Generating Environments for Equal Educational Opportunities: Mental Health Capacity Building in Schools

• In Event: 32.082 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 32.082-14 - Measuring and Promoting Students' Social and Emotional Learning

Abstract

Mental health problems affect student behavior and learning. There is a strong interconnection between creating equal educational opportunities in schools, school improvement and meeting mental health needs of all students through universal promotion, prevention and early intervention. This paper features evaluation and applied research results related to the projects targeting mental health capacity building in schools, which act as “entry points” for community collaboration on student mental health. Preliminary results confirm positive associations between student engagement in mental health promotion activities and key intended outcomes, including realized mental health-related benefits, sense of support and belonging in school and reduced stigma. The paper offers useful methods for conceptualizing and measuring mental health promotion outcomes in schools.

Authors

• Anna Nadirova, Alberta Health Services

• Ann Harding

• Serri Lasuik

• Alexander Elkader