School-based health promotion for adolescents - Impact of a psychosocial intervention in two high schools

Aims: The effects of health-promotion lesson modules on teaching climate, s chool stress and physical and psychological well-being were investigated in a controlled intervention study in two high schools. The lesson plans were developed jointly by teachers and students and integrated into normal clas sroom teaching. Methods :Three questionnaire assessments were carried out w ith students in the intervention and control schools. Health promotion less ons were implemented in the intervention school between T1 and T2 (an inter val of 12 months) and evaluated by participants after completion, Results i ndicated that the modules were positively appraised and that participation in a longitudinal study led to a more critical evaluation of the teaching c limate and school stress, A decrease in physical and psychological symptoma tology ran in parallel with increases in critical appraisal of the school e nvironment, This pattern of results was found in both schools, i.e., no int ervention effect could be demonstrated. Conclusions: It is likely that part icipation made the adolescents more sensitized to individual and interactio nal problems as well as led them to mobilize their own resources. The healt h-promotion activities supported a participatory/interactive relationship b etween teachers and students which in turn resulted in systemic structural changes. It can be assumed that these factors will have long-term positive effects on the well-being of the participants.