This systematic review and meta-analysis (18 studies, 20 documents) evaluated the Super Skills for Life (SSL) transdiagnostic CBT program's effects on depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, overall anxiety, and emotional problems in children and adolescents, including effect stability over time and moderating variables (age group, implementation type, delivery format).
Within-group pre-to-post effect sizes were significant across all outcomes (g = 0.343–0.591). Versus inactive controls, SSL showed significant reductions for most outcomes (g = 0.360–0.566). Effects were maintained at follow-up with no significant change, except a small continued improvement in emotional problems (g = 0.165). Children benefited more than adolescents for emotional problems; indicated/treatment settings outperformed universal prevention; individual delivery yielded larger effects than group format.
- Heterogeneity was observed across studies, limiting generalizability of pooled estimates. - Two authors (Orgilés, Espada) declared involvement in SSL program development and training, posing a potential conflict of interest. - The evidence base of 18 studies is relatively small, and some included documents were theses or conference presentations with limited peer review.
SSL produces small-to-moderate reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms in youth, with effects holding at follow-up—making it a viable transdiagnostic option for school and clinical settings. Clinicians may see stronger results when using SSL in individual format or with higher-risk (indicated/clinical) populations rather than universal school-wide delivery.
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