Synthesizing Mental Health Interventions in Learning Environments (SMILE Project)
The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive literature review of studies that test mental health interventions in schools. At least 20% of school-aged students in the U.S. experience significant mental health challenges involving social, emotional, or behavioral problems. More of these students receive mental health interventions in schools than in mental health clinics, hospitals, or any other setting. Yet, most research on the effects of mental health interventions have been tested in non-school settings. As a result, there is limited understanding of how well mental health interventions perform when delivered in a school setting. Our research study will address this gap in the literature by examine the overall effectiveness of mental health interventions in schools. We will also explore factors that influence the success of these interventions in enhancing students' overall functioning and academic performance.