Förderung der mentalen Gesundheitskompetenz im Jugendalter: Schule als Setting für Aufklärung und Vermittlung von Handlungskompetenzen

BACKGROUND: Internationally as well as nationally there is a strong call to anchor health promotion in schools, not only but especially in connection with the growing rate of psychological problems during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In recent years the promotion of mental health literacy has received increasing attention as a possible approach. OBJECTIVE: What evidence is there for promoting mental health literacy in adolescents in the school setting and how is it practically implemented in Germany? METHOD: Literature review, search in databases on programs to promote mental health literacy in a school setting (lower secondary level). RESULTS: The promotion of mental health literacy appears to be a promising approach, especially when implemented in the school context. Initial programs exist and meta-analyses point to significant effect sizes in the lower and middle range; however, there is a need for further research (e.g. with respect to distal endpoints) and there are difficulties in the practical implementation. CONCLUSION: A theory-based and evidence-based implementation has the potential to sensitize schools to this important topic and motivate them to take further steps in health promotion. Consideration of barriers specific to the German school system appears to be decisive for a successful implementation.