Year: 2009 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.194, no.4, (April 2009), p.365-370 SIEC No: 20100443

This study assessed the impact of a mental health teaching programme on adolescent pupils. A 2-group pre-test-post-test control study was done in 2 English secondary schools. Experimental classes received 6 lessons on mental health (including suicide/self-harm), control classes did not. Understanding was measured at 2 time points, 8 months apart. Pupils in the experimental classes showed significantly more sensitivity & empathy towards people with mental health difficulties. Pupils valued the intervention highly, in particular the lessons on suicide/self-harm. (29 refs.) JA