Enhancing adolescent mental health through positive education

Prof. Dianne Vella-Brodrick

Project Details

With 1 in 4 youth experiencing mental illness in Australia, the escalating demand for mental health promotion within schools necessitates an examination of the efficacy and practical utility of an exemplary positive education program (PEP) to improve mental health and stimulate learning.

Using comprehensive and innovative methods including psychophysiological indices and mobile technology momentary sampling, this study will identify factors influencing program success in both advantaged (Geelong Grammar School) and disadvantaged (Northern Bay College) schools.

Study findings will optimise the use of limited resources and guide future development, training and implementation of PEPs which target a wide range of youth mental health needs.

Researchers

  • Dianne Vella-Brodrick
  • John Hattie
  • Nikki Rickard (Swinburne Online)
  • Donna Cross (The University of Western Australia)
  • Justin Robinson (Geelong Grammar School)
  • Christine King (Northern Bay College)

Funding

  • Australia Research Council Linkage Project 2013
  • University of Melbourne
  • Edith Cowan University
  • Monash University
  • Geelong Grammar School
  • Northern Bay College