Original scientific paper

DO ‘SCHOOL COACHES’ MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION?

Sandro Corrieri ; Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Ines Conrad ; Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
Steffi G. Riedel-Heller ; Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Health and Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany

Abstract

Background: Mental disorders in children and adolescents are common and have serious consequences. Schools present a key
opportunity to promote mental health and implement prevention measures. Four school coaches in five German schools were
enlisted to engage students, teachers and parents in building a sustainably healthy school and classroom climate.
Subjects and methods: Altogether, 58 focus groups with students (N=244), parents (N=54) and teachers (N=62) were conducted
longitudinally. Topics included: (1) the development of the school and classroom climate, (2) the role of mental health in the regular
curriculum, and (3) the role of school coaches in influencing these aspects.
Results: Over time, school coaches became trusted reference persons for an increasing number of school system members. They
were able to positively influence the school and classroom climate by increasing the awareness of students, teachers and parents of
mental health in daily routines. Nevertheless, topics like bullying and student inclusion remained an issue at follow-up.
Conclusions: Overall, the school coach intervention is a good model for establishing the topic of mental health in everyday
school life and increasing its importance. Future efforts will focus on building self-supporting structures and networks in order to
make these efforts sustainable.

Keywords

adolescent mental health - school coaches – evaluation - health promotion - mental health prevention

Hrčak ID:

162214

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162214

Publication date:

15.12.2014.

Visits: 1.038 *