Universal emotional health screening at the middle school transition.

This article describes the implementation of the Developmental Pathways Screening Program (DPSP) and an evaluation of program feasibility, acceptability, and yield. Using the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) and externalizing questions from the Youth Self Report (YSR;Achenbach, 2001), universal...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Journal of Emotional & Behavioral Disorders Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 213 - 224
Autores principales: Vander Stoep A, McCauley E, Thompson KA, Herting JR, Kuo ES, Stewart DG, Anderson CA, Kushner S
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. Winter2005
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:This article describes the implementation of the Developmental Pathways Screening Program (DPSP) and an evaluation of program feasibility, acceptability, and yield. Using the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) and externalizing questions from the Youth Self Report (YSR;Achenbach, 2001), universal classroom-based emotional health screening was implemented with students as they began middle school. Of all sixth graders enrolled in four participating Seattle schools, 861 (83%) were screened. Students who screened positive for emotional distress (15% of students screened) received onsite structured clinical evaluations with children's mental health professionals. Seventy-one percent of students who were evaluated were found to be experiencing significant emotional distress, with 59% warranting referral to academic tutoring, school counselor, and/or community mental health services. Successful implementation of in-class screening was facilitated by strong collaboration between DPSP and school staff. Limitations of emotional health screening and the DPSP are discussed, and future steps are outlined.