An investigation to identify factors that promote and demote mental health in schools

Baker, Matthew James (2014). An investigation to identify factors that promote and demote mental health in schools. University of Birmingham. Ed.Psych.D.

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Abstract

This study explored the use of MacDonald and O’Hara’s Ten Element Map as an audit tool to elicit the views of staff and pupils with regard to what they felt promoted and demoted their mental health. It was used with fourteen schools and 361 staff members and 219 pupils were involved in the research.

Staff members and focus groups of pupils were asked to consider each element of the map, with regards to the factors that promoted and demoted their mental health in school and comments were analysed using thematic analysis.

Top promotion themes for staff included the staffroom, visual appearance, receiving positive feedback, support from colleagues and informal opportunities to socialise. In comparison, the top demotion themes were; a lack of space, a lack of appreciation or praise, feeling undervalued, time pressures, workload, poor toilet facilities and a lack of communication.

For pupils key promotion themes included; specific areas within the school site, rewards, the use of reward systems and praise. They also identified the importance of talking to members of staff, staff providing support as well as socialising through clubs and school related events. Conversely, the key demotion themes were the toilets and peers being unkind.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.

Supervisor(s):