3rd semester

Learning Objectives

The course aims to assist students becoming familiar with the basic principles and concepts related to prevention and intervention in the school community, as well as factors that contribute to promoting the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents to enhance learning. Specifically, through examples of intervention programs implemented in Greece and abroad, students will gain theoretical knowledge and will participate in introductory exercises that involve the application of social and emotional educational activities within the school community.

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the functioning of the school as a system.
• Identify contemporary theoretical approaches concerning the provision of psychosocial services in the school community.
• Utilize the concept of social and emotional development of children and adolescents, as well as specific dimensions of their psychosocial adaptation, to develop intervention programs.
• Apply the concept of mental resilience and the promotion of mental and physical well-being at a systemic level.
• Describe programs for the prevention and promotion of mental and physical health in the school environment.
• Design and evaluate the structure and implementation of these programs.

Course Content

The course includes the following topics:

• Contemporary theoretical approaches to prevention and intervention in the school environment - development of a conceptual framework.
• The importance of a systemic approach in interventions within the school community.
• Promotion of well-being and mental resilience in the school community.
• The concept of social and emotional education - social adequacy - social skills - emotional adequacy - emotional skills.
• Intervention programs in the school environment (prevention levels, structure, design, implementation, and effectiveness measurement).
• Examples of programs for promoting learning and mental health in schools - primary & secondary prevention programs.
• European standards and indicators for health promotion schools.
• School bullying / programs based on mentalization.
• Sexuality education / European and international standards.
• Programs for prevention of addictions in the school environment.
• Programs for promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition in the school environment.
• Health promotion programs in preschool age.
• Supportive programs for children with chronic illnesses in the school environment.