Moderator role of Type D personality traits between depressive symptoms and job satisfaction among teachers.

Background: Type D personality is characterized by negative affect (NA) and social suppression (SI). It has been indicated Type D personality is associated with depression, anxiety, and burnout. Depressive complaints and social inhibition negatively affect job satisfaction. The aim of this study is to investigate the moderating role of Type D personality structure between the severity of depressive complaints and job satisfaction in teachers. Methods: 939 teachers, who constitute the sample of the study, completed the sociodemographic form, Type D personality scale (DS-14), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Minnesota Satisfaction Scale Short Form with an online survey. Results: While a negative relationship was found between teachers' NA scores and their intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction (r = -0.28 and r = -0.19, respectively), a negative relationship was detected between SI scores and intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction (r = -0.22 and r = -0.21, respectively). NA and SI had partial moderating roles in the relationship between BDI score and intrinsic job satisfaction. SI played a partial moderating role in the relationship between BDI and extrinsic job satisfaction. Conclusion: It can be said Type D personality traits has a moderating role between the severity of teachers' depressive complaints and job satisfaction.

Cross-informant ratings on emotional and behavioral problems in Nepali adolescents: A comparison of adolescents' self-reports with parents' and teachers' reports.

BACKGROUND: Studies on cross-informant agreement on adolescents' emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) are sparse in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess parent-adolescent and teacher-adolescent agreement on EBPs and associated factors in Nepal. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey included 1904 school-going adolescents aged 11-18, enrolled in government and private schools located in sixteen districts of Nepal. The Nepali versions of the Youth Self Report, Child Behavior Checklist, and Teacher's Report Form were administered to assess EBPs reported by adolescents, their parents, and teachers, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to assess mean differences in problem scores. Pearson's correlation was used to assess cross-informant agreement. Linear regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with cross-informant discrepancies in EBPs. RESULTS: Adolescents reported significantly more problems than their parents and teachers. Mean Total Problem scores for the 90 common items in the adolescents' self-reports, parent reports, and teacher reports were 34.5 (standard deviation [SD]: 21.4), 24.1 (SD = 19.2), and 20.2 (SD = 17.5) respectively. Parent-adolescent agreement on Total Problems was moderate, whereas teacher-adolescent agreement was low. The parent-adolescent agreement was moderate to low for the two broadband scales and all syndrome scales, whereas the teacher-adolescent agreement was low for all scales. Female gender and ethnic minority status impacted both parent-adolescent and teacher-adolescent discrepancies. Family stress/conflicts impacted parent-adolescent discrepancies, while academic performance impacted teacher-adolescent discrepancies. CONCLUSIONS: Nepali adolescents reported more EBPs than their parents and teachers. The agreement between adolescents' self-reports and reports by their parents and teachers was moderate to low. Gender, caste/ethnicity, family stress/conflicts, and academic performance were associated with cross-informant discrepancies. It is crucial to collect information from different sources, consider context-specific needs, and discern factors influencing cross-informant discrepancies to accurately assess adolescents' EBPs and develop personalized approaches to treatment planning.

Effectiveness of a school-based Life Gatekeeper Training Program on suicide prevention in China: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: With suicide as a leading cause of death, the issue of children and adolescent suicide risks is in the spotlight today. To empower teachers in primary and secondary schools to serve as gatekeepers and to ensure the safety of children and adolescents, the systematically tailored and localized Life Gatekeeper suicide prevention program was designed for Chinese schools. OBJECTIVE: With the ultimate goal of preventing child and adolescent suicide, we aim to outline a research protocol for examining outcomes of the recently created standardized school-based Life Gatekeeper program in reducing teachers' stigma, increasing their knowledge, willingness to intervene, and perceived competence. METHODS: Participants will be recruited from eligible primary and secondary schools. Cluster sampling will be used to randomly assign each school to either the intervention group or the control group. The primary outcomes are stigma against suicide, suicide literacy, perceived competence, and willingness to intervene with suicidal individuals, which will be measured using the Stigma of Suicide Scale, the Literacy of Suicide Scale, and the Willingness to Intervene Against Suicide Questionnaire, respectively. Measurements will be taken at four time points, including pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, 6-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The current study features innovative implementation in the real world, by using a randomized controlled trial design to examine the effectiveness of a school-based gatekeeper program among primary and secondary school teachers, following a sequence of defined and refined steps. The research will also investigate the viability of a school-based gatekeeper program for primary and secondary school teachers that could be quickly and inexpensively implemented in a large number of schools.

