Peer-reviewed article

Effectiveness of the Danish headspace intervention on youth well-being, loneliness, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life at 6-month follow-up. A quasi-experimental trial.

Ustrup M, Bjørkedal STB, Christensen T, Bojesen AB, Ranning A et al. · 14 Sept 2026

Abstract

Background Worldwide, the increasing trend of young people experiencing mental health challenges constitutes a major public health concern. There is a need for preventive and mental health-promoting initiatives targeting youths. This study examines the effectiveness of headspace Denmark - a nationwide counseling service for 12- to 25-year-olds - at 6-month follow-up. Methods The study was a quasi-experimental trial. 12- to 25-year-olds who had participated in counseling sessions in headspace were matched with a comparable control group, using propensity score matching. Survey data, collected at baseline and at 6-month follow-up, were linked to national register data. Outcome measures were well-being, loneliness, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and health-related quality of life. Linear regression was used to test differences between the two groups. Subgroup analyses were conducted. Post-hoc Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) were estimated to describe the effect sizes at the population level. Results The inclusion period was 14.5 months from September 2022. Follow-up data were collected until mid-August 2024. The number of participants in the intervention group was 1,362. In the control group was 3,192. A statistically significant difference between the groups was observed for well-being at 6-month follow-up (Cohen's D = 0.11; p = 0.018). The estimated PAF was 4%, assuming a prevalence of low well-being in the target group of 70% and the intervention reaching 80% of the target group. Conclusions headspace had an effect on participants' well-being. Based on the estimated PAF, headspace can play a crucial role in early health promotion and disease prevention among young people in Denmark.