# Big Talks for Little People: A Pilot Study of a Classroom Based Mental Health Program

## TL;DR

A classroom-based mental health program for primary school students showed improvements in emotional well-being and reduced anxiety, according to a pilot study.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a classroom-based mental health program for primary schools using mixed-methods.

## Key findings

- Students showed significant improvements in positive emotional state and expressing emotions.
- The program led to reduced anxiety levels among participating students.

## Abstract

Schools are important settings for the promotion, implementation and education of mental health and well‐being. The present study piloted and evaluated a classroom based mental health and well‐being programme for use in primary schools.

A mixed‐method quasi‐hybrid design methodology was utilised. An online survey was completed by students from five schools pretest (n = 173) and three schools matched post‐test (n = 68) with semi‐structured interviews with teachers (n = 4) and a focus group of students (n = 18) conducted at the completion of the programme. Student questionnaire data was gathered including the use of three standardised and internationally used measures of well‐being.

Students at post‐test self‐reported significant improvements in positive emotional state (p < 0.05, moderate effect size), recognising (p < 0.001, large effect size) and expressing emotions (p < 0.001, moderate effect size) and reductions in anxiety (p < 0.001, moderate effect size).

The findings suggest the programme was effective in relation to promoting aspects of student well‐being, emotional development and in reducing elements of anxiety. Shortcomings in the design including a lack of a control group must lead to caution in interpreting the outcomes.

Further research with a larger student population which addresses the identified shortcomings of the present pilot study appears warranted.