Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320478 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17884
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We evaluate the impact of a therapy intervention on Nepali adolescents at risk of dropping out of school. Our randomized controlled trial is the largest of its kind (N = 1,707) and is novel in that participation does not require a preexisting diagnosis. Participation was high: 89 percent of adolescents offered therapy attended, with younger participants showing higher compliance. Therapy significantly reduced psychological distress, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced perspectives on life. These psychological benefits did not translate into better school attendance or cognitive outcomes. Our results indicate that mental health interventions alone may not be sufficient to improve educational performance in low-resource environments.
Subjects: 
education
teen mental health
therapy
Nepal
JEL: 
D12
I12
I15
I31
I32
O12
O18
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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