Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Learning Resilience
Alignment with Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Early learning
- Primary school
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Whole class
- Whole school
Aims
Healthy Minds aims to prevent the onset of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. By teaching a core set of psychological skills, reducing specific, broad risk factors, and building specific, broad protective factors young people can be supported to foster robust mental health and resilience. Course components include students, teachers and parents.Program theory
The program's development was informed by transdiagnostic theory, preventive psychology, cognitive behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), self-compassion, media literacy, elements of positive psychology (gratitude), social learning theory and evolutionary theory.Topics
The Wellbeing Wheel (six factors that support good mental health), challenging unhelpful perfectionism and looking for the benefits in mistakes, challenges and failures, the cognitive model (the role of thoughts in causing feelings).Cost
Program structure
Eight group presentations for Year 8, with 8 corresponding classroom lessons. Lessons are usually weekly for 8 weeks of one term (negotiable).Instructor
- Psychologist
- Educator
Instructor training
One-day teacher training for the educator delivering the classroom component. Training is usually at the school, or at a combined training day at an off-site location.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
- Online webinars
- Posters
- Workbook
Ongoing support
Available for ongoing support by phone, email, or in person. The Healthy Minds facilitator (of the group sessions, for example) is generally a registered psychologist and is on-site for at least 10 visits throughout the program each year.Parent involvement
- Follow-up information provided after program
- Written information provided to parents
Origin of program
Australia
Healthy Minds Education & Training
Program authors
Dr Tom Nehmy
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Comprehensive |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Quasi-experimental |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
Semi |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face, all instructors, in person |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
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|---|---|
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
SA |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
Yes |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 19 November 2021