Discussion
reductions in emotional and behavioral problems
The current study leveraged the capacity of Black churches to promote mental health for middle school youth through S-L programming. We collaboratively adapted and piloted a S-L program centered in social justice to address the achievement gap. We also infused empirically supported recommendations for social problem-solving and emotional regulation to directly target behavioral, social, and emotional outcomes. Mixed method findings revealed high feasibility and acceptability, evidenced by consistent attendance and engagement by staff and youth; high adherence, evidenced by completion of planned sessions, consultations, and training; and reports by staff and youth that S-L facilitated skills, shaped perspectives, inspired openness, and created a space for all to feel valued and included. Constructive feedback will inform the next iteration of the program. Three time points of surveys completed by youth, and two time points completed by staff revealed reductions in emotional and behavioral problems and improvement in social functioning, across time, by reporter, for specific subgroups of participating adolescents.