Evaluation of an online training course for educational professionals on depression and mental health in childhood and adolescence
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Background
The rising rates in depression and other mental health problems among adolescents in recent years, combined with delayed help-seeking, highlights a clear need for action in key areas of adolescents’ lives. The school environment, including teachers, can provide mental-health support for children and adolescents.
Methods
The study used a pre-post-follow-up design to investigate whether a two-hour online training course on depression and mental health in childhood and adolescence leads to knowledge acquisition, confidence in supporting pupils with depression and a decrease in stigmatisation in N = 97 teachers, school social workers and school social pedagogues.
Results
We found a significant increase in knowledge and confidence in supporting pupils with depression at post-assessment, which was maintained at a four-week follow-up. A decrease in stigmatisation was found at post-assessment, which was no longer evident at follow-up.
Conclusion
The results suggest that approaching educational professionals through a concise practical online training course can be a promising strategy for knowledge transfer. Future studies could examine whether such trainings can be adapted to other mental health disorders.
Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT06387108. Registered on 24.04.24.
