Preliminary Research Questions In the Methodology seminar (POP8920), we have been assigned three linked projects that will lead to a fully formed dissertation proposal. The first part is a one page preliminary draft that outlines the issue of interest and some questions associated to this issue.

Here is my draft:


To: Dr. Lise Dubois, Dr. Maurice Lévesque
From: Peter Levesque, 424540
Date: 2005-01-17
Re: POP8920 Preliminary version of research question
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Mental health problems and illnesses (MHPI) affect approximately one in five children and youth in Canada . Yet only about one in six of these individuals receive any service from a mental health professional.(1) Many MHPI can be prevented and all can be treated. (2)

In the context of schools, mental health problems contribute significantly to class disruption and dropping out. When in school, students cannot optimize their learning if their mental health needs are not met. This leads to other behaviors that are manifested in other areas such as physical health, youth justice, and child welfare. More troubling is not just removal from school but from life, by committing suicide. Statistics Canada reports suicide as the second leading cause of youth death, after fatal motor vehicle accidents. (3)

Given that children and youth have an almost universal access to school in Canada, what does child and youth mental health mean for school principals, administrators, and teachers? They are often in an excellent position to promote mental health and to assist in the detection of mental illnesses. They receive almost no training or support in this area.

School is identified by youth as both the most positive aspect of their life and the most stressful. The 1992 Canadian Psychiatric Association’s Canadian Youth and Mental Health & Illness Survey demonstrated that for youth, school was seen as the most positive aspect of their life. The same survey also identified school as the most stressful aspect of their life. When it comes to discussing mental health concerns however, teachers, principals, school health workers appear to be left out of the loop. When youth are ready to seek help, they go to their family doctor first, family and friends next, almost never to a school worker. Why not?

• What is the prevalence of mental health problems and illnesses (MHPI) in Canada compared to other countries?
• What is the relationship between MHPI and socioeconomic status?
• What is the relationship of access to treatment and SES?
• What are the current barriers, gaps, and resource needs for schools to be a “first line” of detection and treatment of MHPI?
• How can school professionals be effectively developed to support CYMH?
• What issues are preventing the development of an integrated system for CYMH?
• How can mental health be viewed as a component in the holistic health of a population?
• What is the cost of non-treatment of MHPI versus the potential gains in productivity from early and adequate treatment?

1) Davidson, S. & Manion, I.G. (1996). Facing the challenge: mental health and illness in Canadian youth. Psychology, Health & Medicine 1, (1), 41-56.
2) World Health Organization. Fact sheet No. 265, Mental and neurological disorders. December 2001. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs265/en/print.html
3) Statistics Canada (2005). Major Causes of Death. Available online at: http://142.206.72.67/02/02b/02b_003_e.htm  ¶ 9:33 a.m.