Hostname: page-component-cb9f654ff-plnhv Total loading time: 0.001 Render date: 2025-08-05T13:13:19.708Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Mental Health and Students with Disabilities: A Review of Literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2013

Julie M. McMillan  and
Jane M. Jarvis
Julie M. McMillan*
Affiliation:
School of Education, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Jane M. Jarvis
Affiliation:
School of Education, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Julie McMillan, School of Education, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001 SA, Australia. Email: julie.mcmillan@flinders.edu.au
Get access

Abstract

Students with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, but may not be recognised as an at-risk population in the design of school-based prevention and intervention efforts. Understanding the link between disability and mental health is important for school psychologists and guidance counsellors, teachers, and special education personnel who are in a position to provide targeted opportunities for social and emotional learning and to ameliorate the potential for marginalisation and isolation. This article reviews research related to mental health in students with disabilities, with a focus on understanding potential pathways between disability and mental health difficulties and examining the evidence for effective universal and targeted interventions. The research reviewed highlights the need for mental health promotion in schools to incorporate targeted approaches for at-risk students within the context of universal, whole-school approaches, and in particular to consider the mental health needs of students with disabilities.

Keywords

disabilitymental healthpreventionintervention

Information

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 23 , Special Issue 2: Wellbeing and the prevention of violence in young people , December 2013 , pp. 236 - 251
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2013 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Ainscow, M., & César, M. (2006). Inclusive education ten years after Salamanca: Setting the agenda. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 11 (3), 231–238. doi:10.1007/BF03173412CrossRefGoogle Scholar
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012, April 29). Being left out puts youths with special needs at risk for depression. Science Daily. Retrieved August 26, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085404.htmGoogle Scholar
Askell-Williams, H., Lawson, M.J., & Slee, P.T. (2009). Venturing into schools: Locating mental health initiatives in complex environments. The International Journal of Emotional Education, 1 (2), 14–33. Retrieved from www.enseceurope.org/journalGoogle Scholar
Atkins, M.S., Hoagwood, K.E., Kutash, K., & Seidman, E. (2010). Toward the integration of education and mental health in schools. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 37, 40–47. doi:10.1007/s10488-010-0299-7CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2008). Disability in Australia: Intellectual disability (AIHW Bulletin no. 67). Canberra, Australia: Author. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468183Google Scholar
Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In Ramachaudran, V.S. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71–81). New York: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Barrett, S., Eber, L., & Weist, M. (2012). Development of an interconnected systems framework for school mental health. Retrieved May 17, 2013 from http://pbis.org/school/school_mental_health/default.aspxGoogle Scholar
Bayer, J., Hiscock, H., Scalzo, K., Mathers, M., McDonald, M., Morris, A., Birdseye, J., & Wake, M. (2009). Systematic review of preventive interventions for children's mental health: What would work in Australian contexts? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 43, 695–710. doi:10.1080/00048670903001893CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bender, W.N., Rosenkrans, C.B., & Crane, M. (1999). Stress, depression, and suicide among students with learning disabilities: Assessing the risk. Learning Disability Quarterly, 22 (2), 143–156. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/1511272CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Carmody, M. (1990). Sexual assault of people with an intellectual disability: Final report. Sydney, Australia: New South Wales Women's Coordination Unit.Google Scholar
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2013). CASEL Guide: Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs - Preschool and Elementary School Edition. Chicago, IL: Author.Google Scholar
Cordeiro, L., Ballinger, E., & Hagerman, R. (2011). Clinical assessment of DSM-IV anxiety disorders in fragile X syndrome: Prevalence and characterization. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 3, 57–67. doi:10.1007/s11689-010-9067-yCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Darney, D., Reinke, W.M., Herman, K.C., Stormont, M., & Ialongo, N.S. (2013). Children with co-occuring academic and behaviour problems in first grade: Distal outcomes in twelfth grade. Journal of School Psychology, 51, 117–128. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2012.09.005CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Davies, K. (2005). Depression and Asperger syndrome: An overview of some issues. Intellectual Disability Australasia, December, 11–12 & 14–15.Google Scholar
Department of Health and Ageing, Commonwealth of Australia. (2003). National Mental Health Plan 2003–2008. Canberra, Australia: Author. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-pubs-n-plan03Google Scholar
Dix, K., Shearer, J., Slee, P., & Butcher, C. (2010). KidsMatter for students with a disability: Evaluation report. Adelaide, Australia: MAC: SWD.Google Scholar