Pupils' inclusion as a process of narrative interactions: tackling ADHD typification through MADIT methodology.

BACKGROUND: ADHD is the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. The symptomatology makes the management of ADHD particularly demanding in school, so teachers' training programs have been widely implemented. Nevertheless, these interventions could lead teachers to concentrate on the dysfunctional elements of these students, exposing them to the risk of stigmatisation. Conceptualising stigma and inclusion as narrative processes, the present study observed how teacher ADHD training texts, endorsed by the Italian government, impact on the inclusion process of students. METHODS: The research analysed a corpus of N = 31,261 text occurrences and focused on three areas: (1) ADHD as a clinical condition; (2) the impact of ADHD characteristics in the scholastic setting; (3) interventions to manage ADHD criticalities in school settings. To observe the interactive processes fostered by the narratives under scrutiny, we used Dialogic Science and MADIT methodology, since they allow us to measure the language use modalities through an index: the Dialogical Weight (dW). The value of dW ranges between 0.1 (min) and 0.9 (max) and is linked to the potential outcomes of inclusion for students with ADHD. A low dW accounts for narratives entrenched in personal beliefs presented as absolute truths, undermining inclusion of students with ADHD. In contrast, high dW signals language interaction relying on sharable elements, able to foster social unity and diminish stigma. RESULTS: The results yielded a critical discursive configuration, both in general and for the three distinct areas. We measured an overall Dialogical Weight of 0.4dW and, for the three areas (1) = 0.3dW; (2) = 0.3dW; (3) = 0.4dW. The analysed text does not maximise the triggering of inclusive interactions, as they rely on individual references and present one's narrative as the sole plausible perspective: reinforcing already existing positions and exposing to the risk of stereotyping of the pupils. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted how the ADHD training materials analysed, focusing on a purely informational and clinical approach, lose in effectiveness with respect to generating inclusive school settings. Finally, to promote the inclusion of these pupils, elements are offered for outlining an approach based on fostering active participation by all roles involved.

A structural model of EFL teachers' physical activity, emotion regulation, and competence for online teaching.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a rapid shift to online teaching, placing unprecedented demands on educators' physical and mental well-being. However, the relationship between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' physical activity, emotion regulation, and competence for online teaching remains underexplored. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the interplay between EFL teachers' physical activity, emotion regulation strategies, and competence for online teaching. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling revealed significant direct and indirect effects, indicating that physical activity positively influences emotion regulation, which, in turn, enhances teachers' competence for online instruction. Furthermore, emotion regulation was found to mediate the relationship between physical activity and online teaching competence. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity among EFL teachers as a means to enhance their emotion regulation skills and competence for online teaching, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions aimed at supporting EFL teachers' well-being and professional development, with implications for educational policies, teacher training programs, and institutional support structures in the digital learning landscape.

Early identification and awareness of child abuse and neglect among physicians and teachers.

BACKGROUND: Child abuse and neglect (CAN) causes enormous suffering for those affected. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the current state of knowledge concerning the recognition of CAN and protocols for suspected cases amongst physicians and teachers. METHODS: In a pilot study conducted in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania from May 2020 to June 2021, we invited teachers and physicians working with children to complete an online questionnaire containing mainly multiple-choice-questions. RESULTS: In total, 45 physicians and 57 teachers responded. Altogether, 84% of physicians and 44% of teachers were aware of cases in which CAN had occurred in the context of their professional activity. Further, 31% of physicians and 23% of teachers stated that specific instructions on CAN did not exist in their professional institution or that they were not aware of them. All physicians and 98% of teachers were in favor of mandatory training on CAN for pediatric residents and trainee teachers. Although 13% of physicians and 49% of teachers considered a discussion of a suspected case of CAN to constitute a breach of confidentiality, 87% of physicians and 60% of teachers stated that they would discuss a suspected case with colleagues. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that a large proportion of respondents had already been confronted with suspected cases of CAN, further guidelines for reporting procedures and training seem necessary. There is still uncertainty in both professions on dealing with cases of suspected CAN.

Where does physical activity fit into preschool postpandemic? A qualitative exploration with parents, teachers and administrators.

