Mental Health Prevention in Schools: A Theoretical Framework for Educational Practice in Bavaria

Dos Santos Gomes, Dr. Luiz André und Gelder, Irina Maria (2025): Mental Health Prevention in Schools: A Theoretical Framework for Educational Practice in Bavaria. Zulassungsarbeit, Fakultät für Psychologie und Pädagogik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents presents a growing challenge for educational systems. Schools are not only sites of learning but also key environments for prevention, early detection, and support. This paper develops a theoretical framework for mental health prevention in schools, with a specific focus on the Bavarian educational context. Drawing on the vulnerability–stress model, resilience theory, and a biopsychosocial understanding of health, it examines the development and chronicity of mental illnesses in childhood and adolescence. The paper outlines primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies and discusses universal, selective, and indicated approaches within school settings. Particular attention is given to the role of teachers as central actors in promoting mental well-being, identifying early warning signs, and collaborating with psychosocial and medical support systems. By integrating current empirical findings, legal frameworks, and exemplary prevention programs, the paper highlights the potential of schools to foster resilience, reduce stigma, and contribute to educational equity through sustained and systematic mental health prevention.

• Dokumententyp: LMU München: Studienabschlussarbeit
• Keywords: Mental health prevention; School-based prevention; Resilience; Vulnerability–stress model; Teacher education
• Fakultät: Psychologie und Pädagogik > Department Pädagogik und Rehabilitation > Abt. 3: Präventions-, Inklusions- und Rehabilitationsforschung > Pädagogik bei geistiger Behinderung und Pädagogik bei Verhaltensstörungen
• Institut oder Departement: Department Pädagogik und Rehabilitation
• Themengebiete: 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 360 Soziale Probleme, Sozialdienste ; 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 370 Bildung und Erziehung