Mental Health Education Programs at Korean High Schools: The Investigation of Student Satisfaction with the Current School-based Programs and Means to Improve

ABSTRACT: Instances of debilitating stress, depression and suicidal ideation have been broadly documented in academic settings in South Korea. In response, a number of mental health programs have been introduced by schools to help students manage the pressures of academic life and combat hidden narratives of anxiety and depression. Via a week-long survey, this study investigates student responses to various mental health education programs at high schools in South Korea. The voices of the students shed light on their educational needs in terms of positive mental health outcomes, the systematic factors influencing their discontent, and the general importance of creating more realistic and implementable solutions to common mental health concerns. The data from the surveys ware then combined with a case study analysis of mental health initiatives across different types of schools in South Korea and in the United States so as to gain insights from a complex, cross-cultural perspective. By acknowledging the points of view of the students as well as articles, academic papers and psychological reports, the research is better able to bridge the gap between the current idealistic model of mental health education and highly-customized best practices going forward. The findings are also impactful in terms of policy making and the introduction of student-centric, contextually sound, and sensitive formats and curriculums in the future. KEYWORDS: Psychological counseling, School-based mental health education, Korean academic settings, Teen’s mental health, trust issue