Investigating the Effect of Stress Inoculation Training on the Emotional Adjustment of Male Junior High School Students: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Background: In recent years, psychological pressures and social challenges have significantly impacted students’ mental health. To address these issues and enhance psychological resilience, various methods aimed at improving adolescents’ emotional adjustment have emerged. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of stress inoculation training (SIT) on the emotional adjustment of male junior high school students. Methods: This quasi-experimental clinical trial used a pre/post-test design among 74 male junior high school students (grades 7 - 9) in Neyshabur during 2023 - 2024. Two randomly selected schools were assigned as intervention and control groups. Based on Altman’s nomogram, 74 students were recruited, and 70 (35 per group) completed the study. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the 28-item Emotional Adjustment Scale with two subscales: Arousal regulation and hopelessness/positive thinking. The intervention group underwent eight 60-minute SIT sessions across two months. Both groups were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26. Results: The SIT significantly improved arousal regulation, hopelessness/positive thinking, and overall emotional adjustment in the intervention group. Specifically, the mean score for disruption of emotional and physiological arousal regulation increased significantly by 1.02 ± 7.83 units immediately after the intervention (P < 0.001) and by 0.99 ± 10.46 units one month later. The mean score for hopelessness/positive thinking rose by 1.12 ± 9.54 units post-intervention (P < 0.001) and by 1.05 ± 12.91 units after one month. Similarly, emotional adjustment scores increased by 1.95 ± 17.37 units after the intervention (P < 0.001) and by 1.81 ± 23.37 units one month later. Conclusions: The SIT significantly improved emotional and physiological arousal regulation, as well as optimism and emotional adjustment among students, with effects lasting up to one month post-intervention. These results affirm the training’s effectiveness in enhancing the emotional well-being of junior high school students.