The Efficacy of the Web ABC Program on Improving Coping, Self-Competence, and Quality of Life in Chinese American Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of the healthy lifestyle promotion program on psychosocial well-being among Chinese American adolescents. Methods. A randomized control study design was used. Adolescents in this study received 8 weekly online lessons and completed questionnaires regarding their self-competence, coping strategies, and quality of life at baseline and 2 months, 6 months, and 8 months after the baseline assessment. The primary caregiver completed questionnaires regarding parents’ demographic information at baseline. Findings. A total of 54 adolescents participated in the study (27 in the intervention and 27 in the control group). Results indicate that in contrast to the control group, adolescents in the intervention group increased their use of active coping strategies ( P = .0001) while decreasing the use of avoidance coping strategies ( P = .002), and increased their levels of competence in school ( P = .009). Physical appearance ( P = .001), conduct ( P = .001), and emotional quality of life ( P = .031) improved. Conclusions. A Web-based healthy lifestyle promotion program that incorporates coping skills training (CST) and stress management can improve psychosocial well-being in adolescents. Interventions for improving healthy lifestyles in adolescents need to incorporate information related to cognitive CST and problem-solving skills.