Effects on coping skills and anxiety of a universal school-based mental health intervention delivered in Scottish primary schools

Collins, Sabrina and Woolfson, Lisa Marks and Durkin, Kevin (2014) Effects on coping skills and anxiety of a universal school-based mental health intervention delivered in Scottish primary schools. School Psychology International, 35 (1). pp. 85-100. ISSN 0143-0343 (https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034312469157)

Full text not available in this repository.Request a copy

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are common in children and may signal risk of depression, social or academic difficulties. This study evaluated the effects of a universal mental health promotion intervention delivered in primary schools. Three hundred and seventeen 9 to10 year olds were randomly allocated by class group to intervention condition (psychologist-led or teacher-led), or comparison condition. Coping and anxiety were measured pre- and post-intervention and at six month follow-up. Significant anxiety reduction and improved coping were found post-intervention and at follow-up. There were no significant differences between the teacher- and psychologist-led intervention groups. Results indicated that a universal school programme delivered by teachers can have positive effects on anxiety and coping.