ERIC Number: EJ1221177
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Aug
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
School-Based Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Program "Turn 2 Us" Reduces Mental Health Risk Behaviors in Urban, Minority Youth
Raval, Gauri; Montañez, Evelyn; Meyer, Dodi; Berger-Jenkins, Evelyn
Journal of School Health, v89 n8 p662-668 Aug 2019
Background: Turn 2 Us (T2U) is an elementary school-based mental health promotion and prevention program in New York City. It targets fourth- and fifth-grade students at risk for social/emotional and behavioral problems and provides a range of services to students, staff, and parents. The purpose of this study is to determine if T2U decreases internalizing and externalizing behaviors in participating students. Methods: Teachers measured students' symptoms before and after participation using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Change in the total SDQ score was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum nonparametric testing. We assessed the effects of covariates on the score change with linear regression models. Results: The 185 unique students who participated in the intervention showed a significant improvement in total SDQ score (Z = -4.107, p < 0.001). Students who were at higher risk prior to the intervention showed greatest improvement in behaviors. None of the covariates assessed affected the change in SDQ score. Regression models showed that higher initial SDQ scores predicted higher post-intervention SDQ scores ([beta] = 0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusion: T2U significantly decreased internalizing and externalizing behaviors in participating students, with the greatest impact for highest risk students. This study helps validate T2U's unique and comprehensive approach.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Grade 4, Grade 5, At Risk Students, Mental Health, Health Promotion, Prevention, Social Development, Emotional Development, Behavior Problems, Program Effectiveness, Behavior Modification, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Child Behavior
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York (New York)
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A