A sense of belonging at school promotes mental health

The conclusion comes from an Australian study that included data from 1,500 young adults

The feeling of belonging to the school, characterized by a positive affect towards the environment, by solid relationships with teachers and by the feeling of being socially valued, brings important and immediate benefits to the mental health of students.

The above conclusion comes from a collaborative study, involving researchers from Monash, Melbourne, Deakin and Murdoch Institute universities, Australia. The work included data from more than 1,500 young adults followed over time, whose long-term mental health was assessed into adulthood.

The research specifically assessed the effects of school belonging at ages 15-16 and mental health symptoms at ages 19-20, 23-24 and 27-28.

Less depression, anxiety and stress

According to lead author Kelly-Ann Allen, the findings indicate that higher levels of school belonging are related to lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress in young adults.

“The study highlights the importance of school belonging in adolescence, particularly the feeling of being socially valued, as a protective factor against future mental health problems. The findings highlight the need for sustained interventions and programs that extend beyond school environment, establishing a solid foundation for positive engagement in various environments during the transition to adulthood,” the researcher said.

Trend in education

According to the team, these findings come at a crucial time, as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identifies belonging as an important trend in education with the potential to combat growing loneliness, social isolation and mental health problems in many countries. society.

Researchers note that when students feel connected to school, there is a common thread that supports their growth and achievement. This builds trust and supports well-being.

Research highlights the importance of school belonging as a target for intervention with lasting impacts on mental health. As schools and communities seek to address the challenges facing today’s youth, it becomes critical to focus on initiatives that enhance students’ sense of acceptance and respect within the school environment.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.