The Effectiveness of Digital Media-Based Mental Health Education in Enhancing Adolescents' Resilience to Academic Stress

Abstract

Background: Continuous academic demands may place adolescents under psychological strain and can interfere with emotional well-being, learning, and the ability to recover from setbacks. Because digital media are already embedded in students' daily routines, they may offer a practical channel for school-based mental health education. Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a digital media-based mental health education program on resilience in adolescents experiencing academic stress. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group was conducted among 120 senior high school students aged 15-18 years. Sixty students received a six-week digital program consisting of interactive videos, infographics, podcasts, reflective activities, stress-management practice, online discussion, and quizzes, while 60 students received conventional health education. Outcomes were measured with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Academic Stress Scale (ASS), and Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (MHLq). Paired and independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and Cohen's d were used in the analysis. Results: After the intervention, the digital group demonstrated higher resilience and mental health literacy and lower academic stress than the control group (all p < .001). The effect on resilience was large (Cohen's d = 0.82). Implications: Integrating structured digital mental health learning into school health activities may give students flexible access to coping and mental health resources. Conclusion: In this sample, a six-week digital education program was associated with stronger resilience, better mental health literacy, and reduced academic stress.