# Fostering resilience in conflict-affected schools: A randomized controlled trial of the 3C program’s effects on Afro-Colombian adolescents

## TL;DR

A program called 3C helped Afro-Colombian adolescents in conflict zones improve resilience and reduce anxiety and PTSD in the short term, but effects on compassion and depression faded over time.

## Contribution

The 3C program's short-term efficacy and the need for booster sessions to sustain socioemotional gains are newly demonstrated in a conflict-affected population.

## Key findings

- Resilience increased significantly at 6 months and remained elevated at 9 months.
- Anxiety and PTSD scores were consistently lower in the intervention group.
- Compassion and prosocial behavior improved initially but declined by 9 months, with depression rebounding.

## Abstract

Afro-Colombian adolescents in Tumaco face high mental-health risks due to armed conflict and structural marginalization. We tested the short-term efficacy of the 3C program to strengthen resilience, compassion, and prosocial behavior and to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Mixed-methods cluster RCT with concurrent triangulation; multilevel mixed-effects models with multiple imputation; assessments at baseline, 6, and 9 months. Resilience increased by 13.14 points at 6 months (large effect, d = 0.89) and remained elevated at 9 months. Anxiety and PTSD screenings were lower in the intervention group across follow-ups. Compassion and prosocial behavior improved at 6 months but attenuated by 9 months. Depression screenings decreased at 6 months and rebounded at 9 months. Qualitative data aligned with these patterns (students reported sustained use of stress-management skills and peer support). 3C demonstrated short-term efficacy for resilience, anxiety, and PTSD but showed limited durability for compassion, prosociality, and depression without ongoing reinforcement. The pattern of effect attenuation—particularly the complete depression rebound—indicates that 3C provides a foundational component requiring integration with booster sessions to sustain socioemotional gains.