Evaluation of an initiative to promote mental health literacy in Austria

Financially supported by Association for the promotion of self-determined use of media

Description of the project

The evaluation project examines the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs. The focus is on Mental Health Days, an Austria-wide initiative to strengthen mental health literacy in schools. Workshops for students, apprentices, teachers, and guardians are held at participating schools. The effects of participation on awareness, destigmatization, and health-related behavioral intentions (e.g., willingness to talk, seeking help) are evaluated.

To evaluate the effects on students and apprentices, a three-wave survey study is conducted at 20 schools. Of these, 15 schools participated in Mental Health Days, while 5 schools serve as a control group. The students and apprentices will be surveyed before the Mental Health Days, immediately afterwards, and after six weeks to record effects over time.

In addition, teachers and guardians from the participating schools will be surveyed – teachers at three points in time and guardians at one point in time. Their responses will be compared with teachers and guardians from schools without Mental Health Days.

The research interest is to analyze the extent of mental health literacy and relevant factors. We also want to clarify the extent to which Mental Health Days promote awareness, destigmatization, and health-related intentions to take action in the long term. The results will be used to evaluate the initiative and further develop school health measures.