The mental health needs of elementary schoolchildren

More than 500 elementary school personnel from a large Colorado school district provided perceptions of the unmet mental health needs of their students, the likely causes of the needs, and suggestions about solutions or programs to meet the needs. The district's definition of "mental health"--positive self-image, healthy interrelationships with peers and adults, and acquisition of school skills and competencies--guided the questionnaire design. Respondents perceived numerous unmet mental health needs, most involving about 15% of the student population. The most frequently perceived problems were poor decision-making and problem-solving skills, poor self-image, low self-confidence, inability to resolve interpersonal conflicts, depression/unhappiness, low motivation, and various conduct disorders. Further, most respondents believed children's unmet mental health needs are increasing, and the causes for most problems are family-and home-related, but most suggested solutions were school-based. Recommendations include increasing the involvement of school nurses in programs aimed at improving children's mental health.