Mental health programs and services within the school, health and community settings have often focused on addressing concerns related to the psychological well-being of children and youth through

The identification/screening of risk-need factors

The design and delivery of intervention and support services

Traditional approaches have emphasized:the problems or challenges associated with existing or emerging mental health-related concernsthe approaches or interventions needed to remediate or address areas of risk and need

Recent better practice research across health and educational domains assert the importance of including a positive view of mental health

Involves the recognition that a students state of psychological well-being is:not only influenced by the absence of problems and risk-need concerns but also impacted by the existence of positive factors present within individuals and their social settings that contribute to positive growth and development

The emergence of positive mental health perspectives has shifted the focus of educators and health professionals from a preoccupation with repairing weakness to enhancement of positive qualities (McDougal & Riley-Tillman, 2004, p. 101). Such qualities or factors may include:Positive individual traits Positive personal experiences and relationshipsInitiatives, programs and environments that assist in:Enhancing quality of lifePreventing or reducing the risk of developing mental health-related concerns

Children and youth have inner strengths and gifts that support their capacity to initiate, direct, and sustain positive life directions (Hamilton & Hamilton, 2004; Losier and Morrison, 2007)

Child and youth engagement and empowerment are critical considerations for facilitating positive development or change (CSPH, 2002; Deci & Ryan, 2007)

Social contexts and networks provide important resources and influences that have the capacity to contribute to and enhance psychological well-being (Losier & Morrison, 2007; Sheridan, Warnes, Cowan, Schemm & Clarke, 2004)

Childrens and youths relationships with adults and peers that contribute to psychological well-being are characterized by interactions that convey genuineness, empathy, unconditional caring and affirmation (Brendtro, 2003)

Schools provide:Critical contexts for shaping childrens self-esteem, self-efficacy and sense of control over their lives Key opportunities for promoting the delivery of activities and comprehensive initiatives related to positive mental health As children move into their early and later teen years, schools may play an even greater role than the home context in influencing youth, given the powerful influence that teacher support and peer networks have within the educational settings

A World Health Organization (WHO) systematic review found:School-based programs are particularly effective if developed and implemented using approaches common to the health promoting schools approach (Cushman, 2008, p. 232). In the Canadian context, the approach for health promoting schools is known as comprehensive school health.

Evidence of effectiveness has been noted for school-based initiatives that adopt a whole-school approach including major characteristics associated with the health-promoting schools model, including:Student skill development Changes in the school environmentParticipation of parents and members of the local community

The comprehensive school health framework involves a whole school approach that includes four inter-related pillars that provide the foundation for this model. They include:Social and Physical EnvironmentTeaching and LearningHealthy School PolicyPartnerships and Services (JCSH, 2009)

Social and Physical Environment refers to the quality of the relationships among staff and students in the school; the emotional well-being of students; and the buildings, grounds, play spaces and equipment in and surrounding the school.

Teaching and Learning includes the resources, activities and provincial/territorial curricula where students gain age-appropriate knowledge and experiences, helping to build the skills to improve their health and wellbeing.

Partnerships and Services: When connections are established between a school, its students, families, and surrounding community organizations, supportive working relationships are formed, enabling health, education and other sectors to work together to advance school health.Healthy School Practices and Policies are the management practices, decision-making processes, rules, procedures and policies at all levels that promote health and wellbeing, and shape a respectful, welcoming and caring school environment.

The document, Schools as a Setting for Promoting Positive Mental Health: Better Practices and Perspectives, provides an overview of better practices based on the four pillars of comprehensive school health.

http://www.jcsh-cces.ca/

Social-emotional learningPositive youth developmentResiliencyProtective factorsDiversityAcceptance and understanding of student mental health needsConnectednessStrength-based perspectivesSelf-efficacyMental fitness

Mental fitness is a state of psychological well-being derived from our thoughts and emotions, and is based on our need to belong (relatedness), need to be recognized for our strengths and positive qualities (competence), and the freedom to make choices (autonomy) (Deci and Ryan, 2007). When your needs for respect, inclusion and recognition are met, the conditions are right for you to be at your best. We all have a role to play in fostering Mental Fitness in self and others.

RelatednessYour Thoughts and FeelingsRefers to our need for connection to and closeness with family, peers, and other significant individuals.I belong or am part of my school and community.Fulfillment of this need is met through interaction with others, our membership in groups, and the support and encouragement we receive from others. I feel included, encouraged, and supported by my peers.

AutonomyYour Thoughts and FeelingsRefers to our need for recognizing and using our personal gifts and strengths in achieving personal goals. I have strengths and gifts that are recognized by myself, my family, my friends and my school. Fulfillment of this need provides individuals with a sense of personal achievement and accomplishment. When I use my strengths to meet my goals I feel a sense of worth and accomplishment.

CompetencyYour Thoughts and FeelingsRefers to our need for personal freedom to make choices or decisions that affect our lives. I am able to make decisions about things that are important to me, my family and friends, and my school. When this need is satisfied in conjunction with other need areas, freedom and choice are expressed in ways in which respect is demonstrated for self and others. I feel hopeful because my family, friends and school support me in being an active participant in making choices.

The Indicators of Positive Mental Health framework is a tool for for assessing and planning positive mental health promotion in schools

Developed based on evidence-informed practices outlined in Schools as a Setting for Positive Psychology

Applied and validated in BC and NB schools (French and English)

Includes practices associated with the four pillars of Comprehensive School Health

Employs benchmarks based on Prochaskas Stages of Change theory

Illustrates progression from awareness to action to embedding practices

The Stages of Change Model (SCM) is used to show the process of positive change in some aspect of behaviour or lifestyle (reducing risk and fostering development/resilience).

The idea behind the SCM is that behaviour change does not happen in one step.

Rather, people tend to progress through different stages on their way to successful change.

Pre-Awareness - not yet acknowledging that there is a need for changeAwareness and Contemplation - Acknowledging that there is an area of concern or need for change, but not yet ready or sure of wanting to make a changeCapacity Building: Initial Plans and Actions - Getting ready to change; thinking about or making plans; increasing commitmentCapacity Building: Expanded Plans and Actions - Implemented efforts directed at change; small step successes; securing support and encouragementSustained and Embedded Practice - Persisting with positive changes

The framework is to be used as a self-assessment of schools. Indicators are organized according to the four pillars of comprehensive school health and serve to probe the overall school environment for areas that are in need of change. A schools performance in each indicator of PMH is rated according to the five benchmarks along a continuum of change, including:Pre-awarenessAwareness and ContemplationInitial Plans and ActionsExpanded Plans and ActionsSustained and Embedded Practices