ERIC Number: EJ1291978
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0279-6015
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Results from a Statewide School-Based Mental Health Program: Effects on School Climate
DiGirolamo, Ann M.; Desai, Dimple; Farmer, Deana; McLaren, Susan; Whitmore, Ani; McKay, Danté; Fitzgerald, Layla; Pearson, Stephanie; McGiboney, Garry
School Psychology Review, v50 n1 p81-98 2021
Nationally, school-based mental health (SBMH) is seen as an avenue to increase access to children's mental health services and promote mental health awareness. The current article describes the implementation of a statewide SBMH program focusing on partnerships between community-based providers and local school systems, with providers embedded within schools to address needs of children with mental health concerns and promote mental health awareness. A quasi-experimental study with 718 public schools using propensity score matching and analysis of covariance compared schools involved in the program (n = 359) with those not involved (n = 359) on the outcome of school climate. Key findings include a positive impact of the program on school climate, F(1, 712) = 17.90, B = 0.30, p < 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.16, 0.44], ?[subscript p][superscript 2] = 0.03, including a greater decrease in discipline incidents over time, F(1, 709) = 9.35, B = 3.12, p < 0.01, 95% CI [1.12, 5.12], ?[subscript p][superscript 2] = 0.01, after controlling for potential confounders (e.g., baseline school climate, percentage receiving free/reduced price lunch, school type, rural status). The study suggests that cross-sector, integrated SBMH programs connecting children, families, schools, and communities can contribute to healthy, enriching environments where children can grow and learn.
Descriptors: Mental Health Programs, School Community Programs, Integrated Services, Access to Health Care, Public Schools, State Programs, Program Effectiveness, Program Length, Educational Environment, School Safety, Attendance, Discipline, Children, Adolescents, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, High School Students, Institutional Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia
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Author Affiliations: N/A