International Journal of Qualitative Research
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): July (In Progress)

Psychosocial interventions for treating depression and self-harm in adolescents: a systematic literature review

Nada Kusuma (Department of Social Welfare, Universitas Halu Oleo, Indonesia)
Lutfiana Nur Azizah (Department of Social Welfare, Universitas Halu Oleo, Indonesia)
Ghery Safitrah Fahrun (Department of Social Welfare, Universitas Halu Oleo, Indonesia)
Dian Puspita Rizki (Department of Social Welfare, Universitas Halu Oleo, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Depression and self-harm among adolescents are mental health issues that are on the rise globally and have a serious impact on adolescents’ social functioning, emotional development, and quality of life. Various risk factors such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), domestic violence, trauma, social isolation, attachment disorders, and psychosocial stress contribute to the onset of depression and self-harm among adolescents. This qualitative study aims to identify, analyze, and synthesize effective psychosocial interventions for addressing depression and self-harm in adolescents through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and relevant international journal articles published between 2023 and 2026 were searched through Scopus and Google Scholar. A total of 10 articles were selected based on inclusion criteria covering psychosocial interventions, adolescent mental health, childhood trauma, attachment, and psychosocial support from families and communities. The results indicate that psychosocial interventions based on attachment, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, family support, emotion regulation, community-based approaches, and multidisciplinary social support are effective in reducing depressive symptoms, enhancing resilience, improving emotion regulation, and reducing the risk of self-harm among adolescents. The involvement of families, schools, social workers, and the community environment is a critical factor in the success of these interventions. The findings emphasize that holistic, participatory, and trauma-informed psychosocial approaches are essential in social work practice with adolescents. This study recommends strengthening family-, school-, and community-based psychosocial intervention models as strategies for the prevention and management of depression and self-harm among adolescents.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijqr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Qualitative Research is an International Journal, Peer-Reviewed, and Open Access which is devoted to disseminating the results of qualitative research. IJQR does not accept a critical review manuscript. The scope of publication in the International Journal of Qualitative ...