Hamm, Tonya Elizabeth
(2024)
The Feasibility of Universal Mental Health Screenings for Adolescents Through School-Based Interventions: A Scoping Review.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Mental health disorders among adolescents have garnered increasing attention due to their prevalence and impact on academic achievement, social relationships, and long-term well-being. Each year, an estimated one in five school-aged children exhibit symptomology of a mental health disorder (Miller, 2010; World Health Organization, 2004) and, as children enter into early adulthood, one in three will meet criteria for at least one mental health disorder (Costello, 2003). Unfortunately, many children with mental health problems will go unidentified and untreated (Flisher et al, 1997). Universal mental health screening within an educational setting is one supported approach to identifying and supporting children exhibiting mental health concerns (UMHS; Glover & Albers, 2007). This scoping review investigates the feasibility of implementing universal mental health screenings for adolescents through school-based interventions. Despite the recognized importance of early detection and intervention, there remains a gap in understanding the feasibility and efficacy of implementing universal mental health screenings within school settings. This scoping review aimed to describe the current landscape of universal mental health screening for adolescents in school settings. Following established practices for scoping reviews, I searched PsycInfo and ERIC in February 2024 with a health sciences librarian for articles describing the development or use of universal mental health screenings for adolescents in a school setting. Findings suggest that while there is a growing recognition of the importance of early mental health intervention in adolescents, implementation challenges persist. Key factors influencing feasibility include logistical considerations, such as resource availability, school staff training, and integration within existing school systems. Additionally, ethical considerations such as confidentiality, stigma, and consent were also explored as critical barriers to successful implementation. By identifying gaps in the current literature, limitations, opportunities, and directions for future research, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing mental health supports for adolescents in educational settings.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Hamm, Tonya Elizabeth | teh61@pitt.edu | teh61 | |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
28 June 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
17 June 2024 |
| Approval Date: |
28 June 2024 |
| Submission Date: |
21 June 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
88 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
mental health, screening, school screenings, adolescent health, universal screening, public health, K-12 students, |
| Date Deposited: |
28 Jun 2024 20:10 |
| Last Modified: |
28 Jun 2024 20:10 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46621 |
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