Mental Health Across the LifeSpan

Full Answer Section

• Evaluation:

  • Process: Studies have examined the feasibility and acceptability of PRP in school settings, often reporting high levels of student and teacher satisfaction with the program content and delivery. Fidelity of implementation has also been assessed, ensuring the program is delivered as intended.
  • Impact: Numerous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the positive impact of PRP on adolescent mental health. Evaluations have shown significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improvements in coping skills, optimism, and overall well-being compared to control groups.
  • Outcomes: Longer-term follow-up studies have indicated that the benefits of PRP can be sustained over time, with participants showing a reduced risk of developing clinical depression and anxiety disorders in young adulthood.

2. Program Name: Sources of Strength

• Reference: Wyman, P. A., Brown, C. H., LoMurray, M., Schmeelk-Cone, K., Petrozzino, E., Wang, W., & Gueron, S. (2010). An outcome evaluation of the “Sources of Strength” youth suicide prevention program delivered by adolescent peer leaders in high schools. American Journal of Public Health, 100(9), 1692–1699.

• Program Components: Sources of Strength is a universal suicide prevention program that aims to change school norms about help-seeking and mental health by mobilizing the power of peer social networks. It trains a diverse group of peer leaders and adult advisors within schools to promote protective factors, including:

  • Mental health.
  • Positive friends.
  • Trusted adults.
  • Family support.
  • Healthy activities.
  • Generosity.
  • Spirituality.

  Peer leaders conduct campaigns and activities within their schools to encourage help-seeking behaviors and connect students with these sources of strength when facing challenges.

• Evaluation:

  • Process: Evaluation efforts have focused on the implementation fidelity, the engagement of peer leaders and adult advisors, and the reach of the program within the school environment. Studies have explored the factors that contribute to successful implementation.
  • Impact: Research has shown that Sources of Strength can positively impact student attitudes towards seeking help for mental health concerns and perceptions of adult support within the school. Some studies have also indicated a reduction in suicide attempts and ideation among students in intervention schools compared to control schools.
  • Outcomes: Evaluations have examined changes in social norms related to mental health and help-seeking, as well as broader indicators of school climate and safety. The program's aim is to create a more supportive and connected school environment that promotes mental well-being.

3. Program Name: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)

• Reference: Kelly, C. M., Jorm, A. F., & Wright, A. (2007). Improving mental health literacy as a strategy to facilitate early intervention for mental disorders in young people. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 1(1), 3–11. (Note: This reference discusses the broader concept of Mental Health First Aid, and YMHFA is a specific adaptation for adults interacting with youth).

• Program Components: YMHFA is an 8-hour training program designed to teach adults (e.g., parents, teachers, coaches, youth workers) how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and crises in adolescents. The training provides participants with an action plan to help young people in distress, which includes:

  • Assessing for risk of suicide or harm.
  • Listening non-judgmentally.
  • Giving reassurance and information.
  • Encouraging appropriate professional help.
  • Encouraging self-help and other support strategies.

• Evaluation:

  • Process: Evaluations have assessed the reach of YMHFA training within communities and the characteristics of individuals who participate. Studies have also examined participants' satisfaction with the training content and delivery.
  • Impact: Research has consistently demonstrated that YMHFA training significantly improves mental health literacy among adults, including their knowledge about mental health problems, confidence in helping young people experiencing mental health difficulties, and attitudes towards seeking professional help. Participants report feeling more prepared to intervene and support adolescents in distress.
  • Outcomes: While direct impacts on adolescent mental health outcomes are more challenging to measure, the intended outcome of YMHFA is to create a more supportive community network for young people, leading to earlier intervention and connection to appropriate care, which can ultimately improve their well-being.

These three programs represent different approaches to addressing adolescent mental health at the community level, focusing on skill-building for youth (PRP), peer support and norm change (Sources of Strength), and increasing the capacity of adults to provide initial support (YMHFA). Their evaluations provide evidence for their process, impact, and potential to contribute to positive mental health outcomes for adolescents.

Sample Answer

Let's focus on Adolescents (ages 10-19). Here are three implemented and evaluated community-level programs that address their mental health concerns:

1. Program Name: The Penn Resiliency Program (PRP)

• Reference: Gillham, J. E., Reivich, K. J., Brunwasser, S. M., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2015). What works in positive youth development. In D. L. Sherrod & R. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of positive youth development: Promoting well-being, coping, and civic engagement in adolescence (pp. 267-284). John Wiley & Sons.

• Program Components: PRP is a universal, school-based prevention program designed to teach cognitive-behavioral and social problem-solving skills to adolescents. The program typically involves 12-14 weekly group sessions led by trained facilitators (often school personnel). Key components include:

  • Identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thought patterns.
  • Learning coping strategies for stress and difficult situations.
  • Developing assertiveness and communication skills.
  • Practicing problem-solving techniques.
  • Building resilience and positive emotions.