Advancing in Personalization of Psychological, Indicated Preventive Interventions: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adolescents at High-Risk of Developing Emotional Disorders

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a personalized, transdiagnostic, indicated preventive intervention (PROCARE-I+) compared to its standard format (PROCARE-I) in high-risk adolescents. One hundred and thirty-nine participants were randomized to either a standard transdiagnostic, indicated preventive intervention (PROCARE-I; n = 70) or the personalized intervention with add-on modules (PROCARE-I+; n = 69). Participants were assessed at post-intervention at 6 and 7-month follow-ups (the latter, one month after receiving a booster session). Results showed significant reductions not only in anxiety and depressive symptoms, but also in emotional risk. Improvements in emotion regulation, psychological flexibility, resilience, and quality of life were also found. While both interventions were effective, the personalized PROCARE-I+ intervention revealed greater improvements over time in key outcomes. These findings suggest the potential added value of personalization in transdiagnostic, indicated prevention and its potential to enhance long-term outcomes in adolescents at high risk of developing emotional disorders.