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. 2017:2017:2546862.
doi: 10.1155/2017/2546862. Epub 2017 May 31.

Promoting Mental Health in Italian Middle and High School: A Pilot Study

Franco Veltro  1 , Valentina Ialenti  1 , Manuel Alejandro Morales García  1 , Emiliana Bonanni  1 , Claudia Iannone  1 , Marinella D'Innocenzo  2 , Antonella Gigantesco  3
Affiliations

Promoting Mental Health in Italian Middle and High School: A Pilot Study

Franco Veltro et al. Biomed Res Int. 2017.

Abstract

Aim: In Italy, a handbook has been developed based on the principles of cooperative learning, life skills, self-effectiveness, and problem-solving at high school level. Early studies have shown the handbook's effectiveness. It has been hypothesized that the revised handbook could be more effective in middle schools.

Method: The study design is a "pre- and posttest" that compares the results obtained from 91 students of the high schools with those of the 38 students from middle schools. The assessment was made through "self-reporting" questionnaires of (a) learning skills including problem-solving and (b) perceived self-efficacy in managing emotions, dysfunctional beliefs, and unhealthy behaviours (i.e., drinking/smoking).

Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups with the exceptions of perceived self-efficacy in managing emotions. The improvement of dysfunctional beliefs and the learning of problem-solving skills were better in middle schools.

Conclusion: The results confirm the authors' hypothesis that the use of this approach is much more promising in middle school.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participants flow chart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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