Investigating a deep breathing intervention to promote mental health in P‐12 schools

Abstract

AbstractMental health factors can impact student academic performance and success. Student mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety and are a growing concern within P‐12 school systems. The dual pandemics of COVID‐19 and racial injustice have increased concerns about student mental health and exacerbated existing traumas particularly for students from marginalized populations. Trauma‐informed interventions that promote mental health in schools may be useful. Researchers utilized Consensual Qualitative Research to identify student mental health needs and outcomes for the implementation a deep breathing intervention in several schools in a large metropolitan city. The reasons for implementation, anticipated outcomes, reactions to intervention, perception of impact, and related personal experiences, as well as implications for practice and research, are all discussed.