ERIC Number: EJ1454733
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: EISSN-2168-3751
Multi-Level Adaptations to Promote Implementation of School Mental Health Literacy Programs: A Synthesis and Case Study
American Journal of Health Education, v56 n1 p73-85 2025
Background: School mental health literacy programs, delivered at the universal level, are key to promoting positive behavioral health for all youth. Successfully implementing these programs requires adaptation to ensure the programs are aligned with contextual demands of the schools in which they are implemented. Yet, little is known about how to adapt and implement mental health literacy programs in school settings. Purpose: This article describes the process of adapting and implementing an educator-delivered school mental health literacy program in the context of a large comparative effectiveness trial. Adaptations are organized around ecological systems theory to provide a comprehensive account of the changes that were made. Method: Examples from 11 middle schools illustrate multilevel adaptations that fostered implementation. Results: A case study details specific adaptations made at one school to improve implementation over 3 years. Dosage data portray increasing trends in implementation over time. Discussion: Findings are contextualized alongside the adaptations that were made, highlighting the importance of offering flexibility in delivery, identifying champions, and making iterative adaptations over time in response to local and societal changes. Translation to Health Education Practice: The article concludes with considerations to researchers and practitioners, including Health Educators, interested in implementing school mental health literacy programs.
Descriptors: Mental Health Programs, Program Implementation, Middle Schools, Student Welfare, Health Behavior, Mental Health, Media Adaptation
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: T32GM081740