OBJECTIVES: During the preschool years, children depend on adult caregivers to provide opportunities for physical activity (PA). Research has focused on measuring PA in preschool, as well as barriers and facilitators to children's PA but caregiver perceptions remain largely unknown especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to understand the value of PA in preschool following the pandemic from three types of adult caregivers, parents of a young child (n=7), preschool teachers (n=7) and preschool administrators (n=7). METHODS: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted to explore the following research questions: (a) how do caregivers describe the importance of PA in preschool postpandemic? (b) how do caregivers support and prioritise PA in preschool postpandemic and what challenges do they face in doing so? and (c) how do caregivers interact with one another to promote PA? Qualitative answers were coded using a codebook developed to answer the research questions of interest. RESULTS: Parents, teachers and administrators all described valuing PA for preschoolers, but each caregiver type described a different way of promoting it. All the caregivers listed barriers that inhibit their ability to prioritise and promote PA, some heightened postpandemic. Lastly, there were limited caregiver interactions when it came to promoting PA, with the burden largely falling on teachers. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that one particularly important area for intervention is supporting parents, teachers and preschool administrators in creating a shared understanding of the importance of PA for young children and ways to collaborate to promote it.

How culture shapes Chinese teacher's compassionate love.

BACKGROUND: Love could play a role in motivating teachers to help students and is closely related to students' achievement and prosocial behaviour. Though influenced by culture, teachers' love is not adequately studied. PURPOSE: This study explores how Chinese teachers' compassionate love is expressed and how situational factors such as Chinese culture and history influence or motivate teachers to perceive and express compassionate love for students. METHOD: This study adopted a qualitative approach of narrative study by describing and investigating the experience of a Chinese middle school teacher and two middle school students and their parents during COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS: Chinese teacher's compassionate love demonstrates some universal features in terms of emotional response, cognitive understanding and behaviour. Furthermore some Chinese culture-related features are also found: Chinese teachers behave in a caring and supporting way at the cost of sacrificing their own free time and comfort; an enduring long-term teacher-student relationship is valued; the Chinese culture encourages, sustains and motivates Chinese teacher's compassionate love. DISCUSSION: Teacher's compassionate love is a multi-dimensional concept entailing some universal traits in cognition, emotion and behaviour. The perception and enactment of teacher's love is subject to situational factors. Some measures for compassionate love could be built into teacher's education programme.

Musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life for Chilean teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the academic year-end.

Introduction: Schoolteachers have reported multiple demands contributing to poor perceptions regarding their quality of life and high rates of musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are few studies about the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life from the end of the academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: Evaluate musculoskeletal disorders rates and their association with quality of life perceptions among teachers from the last academic period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: A total sample of 161 Chilean schoolteachers was included in a cross-sectional study musculoskeletal disorders prevalence was evaluated using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated through the Short-Form 12 Health Survey Instrument. A logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and quality of life perceptions adjusted by gender, age, and contract type. Results: 98% of teachers have suffered from some type of musculoskeletal disorders during the last 12 months, and 64% have had six or more painful regions. Women showed a higher musculoskeletal disorders rate than men. The group of teachers with the most musculoskeletal disorders (≥p50) saw significantly greater risk of low scores on the physical (OR: 2.16; p < 0.05) and mental components (OR: 4.86; p < 0.01) of quality of life, regardless of gender, age, and contract type. Conclusion: High musculoskeletal disorders rates suggest that preventive and informative actions must be taken regarding these disorders in order to protect teachers' mental and physical health, considering the effects of the school year and the COVID-19 health crisis.

Regulatory flexibility and school climate moderate the relationship between stress exposure and depression severity in school educators.

School-related stress may impair the mental health and the ability of educators to function at school adaptively. According to the Conservation of Resources (COR) model, coping with stress is affected by internal personal resources and external interpersonal resources. The current study focused on regulatory flexibility as an internal personal resource and school climate as an external interpersonal resource. It tested their moderating role in the relationship between school-related stress exposure and depressive symptoms. 1530 educators participated in the study. The results revealed that school climate and regulatory flexibility play a significant role in determining the severity of depressive symptoms following stress exposure. Specifically, when either school climate and/or regulatory flexibility were low, there was a positive association between school-related stress exposure and depressive symptoms. Hence, greater exposure was associated with increased depressive symptoms. However, when both school climate and regulatory flexibility were higher, there were no associations between stress exposure and symptoms. Therefore, these educators showed significantly lower depressive symptoms independent of their stress exposure. The findings shed light on the importance of both internal and external resources in reducing the aversive effects of school-related stress. The study may pave the way to developing tailored interventions to reduce depressive symptoms and enhance well-being in educators.

