Feasibility and Acceptability of a Classroom-Based Mental Health Literacy Program
An Australian Pilot Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21293900 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Brae Anne McArthur (0000-0001-9141-7095, University of Calgary, corresponding author), Kristine Lyn Pesigan (0009-0006-0547-6472, University of Calgary), Lindsay Berg (0009-0002-6102-1908, University of Calgary), Darian Mahmi (0009-0009-5781-4818, University of Calgary) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 69 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 225-243 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Australian Journal of Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0004-9441 • E-ISSN: 2050-5884 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00049441251379098 |
| OpenAlex | W4414317181 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 25 |
Given the escalating concern surrounding mental health issues among school-age children, this study evaluated the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of the Open Parachute mental health literacy program, designed to foster mental health skills through classroom instruction. This study asked 37 Australian educators, spanning primary to secondary school, to report on their experiences with the Open Parachute program. 50 percent of participants reported the program improved student mental health literacy and support skills, with 89% of educators intending to use the program again and 92% reporting they would recommend it to a colleague, demonstrating high feasibility and acceptability. Educators reported that they observed greater skill use, and gains in emotional regulation and empathy, in primary students compared to secondary school students. The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the Open Parachute program and the potential benefits of universal early mental health literacy instruction in school
Health literacy · Literacy · Mental health · Mental health literacy · Pilot program · Psychological intervention · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Mental Health Treatment and Access · School Health and Nursing Education
Challenges and Opportunities in Global Mental Health
Changes in Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents From Before to During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Supporting children’s mental health in schools
Mental health literacy
A systematic review of the mental health changes of children and young people before and during the Covid-19 pandemic
Social and Emotional Learning in Schools
“Mental health literacy”
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
“It’s Something That We All Need to Know”
Making a Case for “Education for Health Literacy”
The feasibility and acceptability of a classroom-based physical activity program for children attending specialist schools
Teacher involvement in school mental health interventions
Positive education
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |