Big Talks for Little People: A Pilot Study of a Classroom Based Mental Health Program

Schools are important settings for the promotion, implementation and education of mental health and well-being. The present study piloted and evaluated a classroom based mental health and well-being programme for use in primary schools.

A mixed-method quasi-hybrid design methodology was utilised. An online survey was completed by students from five schools pretest (n = 173) and three schools matched post-test (n = 68) with semi-structured interviews with teachers (n = 4) and a focus group of students (n = 18) conducted at the completion of the programme. Student questionnaire data was gathered including the use of three standardised and internationally used measures of well-being.

Students at post-test self-reported significant improvements in positive emotional state (p < 0.05, moderate effect size), recognising (p < 0.001, large effect size) and expressing emotions (p < 0.001, moderate effect size) and reductions in anxiety (p < 0.001, moderate effect size).

The findings suggest the programme was effective in relation to promoting aspects of student well-being, emotional development and in reducing elements of anxiety. Shortcomings in the design including a lack of a control group must lead to caution in interpreting the outcomes.

Further research with a larger student population which addresses the identified shortcomings of the present pilot study appears warranted.