Current Research Trends and Challenges of Mental Health Prevention Education in School in Japan: Social Implementation of the Up2-D2

Abstract

Preventive interventions before the problems occur are not to be implemented, as its effects are less visible than those of treatment to solve existing problems. However, given the deterioration of children’s mental health in school settings and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an impending issue to promote and implement preventive intervention in school. This review described the current research trends and challenges of mental health prevention education in school through the social implementation of the Universal Unified Prevention Program for Diverse Disorders (Up2-D2). In this review, we discussed research issues in social implementation, such as examining efficacy, selecting measurements, expanding targeted population, sophisticating and shortening of components, selecting from existing programs, and training young researchers. In addition, challenges on the practical side, such as finding key persons, creating class time, training implementers, obtaining funds for management, and doing public relations were also discussed.