Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Leveraging School Connectedness to Mitigate Youth Depression and Anxiety

Leveraging School Connectedness to Mitigate Youth Depression and Anxiety

Introduction

School connectedness, a multifaceted construct encompassing students' engagement with peers, teachers, and the learning environment, has emerged as a significant protective factor against youth depression and anxiety. A systematic review by Raniti et al. (2022) highlights the potential of school connectedness to prevent these mental health issues, underscoring the need for data-driven interventions in educational settings.

Research Insights

The systematic review analyzed 34 longitudinal and 2 intervention studies, revealing that higher levels of school connectedness significantly correlate with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents aged 14 to 24. The studies, primarily from the United States, suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing school connectedness can positively impact mental health outcomes.

Two intervention studies demonstrated that programs designed to improve school connectedness, such as the High School Transition Program (HSTP) and the SEHER program in India, effectively reduced depressive symptoms. These interventions emphasized fostering supportive relationships and promoting a positive school climate, which are critical components of school connectedness.

Implementing Findings in Practice

For practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and education, these findings present an opportunity to integrate strategies that enhance school connectedness into their practice. Here are actionable steps to consider:

Encouraging Further Research

While the review provides robust evidence for the protective role of school connectedness, it also highlights gaps that warrant further investigation. Future research should explore:

Conclusion

Improving school connectedness is a promising strategy for preventing youth depression and anxiety. By fostering supportive school environments and enhancing student engagement, practitioners can contribute to better mental health outcomes for young people. For those interested in the detailed findings and methodologies, the original research paper is accessible through this link: The role of school connectedness in the prevention of youth depression and anxiety: a systematic review with youth consultation.


Citation: Raniti, M., Rakesh, D., Patton, G. C., & Sawyer, S. M. (2022). The role of school connectedness in the prevention of youth depression and anxiety: A systematic review with youth consultation. BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14364-6
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP