Mental health literacy in Australian schools: evaluation of the Australian adapted youth education and support program

ObjectiveThe prevalence of youth mental illness is increasing, and accessible preventative approaches, such as school-based mental health literacy programs, are needed. Mental health literacy is the ability to understand how to obtain and maintain good mental health. Schools are an ideal and accessible setting to base programs targeting mental health literacy.MethodThis study used a non-randomised waitlist control design to evaluate the effects of the Youth Education and Support (YES) program on mental health literacy, help seeking, and resilience for 38 Australian youth (12 male, 26 female) aged 12-16 years (M = 14.05, SD = 1.01). Data was analysed using t-tests, frequency analyses, mixed-model repeated measures analysis of variance, and directed content analysis.ResultsNo significant interaction effect on mental health literacy from pre to post intervention was found between participants in the YES condition and control condition. Participants (n = 26) were significantly more likely to seek help from a helpline for suicidal ideation than control (n = 12) postintervention. Participants within the YES condition demonstrated significantly improved mental health literacy from pre to postintervention.ConclusionsThis study provides initial evidence supporting the inclusion of mental health literacy programs in Australian school environments. What is already known about this topic: Mental health literacy can equip young people with tools for supporting their mental health.Young people want to learn about mental health in an accessible learning environment, such as their school.Little research has been conducted in Australian school settings evaluating a mental health literacy program.What this topic adds: The Australian adapted YES program has been adapted based on theory, previous literature, and needs voiced by key stakeholders.Participation in the Australian adapted YES program has produced increased mental health literacy, and improved attitudes towards seeking help.This study provides a starting point for embedding a mental health literacy program into the Australian school curriculum with a preventative and psychoeducational lens.