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Zhang Y, Fang Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Wang X, Zhang S, Chen Z. Peer Victimization and Adolescent Mental Health: School-level Victimization as a Moderator. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241244473. [PMID: 38587277 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241244473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
As a global issue, peer victimization is closely associated with adolescent mental health. Although previous research has explored the relationship between peer victimization and mental health in some contexts, the school context, particularly within the Chinese cultural context, has not received sufficient attention. Based on the Healthy Context Paradox, this study aimed to explore the moderating role of school-level victimization in the relationship between individual-level peer victimization and mental health. This study tested two hypotheses by using a multilevel design: higher individual-level and school-level peer victimization are associated with higher depressive symptoms and lower life satisfaction (Hypothesis 1); school-level victimization moderates the association between individual-level peer victimization and mental health (Hypothesis 2). Participants were 39,720 adolescents (50.41% females; Mage = 13.68, SD = 2.39) across 292 Chinese schools. They completed a set of questionnaires, including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the single-item Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Peer Victimization Scale, and demographics. The multilevel model indicated that both individual-level and school-level peer victimization were positively correlated with depressive symptoms and negatively correlated with life satisfaction. In schools with lower levels of victimization, there was a stronger association between individual peer victimization and adolescent mental health. A potential explanation for these results might be the victimization visibility and perceived severity in different contexts. These findings extended the discussion of the Healthy Context Paradox within the Chinese school context and provided valuable insights for developing school support strategies for victimized adolescents. School management might play a significant role in affecting the mental health of victimized adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xinshu Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Heck OC, Ormiston H, Husmann P. Utilizing KAP in Schools: An Evaluation of Educators' and Staff Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Trauma. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:1-13. [PMID: 37359466 PMCID: PMC10098998 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
We examined differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to student trauma and trauma-informed practices among various educators and certified staff members in a United States, Midwestern school district. We examined three research questions: 1.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among teachers with differing years' experience? 2.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary and secondary educators and staff? 3.) Are there significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among educators and staff who have participated in professional development (PD) regarding student trauma, and those who have not? We utilized a revised version of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey (Law, 2019) focused on student trauma. The KAP survey was sent via email to all certified staff members in the school district. No significant differences were found among knowledge and attitudes; however, primary school educators implemented significantly more trauma-informed practices compared to secondary educators. Additionally, educators with PD implemented significantly more trauma-informed practices compared to those without PD. Findings revealed our staff members had similar levels of knowledge and attitudes, though practices differed depending on years' experience, PD, and grades taught. Implications for future research relating to student trauma and the research-to-practice gap are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C Heck
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Heather Ormiston
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Polly Husmann
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 2631 East Discovery Parkway, Bloomington, IN 47408 USA
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Nygaard MA, Ormiston HE, Heck OC, Apgar S, Wood M. Educator Perspectives on Mental Health Supports at the Primary Level. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2023; 51:851-861. [PMID: 35528139 PMCID: PMC9062637 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-022-01346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During the early years of formal education, young students develop a number of formative academic, motor, behavioral, and socioemotional skills that lay the foundation for future learning. Since student mental health in the early grades predicts academic achievement in later grades, mental health interventions are essential at the primary school level. Not only are teachers expected to provide academic instruction, they are now involved in providing students with mental health services, despite a lack of training to do so. The current study sought to gather the perspectives of 38 primary-level educators to gain understanding about mental health knowledge, current approaches to mitigating mental health challenges, and barriers that prevent them from successfully addressing student mental health issues. Using thematic analysis, three themes developed: (1) Educators indicate supporting primary students' mental health is within their role; (2) Systems-level constraints prevent effective mental health supports; and (3) Staff desire increased mental health resources. Implications for educators and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena A. Nygaard
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Heather E. Ormiston
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Olivia C. Heck
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Sophia Apgar
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
| | - Maureen Wood
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Indiana University School of Education, 201 N Rose Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
