Interactive storytelling intervention to improve adolescent mental health awareness and prevent cyberbullying

Dian Meiliani Yulis; Dewi Nurliasari Yulis; Rusli Rusli

doi:10.61099/jpmei.v3i3.573

Authors

Dian Meiliani Yulis Postgraduate Program, Universitas Megarezky, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4497-2823
Dewi Nurliasari Yulis Politeknik Kesehatan Megarezky, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Indonesia
Rusli Rusli Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0009-445X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61099/jpmei.v3i3.573

Keywords:

Adolescent mental health, Cyberbullying, Health promotion, Interactive storytelling, Prevention

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying has emerged as an important challenge among adolescents and may negatively affect their psychological well-being. Conventional health education approaches may be less engaging for adolescents, particularly in rural settings with limited access to mental health promotion programs. Interactive storytelling offers a participatory approach that combines narratives, role-play, discussion, and reflection to strengthen adolescents’ understanding and responses to cyberbullying. This community service program aimed to improve adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, empathy, and practical skills related to cyberbullying prevention and mental health promotion through interactive storytelling.

Methods: The program was conducted among 15 high school students in Bissolorro Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The intervention included mental health and cyberbullying education, interactive storytelling, role-play, group discussions, simulations, and reflection. Knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests, while attitudes, empathy, and practical skills were evaluated through reflection sheets and facilitator observations.

Results: The mean knowledge score increased from 52.0 before the intervention to 84.1 after the intervention, representing a 32.1-point improvement. Positive attitudes were also observed: 93.3% of participants rejected cyberbullying, while 96.7% expressed willingness to support victims. All groups successfully identified cyberbullying scenarios, and 80% demonstrated appropriate response strategies and assertive communication skills.

Conclusion: Interactive storytelling was an engaging and participatory approach for improving adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, empathy, and practical skills related to mental health promotion and cyberbullying prevention. The approach has potential for continued implementation in school-based health promotion programs.

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