The role of educational leaders in addressing school-based mental health stigma

Abstract

Background: Mental health stigma in schools creates a culture of secrecy and shame that inhibits open discourse and early intervention for students facing mental health challenges, positioning educational leadership as a potential lever for change. Objective: To examine the role of educational leaders in addressing school-based mental health stigma and to assess student and staff participation in stigma-reduction efforts. Methods: Quantitative descriptive survey study using primary data from a self-administered questionnaire and secondary data from books and publications. One hundred students from Kumasi Wesley Girls' High School, Ghana, were selected via simple random sampling; data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Mental health stigma was confirmed to be present among both students and staff. Student and staff participation in leadership-driven anti-stigma efforts was found to be weak, with varied viewpoints on the extent of engagement. Conclusion: Mental health stigma negatively affects school culture by discouraging open discussion and early intervention. The Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and individual schools should implement comprehensive.