Name
Wellness4Teachers Program Effectiveness in Reducing Psychological Symptoms Among Educators
Time
2:15 PM - 2:25 PM (EST)
Description

The outcome of the longitudinal and naturalistic controlled evaluation of the Wellness4Teachers program, a daily supportive text messaging program, implemented to help mitigate psychological issues among elementary and secondary school teachers in Canada (Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia teachers). The study aimed to assess whether Wellness4Teachers can reduce the severity and prevalence of psychological issues and improve resilience among educators. The Wellness4Teachers program is one of the suits of program powered by the ResilienceNHope application. ResilienceNHope is an evidence-informed e-mental health application which delivers one-way (non-interactive) psychological interventions which incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy based on daily supportive messages (mobile text or email), to close the psychological treatment gap and improve the mental health literacy for individuals and communities globally. For the longitudinal study, the mean scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 3rd and 9th question of the PHQ-9, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were significantly lower by 5.5%, 18.58%, 17.54%, 37.5% and 13.52% at six months compared to baseline respectively for subscribers who completed the baseline survey and at least one follow-up survey. Additionally, the prevalence of likely Moderate Depressive Disorder (MDD) was significantly lower by 14.2% at six months compared to the baseline for subscribers who completed the baseline and at least one follow-up survey. In the naturalistic controlled trial, the mean scores on the PSS-10, the PHQ-9, and the GAD-7 were significantly lower in the IG by 6.04%, 21.16%, and 22.48% compared to the CG. In addition, the prevalence of likely MDD and GAD were significantly lower by 20.6% and 20.3%, respectively, for the IG compared to the CG. Finally, participants in the CG were 2.37, 2.13, and 2.74 times more likely to meet the cutoff threshold for high Stress, likely MDD, and likely GAD than participants in the IG. The Wellness4Teachers program shows promise as an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression among elementary and high school teachers. The combination of longitudinal and naturalistic controlled methodologies strengthens the study's reliability and supports the conclusion that daily supportive text messaging can be a valuable tool for promoting mental wellbeing among teachers. The Wellness4Teachers program is easily scalable, cost-effective, and can be accessed by teachers anytime, irrespective of their geographical location. The program can be adopted by governments, policymakers, school boards, and administrators to support teachers’ psychological wellbeing and promote professional fulfillment.

Belinda Agyapong, Ph.D.
Location Name
Pier-3 Room