Implementing Adolescent Wellbeing and Health Programs in Schools: Insights from a Mixed Methods and Multiple Informant Study

Determining the factors that influence implementation of school-based wellbeing and health programs is essential for achieving desired program effects. Using a convergent mixed-methods, multiple informant design, this study considered factors that influence implementation of health programs for ninth grade students and in what ways implementation is differentially perceived by multiple informants (i.e., participants, instructors, and independent observers). Two types of programs—mindfulness and health education—were implemented with ninth graders (N = 70) in three schools situated in low-resourced urban neighborhoods. Study outcomes were derived from four data sources: (1) focus group participants (N = 45); (2) program instructor fidelity ratings; (3) independent observer fidelity ratings and notes; and (4) instructor open-ended session responses. Using thematic and mixed methods integration analyses, we identified themes related to implementation promoting or challenging factors. Theme names differed when data sources were separately analyzed by informant. Mixed methods integration analysis indicated that four themes were common across all informant groups: (1) competent, attentive, and engaging instructors are essential; (2) programs should involve interactive components (e.g., physical activities, applied learning opportunities); (3) adequate time for program delivery is key for student exposure and engagement; and (4) students’ availability and preferences should guide program scheduling. A fifth theme, unique to instructor and observer perspectives, was that program implementation was negatively impacted by distractions from multiple sources, including instructors, students, and settings. Recommendations from students, instructors, and observers for implementation optimization are discussed.

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11121-022-01481-2

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Work Title Implementing Adolescent Wellbeing and Health Programs in Schools: Insights from a Mixed Methods and Multiple Informant Study
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Open Access
Creators
  1. Jacinda K. Dariotis
  2. Keren Mabisi
  3. Rachel Jackson-Gordon
  4. Nan Yang
  5. Emma Jane Rose
  6. Tamar Mendelson
  7. Diana H. Fishbein
Keyword
  1. Implementation
  2. Fidelity
  3. Mindfulness
  4. Health education
  5. Youth
  6. School-based interventions
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Prevention Science
Publication Date 2023
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-022-01481-2
Deposited May 29, 2023

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Version 1
published

  • Created
  • Added Implementation_Paper_-_Final_Submission.pdf
  • Added Creator Jacinda K. Dariotis
  • Added Creator Keren Mabisi
  • Added Creator Rachel Jackson-Gordon
  • Added Creator Nan Yang
  • Added Creator Emma Jane Rose
  • Added Creator Tamar Mendelson
  • Added Creator Diana H. Fishbein
  • Published
  • Updated Keyword, Publication Date Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Implementation, Fidelity, Mindfulness, Health education, Youth, School-based interventions
    Publication Date
    • 2023-01-01
    • 2023
  • Updated