title: Effects of a classroom-based educational resource on adolescent mental health literacy: a cluster randomized controlled trial.
abstract: Evidence suggests that poor mental health literacy is a key barrier to help-seeking for mental health difficulties in adolescence. Educational programs have shown positive effects on literacy, however, the evidence base remains limited and available studies have many methodological limitations. Using cluster Randomised Control Trial (RCT) methodology, the current study examines the impact of 'HeadStrong', a school-based educational intervention, on mental health literacy, stigma, help-seeking, psychological distress and suicidal ideation. A total of 380 students in 22 classes (clusters) from 10 non-government secondary schools was randomised to receive either HeadStrong or Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) classes. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Literacy improved and stigma reduced in both groups at post-intervention and follow-up, relative to baseline. However, these effects were significantly greater in the HeadStrong condition. The study demonstrates the potential of HeadStrong to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma.
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: yael.perry@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: k.petrie@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Petrie
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: h.buckley@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Buckley
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia. Electronic address: lcavanagh@csu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Lindy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cavanagh
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia. Electronic address: dclarke@csu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia. Electronic address: mwinslade@csu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Winslade
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: d.hadzi-pavlovic@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Dusan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hadzi-Pavlovic
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: v.manicavasagar@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Vijaya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Manicavasagar
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Electronic address: h.christensen@blackdog.org.au.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Christensen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D013240:Stereotyping
keywords: Adolescent; Depression; Education; Mental health literacy; Promotion; Stigma