Mental Health Literacy of Preservice Educators

• In Event: Health in Schools and Preservice Programs

Abstract

In Canada, prevalence rates of students experiencing mental health difficulties are growing, with only one in five receiving necessary treatment. The role of schools, and specifically teachers, in the prevention, identification and intervention of mental health difficulties is an essential one and key to collaborative and integrated efforts to provide effective services. However, scant research has explored the mental health literacy of pre- and in-service teachers. In the present study, an innovative vignette-based measure was developed and piloted. The measure is currently being administered to a large sample of pre-service educators in order to assess their mental health literacy. Results will provide insight into the strengths and needs of pre-service educators and inform the development of effective professional development programs.

Authors

• Jessica Whitley, University of Ottawa

• Suzanne Gooderham, University of Ottawa