A randomised controlled feasibility trial for an educational school-based mental health intervention: study protocol.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent mental health research
• Educational psychology
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Mental illness poses a significant economic burden and often originates in adolescence.
• Schools face increasing pressure to support student emotional well-being and combat mental illness stigma.
• Previous interventions show inconsistent results, necessitating further research into effective strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a feasibility study of the 'SchoolSpace' intervention in UK secondary schools.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on mental illness stigma, mental health literacy, resilience, and emotional well-being.
• To assess the effectiveness of combining education with lived experience contact for stigma reduction.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted across 7 UK secondary schools.
• The intervention involved students interacting with a young person with lived experience of mental illness.
• Outcomes were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The SchoolSpace intervention demonstrated potential for increased student engagement.
• The study design allows for evaluation of stigma reduction, mental health literacy, resilience, and emotional well-being.
• This research provides a foundation for future efficacy studies.

Conclusions:

• The SchoolSpace intervention, integrating education with personal contact, shows promise for reducing youth mental illness stigma.
• This approach may enhance mental health literacy, resilience, and emotional well-being in adolescents.
• The intervention offers a potentially reliable and cost-effective method for improving youth mental health outcomes.