THE EVIDENCE

There is substantial research on the impact of journaling on improved mental health and well-being including reductions in emotional complaints, improvements in social relationships and role functioning, and enhanced self-regulation. Verbal and narrative reflection practices have been shown to promote empowerment, self-actualization, and social justice goals. The primary program modality for THIS IS ME is 3 guided verbal journaling interviews. 

The fact that THIS IS ME is rooted in the student’s voice is an added benefit. Most existing SEL and suicide prevention programs currently used in schools are didactic, adult-driven, and not based on methods commonly used by today’s youth such as videos and social media. 

In THIS IS ME, verbal journaling is paired with classroom curriculum to build insight into self, coping strategies, and skills to support others. THIS IS ME classroom sessions, facilitated by trusted adults (teachers, counselors) begin with the students responses to key life questions, reinforcing protective factors related to supporting others, identifying trusted adults and cultural supports, sharing goals and aspirations, empowering youth to be change-agents, and building connections with others.   

THIS IS ME has been evaluated for its desirability with students and teachers during a pilot test of the program with students during the 2020-2021 virtual school year. The program was offered virtually, after school, for no school credit with the only reason for students to participate being an invitation from a teacher. Fourteen high-schools, eleven in WA state, and a school each in Mexico, Canada and Australia took part in the pilot test. Ninety-eight students and 14 teachers participated in the program.

• 98% of students were satisfied with the program; 97% found it to be very effective

• 82% of students said they would do it again

• All (but one) teacher was satisfied with the program and said they would do it again if given the opportunity

Buoyed by initial success, we are creating an enhanced version of THIS IS ME that additional schools and a youth advisory board will pilot again during the 2021-2022 school year. Notably, the enhanced version of THIS IS ME will integrate peer interviewers from diverse backgrounds to guide the video journaling sessions for students. Additional data will be collected to evaluate program outcomes. A federal grant was been submitted to the Institute of Education Sciences through their Development and Innovation mechanism and is pending approval.