LITERATURE REVIEW OF FILM-BASED MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS AMONG ADOLESCENT

Abstract

Background: Adolescent mental health is an increasing public health concern, with rising cases of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Film-based interventions have emerged as a promising approach to engage adolescents in mental health discussions through visually compelling narratives. Despite their potential, there remains a lack of systematic synthesis evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of these interventions across different sociocultural settings.

Aims: This literature review aims to explore the impact of film-based mental health interventions on adolescent well-being, assess their effectiveness, and identify gaps in research and implementation.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed empirical research on film-based interventions targeting adolescent mental health, while exclusion criteria eliminated theoretical articles and non-peer-reviewed sources. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and data were analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach.

Results: The review included 10 studies with diverse research designs, including randomized controlled trials, qualitative case studies, and mixed-methods analyses. Findings indicated that film-based interventions were effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and social anxiety while improving self-esteem, emotional literacy, and resilience. Studies highlighted the role of empathy in moderating negative media effects and enhancing intervention outcomes. However, methodological inconsistencies, limited longitudinal data, and a lack of cultural adaptability hinder the generalizability of findings. Most interventions were concentrated in high-income regions, underscoring disparities in access to film-based mental health resources.

Conclusion: Film-based interventions demonstrate potential as effective, engaging, and scalable mental health tools for adolescents. However, further research is required to standardize methodologies, assess long-term impacts, and develop culturally responsive frameworks to ensure broader accessibility and effectiveness. Future studies should incorporate participatory designs that involve adolescents in content development, ensuring relevance and impact across diverse populations.