Digital Group Intervention to Boost Resilience in Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions: Findings From the RESICO Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) face a high risk of mental health issues, with up to 30% developing comorbid disorders. Resilience promotion represents a promising preventive approach, yet effective interventions remain limited. Many programs struggle with low recruitment and high dropout rates, often due to time constraints and insufficient tailoring. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an engaging digital resilience group coaching program (RESICO) for adolescents with CMC.

METHODS

In a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, adolescents with CMC aged 11-17 years were assigned to either a five-session online group coaching or a waitlist. Sessions were accompanied by optional educational computer games. Preintervention, postintervention, and at two- and four-month follow-up, resilience (13-item Resilience Scale) and quality-of-life (KIDSCREEN) were measured. Participants further evaluated each session.

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen adolescents participated in this study. RESICO showed high acceptance, with 88% attending ≥three sessions and 98% completing the postintervention assessment. No significant changes were observed for resilience and most quality-of-life subscales. Physical well-being improved at the four-month follow-up. High engagement was reflected in positive session feedback, with over 50% expressing a desire to continue coaching.

DISCUSSION: High participation and acceptance rates among this traditionally hard-to-reach group underline the feasibility of delivering group-based coaching digitally to adolescents with CMC. Although changes in resilience were not observed, the findings highlight the potential of digital formats for accessible, engaging mental health support. Clinicians should consider brief, digital interventions as low-barrier additions to adolescent care. Future studies should refine content and examine effectiveness in broader settings, ideally with mobile-optimized delivery.