Date Approved
3-6-2025
Embargo Period
3-24-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Shelley Zion, Phd
Committee Member 1
Kara Ieva, PhD
Committee Member 2
Brianne Morettini, PhD
Keywords
Kitchen Table Conversations;Mental Health;MHFA Training;Suicidal Ideation;Teacher Wellbeing;Teen Mental Health
Disciplines
Education | Educational Leadership
Abstract
This dissertation, titled Mind Matters: Investigating the Impact of Mental Health First Aid Training on High School Staff, examines whether Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips high school personnel with the necessary tools to identify and support students in crisis. Conducted over six weeks during a series of Kitchen Table Conversations, the study involved eight high school staff members who participated in a structured MHFA training program. Qualitative data collected from participant discussions revealed that while the current MHFA training format is a good start, it lacks school-specific contextualization. More importantly, the opportunity to discuss and process the material with colleagues proved to be as beneficial—if not more so—than the training itself. Findings highlight the need for additional, school-specific training, a structured protocol for distressed students, mental health support for teachers, a return-to-school advisory committee for students recovering from a crisis, and finding time to meet, discuss, and process training topics. Additionally, MHFA training should include follow-ups and deeper engagement with school communities, as a single six-hour session is insufficient. With youth suicide remaining a critical concern, meaningful training and ongoing discussion are essential to ensuring effective support for students in need.
Recommended Citation
O'Neill, Sarah Jo, "MIND MATTERS: INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING ON HIGH SCHOOL STAFF" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3340.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3340
