Psychology Professionals in Educational Contexts: An Unavoidable Necessity

Abstract

Mental health problems and psychological adjustment difficulties among young people are emerging as a personal, family, educational, social, and health challenge. It is necessary to address this emerging social defiance by studying and implementing strategies to promote emotional well-being and prevent psychological problems in educational contexts. The aim of this work is to highlight, based on the epidemiological data derived from the PSICE (Evidence-based Psychology in Educational Contexts) project, the importance of addressing mental health in school settings. First, an introduction to the study of human behavior and psychological adjustment problems is given. Secondly, the importance of educational centers as the natural place to promote the psychological well-being and child and adolescent mental health is discussed. Thirdly, the prevalence results derived from the PSICE study are mentioned. To conclude, a summary section highlights the imperative need to promote, protect, and care for mental health during childhood and adolescence in educational settings. The promotion of psychological well-being and the prevention of mental health problems in educational contexts are the best investments on the part of societies, governments, and institutions.