du Feu, M., & Fergusson, K. (2003). Sensory impairment and mental health. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 9, 95–103. doi:10.1192/apt.01.03CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Durlak, J.A., Weissberg, R.P., Dymnicki, A.B., Taylor, R.D., & Schellinger, K.B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82 (1), 405–432. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.xCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Einfeld, S.L., & Tonge, B.J. (1996). Population prevalence of behavioural and emotional disturbance in children and adolescents with mental retardation. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 40 (2), 99–109. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2788.1996.768768.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Eisenhower, A.S., Baker, B.L., & Blacher, J. (2007). Early student-teacher relationships of children with and without intellectual disability: Contributions of behavioral, social and self-regulatory competence. Journal of School Psychology, 45, 363–383. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2006.10.002CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fellinger, J., Holzinger, D., Sattel, H., Lauch, M., & Goldberg, D. (2009). Correlates of mental health disorders among children with hearing impairments. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 51 (8), 635–641. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.03218.xCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Forlin, C. (2001). Inclusion: Identifying potential stressors for regular class teachers. Educational Research, 43, 235–245.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ghaziudden, M., Ghaziudden, N., & Greden, J. (2002). Depression in persons with autism: Implications for research and clinical care. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32 (4), 299–306.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Green, J., Howes, F., Waters, E., Maher, E., & Oberkaid, F. (2005). Promoting the social and emotional health of primary school-aged children: Reviewing the evidence base for school-based interventions. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 7 (3), 30–36. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14623730.2005.9721872CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hallahan, D.P., Kauffman, J.M., & Pullen, P.C. (2012). Exceptional learners: An introduction to special education (12th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Pearson.Google Scholar
Hoagwood, K., & Erwin, H.D. (1997). Effectiveness of school-based mental health services for children: A 10-year research review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 6 (4), 435–451.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hoagwood, K.E., Olin, S.S., Kerker, B.D., Kratochwill, T.R., Crowe, M., & Saka, N. (2007). Empirically based school interventions targeted at academic and mental health functioning. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 15 (2), 66–92.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jarvis, J.M. (2011). Promoting mental health through inclusive pedagogy. In Shute, R.H., Slee, P.T., Murray-Harvey, R., & , K.L. Dix (Eds.), Mental health and wellbeing: Educational perspectives (pp. 237–248). Adelaide, Australia: Shannon Research Press.Google Scholar
Jones, J.E., Hermann, B.P., Barry, J.J., Gilliam, F.G., Kanner, A.M., & Meador, K.J. (2003). Rates and risk factors for suicide, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in chronic epilepsy. Epilepsy and Behaviour, 4, 31–38. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2003.08.019CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kiuru, N., Leskinen, E., Nurmi, J., & Salmela-Aro, K. (2011). Depressive symptoms during adolescence: Do learning difficulties matter? International Journal of Behavioral Development, 35 (4), 298–306. doi:10.1177/0165025410396764CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Krezmien, M.P., Mulcahy, C.A., & Leone, P.E. (2008). Detained and committed youth: Examining differences in achievement, mental health needs, and special education status. Education and Treatment of Children, 31 (4), 445–464. Retrieved from http://www.educationandtreatmentofchildren.net/CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kutash, K., & Duchnowski, A.J. (2004). The mental health needs of youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities placed in special education programs in urban schools. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 13 (2), 235–248. doi:1062-1024/04/0600-0235/0CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kutash, K., Duchnowski, A.J., & Lynn, N. (2006). School-based mental health: An empirical guide for decision-makers. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Department of Child & Family Studies, Research and Training Center for Children's Mental Health.Google Scholar
Leadbeater, B.J., & Hoglund, W.L. (2009). The effects of peer victimization and physical aggression on changes in internalizing from first to third grade. Child Development 80 (3), 843–859. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01301.xCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McBride, H.E.A., & Siegel, L.S. (1997). Learning disabilities and adolescent suicide. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 30 (6), 652–659. doi:10.1177/002221949703000609CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Meltzer, L.J., Reddy, R., Pollica, L.S., & Roditi, B. (2004). Academic success in students with learning disabilities: The roles of self-understanding, strategy use, and effort. Thalamus, 2 (1), 16–32.Google Scholar
Ministerial Advisory Committee: Students with Disabilities. (2007). Mental health and students with a disability. Adelaide, Australia: Government of South Australia. Retrieved May 10, 2012, from http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/docs/documents/1/MentalHealthandChildrenan.pdfGoogle Scholar
