Unheard Voices: Themes Emerging From Studies of the Views About School Engagement of Young People With High Support Needs in the Area of Mental Health

Abstract

We know that students’ positive engagement with school is closely linked to their positive mental health. In particular, a positive engagement assists students to develop the human connections and resilience that reduces the risk of developing later mental health problems. What do students themselves say about what assists them to engage successfully with school? In particular, what is known of the views of students with high support needs in the area of mental health? The MindMatters Plus Project commissioned a review of existing studies of students’ perspectives about engagement. This overview summarises the literature that typifies the three overlapping areas of school engagement, student..