RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Improving Mental Health of Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1222-12707R2
DO 10.3368/jhr.1222-12707R2
A1 Manisha Shah
A1 Sarah Baird
A1 Jennifer Seager
A1 Benjamin Avuwadah
A1 Joan Hamory
A1 Shwetlena Sabarwal
A1 Amita Vyas
YR 2023
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2023/11/01/jhr.1222-12707R2.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.