[The relationships between recovery and teachers' exhaustion and performance: mediational role of work-related self-efficacy]. / Psychiczna regeneracja po pracy a wyczerpanie i wydajnosc nauczycieli: mediujaca rola przekonan o wlasnej skutecznosci zawodowej.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to better understand the process through which recovery leads to teachers' exhaustion and performance. The direct and the indirect, i.e., mediated by teacher' work-related self-efficacy, effects of recovery on exhaustion and job performance were measured. To assessment of recovery, the Polish version of the Work-Related Rumination Scale (W-RRS) was developed. It measures detachment, affective rumination and problem-solving pondering. The psychometric properties of this tool constitute an additional contribution to the article. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among a group of primary and secondary school teachers (N = 503). The factor structure of the W-RRS scale was checked using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), its reliability by using of Cronbach's α measure, and its theoretical validity by means of correlation of main variables with criterion variables. Hypotheses related to direct and mediation effects were verified using structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS: The obtained results confirmed the criterion and construct validity and reliability of the W-RRS. It has been also shown that detachment is directly negatively associated with exhaustion (but not with performance), affective rumination is a predictor of higher exhaustion and lower job performance, and problem-solving pondering is related to job performance (but not to exhaustion). Self-efficacy mediates the effect of 2 (out of the 3) types of recovery on exhaustion and job performance, such that high levels of problem-solving pondering and low levels of affective rumination translate into high self-efficacy, which in turn leads to lower exhaustion and higher job performance. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery methods have various implications for functioning of teachers. While detachment and problem-solving pondering seem to promote it, affective rumination intensifies exhaustion and reduces performance. The mediator of the recovery-psychological well-being relationship is self-efficacy. The W-RRS questionnaire can be used to assessment of rumination among teachers. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):143-158.

Effect of electronic book "Traumatic dental injury to children's permanent teeth" on primary school teacher's knowledge.

Most dental trauma in children aged 8-12 years occurs in schools. Teachers should properly and timely manage the emergency pertaining to traumatic dental injuries before paying visit to dental health center. Studies had revealed that the elementary school teachers carried poor knowledge of managing the dental trauma. Electronic books were the easily accessible digital and visual educational media for the users through internet-connected devices. This study compared the knowledge of primary school teachers before and after reading the innovative electronic book "Traumatic Dental Injury to Children's Permanent Teeth". The questionnaire was shared via a link, before and after reading this electronic book. The contents of electronic book included the kinds of trauma, management, and preventive measures as explained via appealing illustrations. The median score of knowledge before the intervention was 6 (poor), and afterwards it was 13 (good). Wilcoxon test on scores before and after reading this book resulted in statistically significant difference p-value ≤ 0.05. The electronic book "Traumatic Dental Injury to Children's Permanent Teeth" was innovative, and effective educational media having high impact of increasing the dental trauma knowledge among primary school teachers.

Factors associated with parent-teacher hyperactivity/inattention screening discrepancy: Findings from a UK national sample.

BACKGROUND: To fulfil the diagnostic criteria of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Fifth Edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), symptoms should be observed in two or more settings. This implies that diagnostic procedures require observations reported from informants in different settings, such as teachers in school and caregivers at home. This study examined parent-teacher agreement in reporting hyperactivity/inattention and its relationship with child's, parent's, and family's characteristics. METHOD: We used data from the 2004 United Kingdom Mental Health of Children and Young People survey, including 7977 children aged 4-17, to investigate cross-informant agreement between parents and teachers on the hyperactivity-inattention subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The characteristics of different patterns of informant agreement were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Cross-informant agreement of parent and teacher was low (weighted kappa = .34, 95% C.I.: .31, .37). Some characteristics, such as male child and parental emotional distress, were associated with higher likelihood of parent-teacher discrepancy. CONCLUSION: We found low informant agreement in the hyperactive/inattention subscale, as hypothesised and consistent with previous studies. The current study has found several factors that predict discrepancy, which were partly consistent with previous research. Possible explanation, implications, and further research on parent-teacher informant discrepancy in reporting hyperactivity/inattention were discussed.

Burnout among elementary and high school teachers in three Canadian provinces: prevalence and predictors.

