Individual Factors: Mental Health

Abstract

Schools are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of mental health promotion and the early identification of mental illness. The literature clearly indicates that good mental health has a positive outcome on school belonging as well as academic outcomes. In this chapter, we investigate both positive and negative personal characteristics—emotional instability and positive personal characteristics such as self-esteem, character strengths, mindset, social and emotional competence, and positive emotionality. We consider strategies for minimising emotional instability and promoting positive personal characteristics, as important pathways for fostering a sense of school belonging.