Whole-class mental health sessions in schools have been found to have a small but significant effect in reducing anxiety and
depression symptoms.
Sessions based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were more effective at reducing anxiety symptoms than mindfulness-based classes or sessions using other theories such as yoga, researchers found.
The systematic review combined results from 71 existing studies, involving 63,041 young people aged between eight and 18, from 22 countries. Most (51) involved secondary schools.
The CBT classes helped young people to understand and manage their thoughts and behaviours. Depression symptoms did not vary according to the approach. The outcomes for depression and anxiety did not vary according to session length or who delivered it.
Lead author Dr Daniel Hayes said: ‘Although the effect is small on average for individuals, such small effects can be impactful once scaled up at a population level.’ It also means reaching ‘those who may not otherwise seek help’, added senior author Professor Jessica Deighton.
She highlighted that ‘these interventions… should be part of a wider, whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing’ involving ‘building supportive relationships and a sense of belonging’ as well as ‘more targeted support for those that need it.’
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