Associations of Adolescent Mental Health First Aid Intentions and Help-Giving Behaviours: A School-Based Longitudinal Study

Abstract

It is unclear how well intentions to support an adolescent peer with a mental health problem or in crisis translate into actual help-giving behaviours. Using data from a longitudinal study, this analysis aimed to investigate the associations between mental health first aid intentions and supportive behaviours among adolescents. A sample of 2749 Australian adolescents were included in the baseline analyses of 12 intention items and other covariates. At 12- and 18-month follow-up, 733 and 520 students reported valid data on their help-giving behaviours. Linear and logistic regression models were employed to examine the associations. High-to-moderate concordance was observed between baseline fi..