Development of UP-Prevent, a Group Prevention Program for Subclinical Symptoms of Emotional Disorders: Results from Two Focus Groups with Mental Health Professionals

Abstract Emotional disorders are the most prevalent worldwide. Similarly, a significant proportion of individuals experience subclinical symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which negatively impact their lives. Therefore, preventive interventions are crucial to mitigate symptom progression. The Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic intervention, has been adapted for individuals with subclinical symptoms. Despite promising results, these studies have identified limitations (e.g., the need for longer-duration adaptations). This study aims to explore the perceptions of mental health professionals about the characteristics (e.g., structure, content) that a brief preventive version of the UP (UP-Prevent) should incorporate. Two focus groups were conducted with nine psychologists trained and experienced in delivering the UP. A thematic content analysis was employed, and three main themes, nine subthemes, and twenty-three topics were identified. The structure, content, and modules of the UP were adapted for the development of UP-Prevent, reducing sessions to six, and the language and the assessments were simplified.