The Role of Educational Leaders in Addressing School-Based Mental Health Stigma

Abstract

The research centered on the role of educational leaders in addressing school-based mental health stigma. The study employs a quantitative research approach and descriptive survey research design to address the study objectives. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. Primary data for the study were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire. Secondary data on the role of educational leaders in addressing school-based mental health stigma was acquired from books and publications. one hundred students from the Kumasi Wesley Girls' High School in the Kumasi Metropolis were chosen using a simple random sampling procedure. The quantitative data was analysed using a statistical tool for the Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS). The study acknowledged the occurrence of mental health stigma among high school students and staff. The study discovered that student and staff participation in the leadership effort to prevent mental health stigma in schools is weak, as varied viewpoints on the extent of active participation and engagement emerged. The study also discovered that school leadership practises do not significantly contribute to mental health stigma, but that other factors may influence student perceptions. According to the paper, mental health stigma has a negative influence on schools by creating a culture of secrecy and shame, inhibiting open discourse and early intervention for children facing mental health challenges. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and the KWGHS continue their efforts to reduce mental health stigma in schools, emphasising the multifaceted nature of attitudes and the need for targeted techniques to improve programme success. The report advised school boards to pay more attention to mental health stigma in the educational setting. The research essentially encouraged the Ghana Education Service to establish comprehensive strategies for addressing and mitigating mental health stigma in educational settings. The study contributes to knowledge on determining the prevalence and nature of mental health stigma in high school. The study also adds to the body of literature on high school leaders' initiatives, policies, or programmes to reduce mental health stigma.