Prevention of Mental Health Problems in K-8 Students

This senior capstone research examines the methods being used to prevent mental health problems in K-8 students. Research from Chandra and Minkovitz (2007) shows that due to the lack of knowledge, confidence, and resources, teachers and on-site staff are not able to provide the necessary help to students who need mental health services. Through the use of literature review, interviews with three elementary teachers and three administrative staff, and 30 anonymous student surveys, the result findings indicate that the K-8 school in the Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) currently tackles student mental health issues primarily by onsite counselors and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, as well as by hosting a parent intervention night. However, result findings also indicate students are not comfortable discussing their mental health with the onsite counselors and do not take advantage of the resources currently available to them. It is recommended that by providing students with a safe and comfortable environment with proper resources, early signs of mental health problems could be detected and will eventually enhance the students’ quality of life in the years to come