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Jaspers-van der Maten ML, Rommes EWM, Scholte RHJ. Early Identification of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Difficulties by School Staff: A Qualitative Examination of Dutch Primary School Practices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:654. [PMID: 36612975 PMCID: PMC9819244 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
About 16% of Dutch children are reported to have social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBDs). SEBDs generate distress and pose risks for various negative outcomes; thus, their timely identification is deemed important to respond appropriately to children's needs and avoid such negative outcomes. Primary schools are considered convenient places to implement early SEBD identification, but the ways in which schools achieve this in practice may be inadequate, although the issue remains under-researched. Although there are several systematic school-based early identification methods (e.g., universal or selective screening), primary schools predominantly rely on school staff to recognize children at risk for, or experiencing, SEBDs. As differences in identification practices could impact whether and when (signs of) SEBDs are identified, this study aimed to increase our understanding of differences in identification practices used by school staff and their potential implications for early identification effectiveness. Thirty-four educational and clinical professionals working at nine primary schools participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. We used MAXQDA to thematically code and analyze the data. Our analysis of these interviews illustrated that schools' identification practices differed on three elements: the frequency of observations, maintaining a four-eyes principle, and the utilization of specialist knowledge. We argue that differences in these elements have potential consequences for the timeliness and quality of SEBD identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes L. Jaspers-van der Maten
- Department of Gender & Diversity Studies, Radboud Social Cultural Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 1908, 6500 VC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Els W. M. Rommes
- Department of Gender & Diversity Studies, Radboud Social Cultural Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 1908, 6500 VC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron H. J. Scholte
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9104, 6500 VC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Wood BJ, Ellis F. Universal Mental Health Screening Practices in Midwestern Schools: A Window of Opportunity for School Psychologist Leadership and Role Expansion? CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36217533 PMCID: PMC9534464 DOI: 10.1007/s40688-022-00430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The conducting of universal mental health screening is one widely endorsed practice suitable for use within P-12 school settings to more proactively identify children and young people experiencing or displaying characteristics of a mental health disorder. Absent routine screening, many school-age youth with mental health concerns, especially those of an internalizing nature, may go unidentified and left without timely treatment, support, and services. The current study, which employed survey methodology with principal respondents from four Midwestern states, primarily sought to contribute to and update the literature on the universal mental health screening practice habits of P-12 schools. Most principal respondents reported that their school does not currently conduct universal mental health screening and cited barriers (e.g., money, time, lack of support system in place) to screening commonly documented in prior studies. Many principals reported at least a moderate degree of interest in their school beginning to conduct universal screening in their buildings; however, a similar majority reported little to no knowledge about this important practice. Fortunately, principal respondents were generally interested in and receptive to support from their school psychologist in exploring and eventually implementing the conducting of universal mental health screening in their building. Implications for practice and future research, along with the potential for school psychologist leadership and role expansion, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J. Wood
- School of Intervention and Wellness, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606 USA
| | - Faith Ellis
- School of Intervention and Wellness, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606 USA
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Wang Q. Mental Health Education for Primary School Teachers in Areas Lacking Environmental Resource Dilemma and Countermeasures. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:4542385. [PMID: 36159771 PMCID: PMC9507647 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4542385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
With the development of society and the progress of education, primary school teachers in areas lacking in environmental resources were facing many problems, and teachers' mental health problems were facing many challenges. The primary education conditions in the areas lacking in environmental resources were limited, and the education level needs to be improved. Therefore, the primary school teachers in the areas lacking in environmental resources should keep a good psychological state and make greater contributions to the primary education in the areas lacking in environmental resources. As the leader of primary education activities, teachers had a direct and profound influence on the growth and development of pupils in the enlightenment stage. Therefore, it was necessary to change the education and teaching concept, move towards the mental health education concept in the areas with poor environmental resources, strengthen the training of teachers' mental health education literacy, and actively explore the new mode of teacher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuge Wang
- School of Teacher Education, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan 467000, China
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Nygaard MA, Ormiston HE. An Exploratory Study Examining Student Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Across School Transitions. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/2372966x.2022.2109061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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