PRESCHOOL EDUCATORS’ VIEWS ON SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Nikolaou Eleni

doi:10.46827/ejes.v8i3.3633

Abstract

Schools are considered the ideal place to provide mental health services. International literature highlights the importance of early detection of mental health problems and the implementation of preventive interventions in school context. The present study aims to explore preschool teachers’ views regarding the involvement of the school in the prevention and treatment of students' mental health problems in preschool education and the ways in which the school can assist in supporting students. The sample of the research consisted of 115 preschool teachers. The method of data collection was a questionnaire. The results of the research showed that the majority of teachers believe that the school should be involved in the prevention and treatment of children's mental health problems. In addition, they defined the characteristics of mental health in preschool children. Simultaneously, they argue that enhancing a child's self-confidence, developing positive interpersonal relationships between teachers and students and collaborative relationships with parents are the main ways in which the school can support students with mental health problems. Research findings could be utilized in designing mental health promotion interventions.  Article visualizations:<img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0775/a.php" alt="Hit counter" />

Highlights

The educators of the present study argue that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Anxiety Disorders are the most common disorders in preschool education
Selective mutism and depression are less common than the mental health issues mentioned above
In relation to the characteristics that define the mentally healthy child in preschool education, it was found that the absence of mental disorder, the ability to form interpersonal relationships with classmates and sociability are the dimensions that are most attributed to the mentally healthy child

Summary

Introduction

Nikolaou Eleni PRESCHOOL EDUCATORS’ VIEWS ON SUPPORTING CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION and are able to contribute to the community (WHO, 2004). Mental health is directly related to health and quality of life. According to World Health Organization, mental health promotion is a broader concept than the prevention of mental disorders. Within the context of mental health promotion, the factors and processes that protect mental health and reduce risk factors are strengthened. Mental health promotion often refers to "positive mental health rather than poor mental health". Positive mental health is the desired result of mental health promotion interventions. Promoting mental health is related to quality of life rather than the absence of mental illness and the emphasis on deficits (WHO, 2001)

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Results

Conclusion