RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Improving Mental Health of Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
JF Journal of Human Resources
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP S317
OP S364
DO 10.3368/jhr.1222-12707R2
VO 59
IS S
A1 Shah, Manisha
A1 Baird, Sarah
A1 Seager, Jennifer
A1 Avuwadah, Benjamin
A1 Hamory, Joan
A1 Sabarwal, Shwetlena
A1 Vyas, Amita
YR 2024
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/59/S/S317.abstract
AB This study provides causal evidence on the impact of life skills programming on the mental health of adolescent girls aged 10–19 in three distinct low- and middle-income countries: Tanzania, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia. Life skills interventions significantly improved a component of mental health in all three contexts, with reductions in depression in Tanzania and improvements in socio-emotional development in Bangladesh and Ethiopia. However, findings suggest substantial heterogeneity in impact. Programs that target both adolescent boys and girls appear more effective than those that target girls alone, and existing supportive environments are a necessary condition for programs to improve mental health.