Mitra, M., Mouradian, V.E., & Diamond, M. (2011). Sexual violence victimization against men with disabilities. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 41 (5), 494–497. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2011.07.014CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Office of Special Education Programs Technical Assistance Centre on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (OSEP PBIS). (2013). Retrieved May 16, 2013, from http://www.pbis.org/school/default.aspxGoogle Scholar
Owens, J.S., & Fabiano, G.A. (2011). School mental health programming for youth with ADHD: Addressing needs across the academic career. School Mental Health, 3, 111–116. doi:0.1007/s12310-011-9061-xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reddy, L.A., Newman, E., De Thomas, C.A., & Chun, V. (2009). Effectiveness of school-based prevention and intervention programs for children and adolescents with emotional disturbance: A meta-analysis. Journal of School Psychology, 47, 77–99. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2008.11.001CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Resnick, M.D. (2008). Best bets for improving the odds for optimum youth development. In Kline, K. & Kathleen Kovner, K. (Eds.), Authoritative communities: The scientific case for nurturing the whole child. (pp. 137–150). New York: Springer.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rickwood, D., White, A., & Eckersley, R. (2007). Overview of current trends in mental health problems for Australia's youth and adolescents. Clinical Psychologist, 11 (3), 72–78. doi:10.1080/13284200701870970CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Schwabe, L., & Wolf, O.T. (2010). Learning under stress impairs memory formation. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 93 (2), 183–188.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sousa, D.A., & Tomlinson, C.A. (2011). Differentiating in response to student readiness. In Differentiation and the brain: How neuroscience supports the learner-friendly classroom (pp. 85–108). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.Google Scholar
Spendelow, J.S. (2011). Assessment of mental health problems in people with Down syndrome: Key considerations. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39, 306–313. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3156.2010.00670.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Strang, J.F., Kenworthy, L., Daniolos, P., Case, L., Wills, M.C., Martin, A., & Wallace, G.L. (2012). Depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders without intellectual disability. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 406–412. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2011.06.015CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Swearer, S.M., Wang, C., Maag, J.W., Siebecker, A.B., & Frerichs, L.J. (2012). Understanding the bullying dynamic among students in special and general education. Journal of School Psychology, 50 (4), 503. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2012.04.001CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tennant, R., Goens, C., Barlow, J., Day, C., & Stewart-Brown, S. (2007). A systematic review of reviews of interventions to promote mental health and prevent mental problems in children and young people. Journal of Public Mental Health, 6 (1), 25–32.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Torr, J., Iacono, T., Graham, M., & Galea, J. (2008). Checklists for general practitioner diagnosis of depression in adults with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52, 930–941.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
van Gent, T., Goedhart, A.W., & Treffers, P.D.A. (2011). Self-concept and psychopathology in deaf adolescents: preliminary support for moderating effects of deafness-related characteristics and peer problems. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 52 (6), 720–728. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02392.xCrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Waddell, C., Hua, J.M., Garland, O.M., Peters, R.D., & McEwan, K. (2007). Preventing mental disorders in children: A systematic review to inform policy making. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 98 (3), 166–173.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Walker, J.C., Dosen, A., Buitelaar, J.K., & Janzing, J.G.E. (2011). Depression in Down syndrome: A review of the literature. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 1432–1440. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2011.02.010CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Weare, K. (2007). Linking education and mental health — a European priority. Health Education, 107 (3), 245–249. doi:10.1108/09654280710742546CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Weare, K., & Nind, M. (2011). Mental health promotion and problem prevention in schools: What does the evidence say? Health Promotion International, 26 (1), 29–69. doi:10.1093/heapro/dar075CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Welsh, M., Parke, R.D., Widaman, K., & O'Neil, R. (2001). Linkages between children's social and academic competence: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of School Psychology, 6, 463–481.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Westwood, P. (2011). Commonsense methods for students with special educational needs (6th ed., pp. 1–14). London: Routledge.Google Scholar
World Health Organization (2004). Promoting mental health: Concepts, emerging evidence, practice. Summary report. Retrieved May 16, 2013, from http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/promoting_mhh.pdfGoogle Scholar
Young, C.B., Wu, S.S., & Menon, V. (2012). The neurodevelopmental basis of math anxiety. Psychological Science, 23 (5), 492–501. doi:10.1177/0956797611429134CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Zahn-Waxler, C., Klimes-Dougan, B., & Slattery, M.J. (2000). Internalizing problems of childhood and adolescence: Prospects, pitfalls, and progress in understanding the development of anxiety and depression. Development and Psychopathology, 12, 443–466.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed