Examining the Role of Mental Health Literacy Programs in School in Enhancing Help-seeking Behaviors among Adolescents in Malaysia: A Systematic Literature Review

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Keywords

Mental health literacy
Help-seeking behaviour
Adolescents
Malaysian education
School-based program

Abstract

Mental health literacy programs have been shown to play a significant role in fostering awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting help-seeking behaviors among adolescents. However, there is limited research on the implementation and impact of such programs within Malaysian schools. This study aims to investigate the role of mental health literacy programs in enhancing help-seeking behaviors among Malaysian adolescents. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing six recent studies published in recent years that met the inclusion criteria, following the PRISMA guidelines. The findings indicate that mental health literacy programs positively influence adolescents' attitudes toward mental health, increase their likelihood of seeking help, and improve overall psychological well-being. The key outcomes from the analyzed studies included stigma reduction, awareness levels, and support-seeking behaviors. The review highlights the importance of integrating mental health literacy into school curricula as a means to empower students and address mental health needs proactively. This study suggests that educators and policymakers should prioritize mental health literacy in schools to support adolescent mental health and enhance help-seeking behaviors.

 

 

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