New Research Project to Enhance Mental Health Support in Swedish High Schools

Lena Uvhagen, a researcher at Örebro University, has received a grant of 54,000 kronor from the Kempe-Carlgrenska Foundation to advance her doctoral research on promoting psychological well-being in Swedish schools. The project focuses on mental health from teachers' perspectives, particularly examining the 'Solution-focused intervention for mental health' (SIM) program, which has been implemented across high schools in Västerås between 2019 and 2023. Uvhagen highlights the growing challenge of youth mental health and emphasizes that schools are natural settings for fostering mental well-being. However, she notes that many current initiatives linger on problems rather than proactive support to strengthen all students’ well-being. The study aims to generate insights that can improve the successful implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions in Swedish high schools. This project is the final component of Uvhagen's doctoral dissertation and represents a step toward more research-based programs that support psychological well-being in the school environment.