for rural female adolescents, focusing on self-compassion and emotional regulation to reduce anxiety and video game addiction.

How effective is the program?

A2: Preliminary results indicate significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and video game addiction among participants, showcasing the program’s potential effectiveness in addressing mental health challenges in this demographic.

Why is cultural relevance important in mental health interventions?

A3: Cultural relevance enhances the acceptability and effectiveness of mental health programs by aligning them with the values and beliefs of the target population, fostering engagement and reducing stigm

How can schools implement similar programs?

A4: Schools can implement similar programs by tailoring content to local cultural contexts, engaging community leaders, and exploring digital platforms for broader accessibility.

What are the future implications of the Reassured Self program?

A5: Future implications include the potential for broader applications in diverse cultural contexts, emphasizing the need for continued research and adaptation to sustain mental health support for adolescents.

References

1. Barnes, S. M., Kearney, C. A., & Pruitt, L. (2019). The relationship between family dynamics and adolescent substance use: A systematic review. Substance Use & Misuse, 54(8), 1341-1350

2. Griffin, M. L., & Smith, D. A. (2019). The impact of parental substance use on adolescent behavior. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(3), 403-412

3. Mavragani, A., Ghammem, R., & Alenezi, Z. (2025). Effect of the Reassured Self-Compassion–Based School Program on Anxiety, Video Game Addiction, and Body Image Among Rural Female Adolescents: Retrospective Study. JMIR Formative Research, 9, e68840. https://doi.org/10.2196/68840

4. Monitoring the Future. (2023). Annual Survey Results

5. Molendijk, M. (2018). Moral injury and its sociopolitical dimensions: A critical analysis. Journal of Moral Education, 47(1), 83-97

6. Shay, J. (1994). Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character. New York: Scribner.

7. Ter Heide, F. J. J. (2020). Moral injury in veterans: A review of current literature. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(10), 3688. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103688