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Lookup NU author(s): Liam SpencerORCiD, Scarlett Carling, Tomos RobinsonORCiD, Dr Katie ThomsonORCiD, Professor Eileen KanerORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
BackgroundMental health disorders amongst children and young people pose a significant burden, with a growing emphasis on early intervention. A notable gap exists between the prevalence of these disorders and sufficiently early treatment, emphasising the need for effective preventive measures.AimsThis review aims to comprehensively assess and narratively synthesise both quantitative and qualitative literature on secondary preventative (indicated and selective) school-based mental health interventions in the UK.MethodAll empirical studies published since 2010, which reported on UK secondary preventative school-based interventions were eligible. Eligible studies were identified by searching the following electronic databases: PsycINFO (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), EMBASE (Elsevier), ERIC (EBSCO), and Web of Science (Clarivate). Database searches yielded 3269 results, with 26 articles meeting inclusion criteria. These articles covered 22 unique studies encompassing various study designs. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess study quality, and study findings were synthesised using a single narrative synthesis (‘storytelling’) approach.ResultsThree central themes emerged: (1) Outcomes for children and young people; (2) acceptability and preferences; and (3) practical considerations. The majority of included studies demonstrated high quality. Studies revealed diverse perspectives on the strengths, limitations, barriers, and facilitators of school-based interventions.ConclusionsSchool-based interventions hold promise in promoting positive mental health amongst young people, emphasising the pivotal role of educational settings in addressing these challenges. Despite encouraging outcomes, this review highlights the need for further research to better understand intervention effectiveness, implementation barriers, and cost-effectiveness; to facilitate the development of tailored and impactful strategies for supporting young people’s mental health.PRISMA/PROSPERO StatementThis systematic review was conducted following Cochrane methodology PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered with PROSPERO in June 2023 (CRD42023431966).
Author(s): Spencer L, Carling S, Robinson T, Thomson K, Kaner E
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Mental Health
Year: 2025
Pages: epub ahead of print
Print publication date: 04/02/2025
Online publication date: 04/02/2025
Acceptance date: 05/12/2024
Date deposited: 04/02/2025
ISSN (print): 1360-0567
ISSN (electronic): 0963-8237
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2025.2460118
DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2025.2460118
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