Date of Award:

8-2020

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Department name when degree awarded

Teacher Education and Leadership

Committee Chair(s)

Steven Camicia

Committee

Steven Camicia

Committee

Ryan Knowles

Committee

Susan Turner

Committee

Rick Cruz

Committee

Shireen Keyl

Abstract

Utah is facing a mental health crisis. Between 2011 and 2017, teen suicides nearly tripled in Utah and had become the leading cause of death for children ages 10-17. Educators and policymakers are scrambling to provide students with mental health supports in schools, but an incomplete understanding of the challenges that students face can make it difficult to meet their needs. Each year state agencies ratchet up awareness, funding, and the determination to support mental health initiatives, but each year adolescent mental health in Utah becomes more precarious. The purpose of this study is to change the conversation by inviting adolescents to join Utah mental health conversation. The stories and insights these students share suggest the need for the development of a more comprehensive model of mental health support in schools - one that includes consideration of their needs for safety, respect, inclusion, connection, empowerment and transforming purpose.

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