Effectiveness of the super skills for life in reducing symptoms of depression of college students in China

This study explores the “Super Skills for Life (SSL)” program’s effect on reducing Chinese college students’ depressive symptoms and its applicability in school mental health education. Using a randomized controlled trial, 66 students were assigned to an experimental group (receiving SSL intervention) or a control group (conventional teaching). Assessments via Depression, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction Scales were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. The analysis results showed that, Significant group × time interactions emerged: the experimental group showed lower depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction at post-intervention and follow-up compared to baseline and the control group. Findings confirm SSL’s effectiveness in reducing depression, enhancing life satisfaction sustainably, supporting its feasibility in Chinese schools.