Classroom setting can impact children's mental health

By Staff Writer

A new study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior reveals that inadequate classroom environments may be linked to certain mental health issues among children.

The report, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland, is based on a nationally representative sample of 10,700 first-grade students, whose parents and teachers were interviewed. Kids who had limited access to classroom resources and who felt that their instructors did not respect them were more likely than children who were in a positive setting to have behavioral and mental problems.

Mental health issues were measured in four components: learning, externalizing problems, interpersonal behavior and internalizing problems. Material resources that were considered basic classroom necessities were paper, pencils, computers, art supplies and heat.

Although many parents emphasize the important link between a healthy classroom environment and academic achievement, this study revealed that a school setting can significantly impact one's mental health.

Adolescents who are emotionally withdrawn may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which provide activities that are designed for problem teens.