Emotional intelligence intervention to improve mental well-being of adolescents with emotional distress (BEAM): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
AI Summary
RCT protocol evaluating multicomponent school-based emotional intelligence intervention for adolescents 14-16 with emotional distress to improve mental well-being.
Nine 55-minute group sessions delivered by nurse and physiotherapist in schools focusing on emotional regulation, self-esteem, mindfulness, assertiveness and socio-emotional skills.
Primary outcome WEMWBS mental well-being; secondary outcomes EI (TMMS-24) and resilience (CYRM-32); assessments at baseline, postintervention and 24-week follow-up.
BMJ Open. 2026 May 8;16(5):e118438. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-118438.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents experiencing emotional distress are at increased risk of developing mental health problems, which can negatively impact their academic performance, social relationships and long-term well-being. Schools provide a key setting for implementing preventive interventions that promote emotional and psychological resilience. This study presents the protocol for a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent, school-based intervention grounded in emotional intelligence (EI) in improving mental well-being, EI levels and resilience among adolescents aged 14-16 years experiencing emotional distress.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The trial will be conducted in public and publicly funded secondary schools in Terrassa, Spain, during the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible participants will be identified using the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). The intervention consists of nine 55-minute group sessions delivered during school hours by a nurse and a physiotherapist, supported by the school’s psychopedagogue. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, self-esteem, mindfulness, assertiveness and other socio-emotional skills. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, postintervention and 24-week follow-up. The primary outcome is mental well-being (WEMWBS); secondary outcomes include EI (Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 items) and resilience (Child and Youth Resilience Measure-32 items). It is anticipated that adolescents in the intervention group will show significantly greater improvements in mental well-being, emotional intelligence and resilience compared with the control group, with effects sustained at follow-up. This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a scalable, school-based intervention led by community health professionals. The programme could be integrated into educational and public health strategies to promote adolescent mental health and reduce emotional distress.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approved by CEIm Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (01-24-1CR-102). Low-risk study; predefined procedures are in place for participants at risk (eg, suicidal ideation, abuse) with referral pathways to health/social services. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conferences and a plain-language summary to schools/stakeholders.
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