Background: Burnout is a longstanding issue among educators and has been associated with psychological and physical health problems such as depression, and insomnia. Objective: To assess the prevalence and predictors of the three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of professional accomplishment) among elementary and high school teachers. Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with data collected via an online survey. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and the Perceived Stress Scale were used, respectively, to assess burnout, resilience and stress among teachers. Data was collected between September 1st, 2022 and August 30th, 2023. SPSS (version 28, IBM Corp) was used for the data analysis. Results: Overall, 1912 educators received a link to the online survey via a text message, and 780 completed the burnout survey questions, resulting in a response rate of 41%. The prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of professional accomplishment were 76.9, 23.2, and 30.8%, respectively. Participants with high-stress symptoms were 6.88 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion (OR = 6.88; 95% CI: 3.31-14.29), 2.55 times (OR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.65-3.93) more likely to experience depersonalization and 2.34 times (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.64-3.35) more likely to experience lack of professional fulfilment. Additionally, respondents with low resilience were 3.26 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion symptoms (OR = 3.26; 95% CI: 2.00-5.31), than those with high resilience. Males were about 2.4 times more likely to present with depersonalization compared to female teachers, whilst those who indicated their marital status as partnered or cohabiting and those who selected "other" were 3.5 and 7.3 times, respectively, more likely to present with depersonalization compared with those who were single. Finally, Physical Education were 3.8 times more likely to present with depersonalization compared with English teachers. Conclusion: The current study highlights the predictive effects of low resilience and high stress on the three dimensions of burnout among teachers in Canada. Interventions aimed at addressing systemic stress and fostering resilience are needed to reduce burnout among teachers.

Orthodontic awareness amongst middle school teacher sand parents of twin cities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of awareness towards orthodontic treatment among parents and teachers of middle school children. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to May 2022 in the middle schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pak istan, after approval from the ethics review committee of the Foundation University College of Dentistry and Hospital, Foundation University, Islamabad. Those included were middle school teachers and parents of students studying in middle schools. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire that had 6 demographic and 5 sur vey ques tions. The fo rm was digiti zed for easy dissemination a mong parents. Data was analysed us ing SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 240 subjects, 120(50%) each were parents and teachers. Overall, there were 165(68.75%) females and 75(31.25%) males. Level of education and professional exposure were not significantly different between teachers and parents (p>0.05). There was no difference in the level of education and professional work experience between th e parents and teacher (p>0.05). Teachers showed a higher level of awaren ess than parents towards the role of orthodontist in tooth alignment (p=0.013), associated habits with malalignment of teeth (p=0.003), and that the most appropriate age for tre atment wa s 10-15 years (p≤0.0 01). Teach ers were more likely of the opinion tha t facial disharmony is treatable than parents (odds ratio: 1.599, 95% confidence interval: 0.572-4.467). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers showed a higher level of awareness than parents regarding orthodontic treatment of children.

Characteristics of K-12 Teachers Considering Leaving Due to COVID-19 and for Other Reasons.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had drastic effects on K-12 teachers. Researchers partnered with a teacher advisory board to identify factors associated with K-12 teachers' consideration of leaving teaching during Fall 2020. METHODS: A web-based survey focused on teachers' working experiences was emailed to school union membership listservs in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A logistic regression model was developed to identify working conditions associated with teachers considering leaving the profession. RESULTS: Among 5873 K-12 teachers, 27% (n = 1319) were considering leaving the profession either because of COVID-19 (10%), for other reasons (6%) or were undecided (11%). Teachers who were midcareer, having taught 6-10 years, who perceived less supervisor support, whose job duties had changed significantly, who were dissatisfied with the COVID-19 related decision-making, who reported poor or fair mental health, and who were mostly or extremely afraid that a household member would get COVID-19 had higher odds of considering leaving teaching or being undecided about future career plans. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE AND EQUITY: Understanding factors influencing teachers' career decisions will help school leaders improve teacher retention amid challenging circumstances. CONCLUSION: In this study in 3 midwestern US states, limited supervisor support, significant job duty change, dissatisfaction with COVID-19-related decision-making, poor or fair mental health, and fear that a household member would get COVID-19 were associated with teachers' consideration of leaving the profession or being undecided about future career plans.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors among teachers working in public primary schools and affecting factors.

