University of Queensland (UQ) researchers have developed a program aimed at preventing and reducing the development of depression in young people.
As part of a $5.2 million partnership with beyondblue: the national depression initiative, researchers from UQ’s School of Psychology have developed a school-based program giving adolescents the skills to deal with the challenges of life.
The project will be launched by the Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, at Mitchelton State High School today (Tuesday, October 7) at 1pm.
Also attending the launch will be UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Hay, and the chairman of beyondblue former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, as well as representatives from the schools involved.
“We want to provide knowledge and awareness through a school community approach that will help to build individual resilience and harness the good work that schools already do,” said chief investigator Professor Sue Spence.
Called the beyondblue schools research initiative, the program will involve 50 schools nationally, 18 of which are in Queensland, and will use a multi-pronged approach including curriculum-based programs in the classroom; identifying pathways to care; community forums with key partners such as health services and community groups; and a whole school approach focusing on enhancing a more supportive environment.
Professor Spence said the broad base of the research and the whole school and community approach was a unique strategy in attempting to address adolescent depression.
“This type of work coming out of UQ and Australia, is leading the way in the prevention of depression,” she said.
Professor Hay said the project was a practical example of how UQ research was involved in the community.
“The University recognises the value of such important research and our willingness to be involved in partnerships such as the beyondblue initiative,” Professor Hay said.
“It is partnerships like this that strengthen the links between the University, local school communities, parents and students.”
Professor Spence said the three-year project would focus on adolescents in Year 8, following them through to Year 10.
“We are looking at educating young people about mental health and wellbeing to help try to break down the barriers that prevent young people seeking help,” Professor Spence said.
Professor Spence said she and the State Coordinator, Dr Jeanie Sheffield, in collaboration with researchers across Australia, had spent the past year writing the curriculum for the classroom component, building links with the education systems, schools and community groups, and were looking forward to a successful research partnership with the groups.
Media: For more information contact Professor Sue Spence (telephone 07 3365 4909) or Dr Jeanie Sheffield (telephone 07 3365 6690) or Andrew Dunne, UQ Communications (telephone 0405 186 732).
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