Abstract

Effectiveness of School-based Mental health Interventions to Promote the Well-being of Australian students who have Specific Learning Disabilities

Author(s)

Nola Firth -Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Chidlrens Research Institute

Specific Learning Disabilities (Slds), Such As Dyslexia, Are A Significant Public Health Problem, Affecting 10% Of Australians And Leading To Life-Long Difficulties. New Policy And Practice Are Needed To Prevent This Situation. The Way Young People Deal With Their Sld Has Been Found To Have More Influence On Their Life Outcomes Than The Sld Itself.

This Study Explored The Effect Of A Coping Program And A Teacher Feedback Intervention On Sense Of Control And Adaptive Coping For 98 Adolescent Students Who Had Specific Learning Disabilities. The Coping Program Was Modified To Build Personal Control And Address The Particular Needs Of Students Who Have Specific Learning Disabilities.

The Teacher Feedback Program Emphasised Use Of Effort And Strategy In The Face Of Difficulty. One-Way Analyses Of Covariance Of Student Responses Indicated That There Was A Greater Perceived Control Of External Situations And Increased Use Of Some Productive Coping Strategies For The Group Who Received The Coping Program. There Was No Change In Internal Control Of Feelings Or Of Use Of Non-Productive Coping.

These Results Were Maintained Over The 2-Month Follow-Up Period. This Study Provides Preliminary Evidence That It Is Possible To Facilitate Positive Change In Both Sense Of Control And Coping Patterns For Students Who Have Learning Disabilities.