Wellbeing
Publication Date
12-2021
Subjects
Mental health, School based programs, Health promotion, Early intervention, Primary schools, Program effectiveness, Evidence based practice
Abstract
Limited empirical evidence is available regarding the uptake and effectiveness of school-based mental health and wellbeing programs implemented in Australian schools. This study aimed to characterise the delivery of programs in primary (elementary) schools across New South Wales, Australia, and to assess this information against published ratings of program effectiveness. Delivery of programs in four health-promoting domains—creating a positive school community; teaching social and emotional skills; engaging the parent community; and supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties—were reported by 597 school principals/leaders via online survey. Although three quarters of principals reported implementing at least one program, many of these programs were supported by little or no evidence of effectiveness. There was also variability in the use of evidence-based programs across the four domains. Findings indicate a need to provide educators with improved support to identify, implement, and evaluate effective evidenced-based programs that promote student mental health.
Recommended Citation
Laurens, K. R., Graham, L. J., Dix, K. L., Harris, F., Tzoumakis, S., Williams, K. E., Schofield, J. M., Prendergast, T., Waddy, N., Taiwo, M., Carr, V. J., & Green, M. J. (2021). School-Based Mental Health Promotion and Early Intervention Programs in New South Wales, Australia: Mapping Practice to Policy and Evidence. School Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-021-09482-2
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
ISSN
1866-2633
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-021-09482-2
Geographic Subject
New South Wales
Comments
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