A multi-level mental health intervention using Bronfenbrenner’s theory and PRECEDE-PROCEED to improve adolescent help-seeking and life satisfaction

Schools require well-designed mental health education programs to address adolescent hesitation in help-seeking. This mixed-methods study evaluated a promotion program integrating Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological theory into the PRECEDE-PROCEED model to improve help-seeking behaviors and life satisfaction among Iranian female adolescents. Following qualitative focus groups to identify barriers, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 174 high school girls aged 15–17 (intervention = 86; control = 88). The intervention group completed a six-session educational program. Data analysis using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) revealed significant overall Group × Time interactions across all outcome variables ( p < 0.001). The most substantial intervention effect was observed for multidimensional students’ life satisfaction (MSLS), which showed a notable positive change (B = 0.888, 95% CI: 0.341 to 1.434, p < 0.001). Help-seeking intention (HSI) and recognition of personal need for professional psychological help (RPNPPH) also improved considerably (B = -0.542 and B = -0.370, respectively, p < 0.001). Perceived social support (MSPSS) and mental health literacy (MHL) demonstrated significant enhancements (B = -0.839 and B = -0.521, respectively, p < 0.001). Although the main effect of group was not statistically significant for actual help-seeking behavior (HSB) and ways of coping (WOC) (B = 0.433, p = 0.072), the group-by-time interaction for both outcomes was highly significant ( p < 0.001), indicating that the intervention group showed distinct longitudinal improvements compared to the control group. These findings indicate that structured multi-level educational interventions can effectively enhance female adolescents’ help-seeking behaviors and overall life satisfaction.