THE IMPACT OF SCHOOLBASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN PROMOTING SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN.

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at examining the purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of school-based mental health programs in promoting positive social behaviour in students of the University of Benin. To guide the study, four research questions were raised which are outlined The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 66,100 (sixty six thousand one hundred) students from the various faculties in the University of Benin. The sample for the study consists of three hundred (300) students drawn from the various faculties in the University of Benin. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents in the University of Benin. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “School based Mental Health Programs and Positive Social Behaviour." It was validated by the researchers' supervisor and two experts. The data collected for the study was analyzed using frequency tables, Mean and Standard deviation. The findings from the study revealed that student behaviour that are positive and socially positive has been demonstrated to be significantly enhanced by the University of Benin's implementation of school-based mental health programmes. These initiatives have promoted an atmosphere that is favourable to emotional health, interpersonal connections, and academic achievement by providing focused interventions and support systems. In order to help students overcome the obstacles of college life, build resilience, and interact constructively with both their peers and the larger community, mental health issues should be aggressively addressed in the educational setting. To guarantee that these programmes are relevant and effective in fulfilling the changing needs of students, continuous assessment and modification are necessary. All in all, funding school-based mental health programmes helps University of Benin students individually as well as foster a more positive and welcoming campus environment