Healthy lifestyle behaviors have been recognized as a key strategy to achieve a policy of health for all. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of health promotion lifestyle behavior among teachers working in public primary schools. The present study also investigated the effects of selected socio-demographic characteristics on these behaviors. The research was designed using the survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the research consisted of public primary school teachers (n = 372). Research data were collected using the Health-Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) scale. As a result of the research, it was put forward that there were statistically significant differences in levels of health promotion lifestyle behaviors based on taking courses on health promotion, and following programs and articles about healthy living (p < 0.05). It was revealed that primary teachers' taking courses on health promotion, and following programs and articles affected their healthy lifestyle behaviors. Public primary school teachers' health promotion lifestyle behaviors were found to be moderate. It was found that the primary teachers obtained the highest mean score for the spiritual growth subscale of the health promotion lifestyle behaviors scale; however, the primary school teachers had the lowest mean score for the physical activity subscale, which indicates that they need support in improving their healthy lifestyle. Male teachers had higher mean scores in the physical activity subscale, whereas females had higher mean scores in all other subscales. Training programs to protect and improve the health of teachers should be organized.

Examining Teacher Concerns and Anxiety on the Implementation of a Universal Body Image Program.

In the past 30 years, there have been numerous positive body image and eating disorder prevention programs targeting youth developed for school-based settings. Frequently, teachers are used as interventionists to increase dissemination, decrease costs relative to researchers, and increase scalability. However, little is known about teacher concerns and barriers that may hinder successful uptake and implementation. The current study recruited a total of 269 teachers who consented to implement a universal body image and appearance-related bullying and teasing prevention program in their classrooms as part of a randomized controlled trial. Teachers expressed some worry that they may say the wrong thing, and concern about feeling uncomfortable teaching the program due to their own body dissatisfaction. Teacher's ethnicity, gender, years teaching, dieting behaviors and other weight control behaviors, and self-efficacy were not associated with concerns related to teaching the curriculum. Teachers with lower body esteem reported higher concerns and anxiety related to teaching a body image curriculum. In free response items, teachers worried about handling student comments that were beyond the scope of the curriculum. Teacher self-efficacy was the only variable associated with the number of program sessions implemented. Findings suggest avenues to increase implementation.

Empowering School Staff to Support Pupil Mental Health Through a Brief, Interactive Web-Based Training Program: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Schools in the United Kingdom and elsewhere are expected to protect and promote pupil mental health. However, many school staff members do not feel confident in identifying and responding to pupil mental health difficulties and report wanting additional training in this area. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the feasibility of Kognito's At-Risk for Elementary School Educators, a brief, interactive web-based training program that uses a simulation-based approach to improve school staff's knowledge and skills in supporting pupil mental health. METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods, nonrandomized feasibility study of At-Risk for Elementary School Educators in 6 UK primary schools. Our outcomes were (1) school staff's self-efficacy and preparedness to identify and respond to pupil mental health difficulties, (2) school staff's identification of mental health difficulties and increased risk of mental health difficulties, (3) mental health support for identified pupils (including conversations about concerns, documentation of concerns, in-class and in-school support, and referral and access to specialist mental health services), and (4) the acceptability and practicality of the training. We assessed these outcomes using a series of questionnaires completed at baseline (T1), 1 week after the training (T2), and 3 months after the training (T3), as well as semistructured qualitative interviews. Following guidance for feasibility studies, we assessed quantitative outcomes across time points by comparing medians and IQRs and analyzed qualitative data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 108 teachers and teaching assistants (TAs) completed T1 questionnaires, 89 (82.4%) completed T2 questionnaires, and 70 (64.8%) completed T3 questionnaires; 54 (50%) completed all 3. Eight school staff members, including teachers, TAs, mental health leads, and senior leaders, participated in the interviews. School staff reported greater confidence and preparedness in identifying and responding to mental health difficulties after completing the training. The proportion of pupils whom they identified as having mental health difficulties or increased risk declined slightly over time (medianT1=10%; medianT2=10%; medianT3=7.4%), but findings suggested a slight increase in accuracy compared with a validated screening measure (the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). In-school mental health support outcomes for identified pupils improved after the training, with increases in formal documentation and communication of concerns as well as provision of in-class and in-school support. Referrals and access to external mental health services remained constant. The qualitative findings indicated that school staff perceived the training as useful, practical, and acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that brief, interactive web-based training programs such as At-Risk for Elementary School Educators are a feasible means to improve the identification of and response to mental health difficulties in UK primary schools. Such training may help address the high prevalence of mental health difficulties in this age group by helping facilitate access to care and support.