The University of Jaén (UJA) has recently launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the health and emotional well-being of adolescents. The project, known as the Network for the Promotion of the health and emotional well-being of young people (PROEMO), is the first selective prevention program of its kind targeting young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who are at risk of experiencing emotional problems.
Luis Joaquín García, a professor of Psychology at UJA and the main person in charge of the PROEMO Network, emphasized the importance of evidence-based initiatives in improving the emotional health of young people. The vice-rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer of UJA, Mª Victoria López, also highlighted the institution’s commitment to promoting the health and emotional well-being of young people through research.
The project will be carried out in three phases. The first phase involves identifying the risk of emotional problems and providing participants with free information about their health and emotional well-being. In the second phase, young people will have the opportunity to attend a workshop on emotional strengthening and resilience to help them navigate present and future adversities. The final phase includes follow-up sessions to consolidate the benefits gained from the workshop and evaluate the progress of the participating students on an emotional level.
This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of adolescents and promoting a positive emotional environment for young people.