Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Faculty Advisor

Maria Kalpidou

Abstract

Schools are essential in providing both students who struggle with mental health problems as well as the overall student population with services that improve well-being. Previous research has shown that, among other factors, the involvement of caregivers is important for the effectiveness of such programs, thus improving their quality. However, there is little evidence about the relationship between the quality of these mental health services and student well-being. This study aimed to fill this gap in literature. It was predicted that high quality mental health services and high caregiver involvement would be associated with increased student well-being, as indicated by low symptoms of psychopathology and negative emotions and high levels of life satisfaction, positive affect, and mindfulness. Participants included 19 caregivers, 5 middle school students, and 5 mental health professionals from two school districts in Massachusetts, who completed questionnaires that assessed the study variables. The correlations between quality of mental health services and student outcomes were not statistically significant, however, were all in the expected direction. The correlation between caregiver involvement and psychopathology was also in the right direction, but parental involvement seemed to increase negative affect and decrease life satisfaction. However, none were statistically significant. The trends in the current findings point to the need to evaluate the quality of school services, encourage caregiver involvement, educate caregivers and students about common problems and mental health illnesses, and provide ongoing training to school mental health professionals.

Download

Share

COinS