Citation

Parikh SV, Taubman DS, Antoun C, Cranford J, Foster CE, Grambeau M, Hunter J, Jester J, Konz K, Meyer T, Salazar S, Greden JF. Psychiatr. Serv. 2018; 69(4): 487-491.

Affiliation

Dr. Parikh, Ms. Taubman, Dr. Cranford, Dr. Foster, Ms. Grambeau, Dr. Jester, Ms. Konz, Ms. Salazar, and Dr. Greden are with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Antoun is with the Joint Program in Survey Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park. Ms. Hunter is retired from the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor. Ms. Meyer is with the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.201700101

PMID

29493416

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program (P2P) is a school-based program that aims to decrease mental illness and promote well-being among students by empowering high school students as both learners and educators. Specific goals include improving the school climate around mental health, directing students to resources, and encouraging help-seeking behavior.

METHODS: In the 2015-2016 academic year, 121 students across 10 high schools organized into teams and were trained to develop and implement peer-to-peer depression awareness campaigns. Outcomes were assessed via pre- and posttest questionnaires.

RESULTS: A total of 878 students completed questionnaires. Outcomes demonstrated improved knowledge and attitudes toward depression, increased confidence in identifying and referring peers with depression, improved help-seeking intentions, and reduced stigma.

CONCLUSIONS: The P2P program increased depression literacy through the use of youth-designed and youth-implemented depression awareness and outreach activities, which may ultimately result in earlier detection of depression and in fewer depression sequelae.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents/adolescence; Depression; Prevention; Public education; Stigma; peer-based intervention