CALM—calm in all little minds: an occupational therapy program for stress and anxiety in elementary schools
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The CALM program is a health promotion program created to address the problem of signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety in elementary school students. Stress and anxiety not only have an identified prevalence in the childhood population, they have been noted to impact occupational performance. Social Cognitive Theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological model, the PERMA model, and the Health Belief Model provide the theoretical lens by which the problem was viewed and the program was developed. A synthesis of research on intervention for signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety showed that symptoms of stress and anxiety can be mitigated through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and yoga interventions. In addition, supporting and developing resilience, self-esteem, and self-efficacy can provide youth with the tools to be able to negotiate signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety. Each day, the students will be led through activities to focus on emotional identification, mindfulness, movement breaks, and positive self-talk. The goal of CALM is to provide calm in all little minds through a theoretically grounded and evidenced-based school program.
CALM was created for elementary school students, their teachers, their administrators, and their families. School districts may have positive behavioral intervention programs they use or programs that work on social-emotional skills in elementary school. However, CALM is unique because it: is a daily program that embeds into the curriculum to fill a mental health need; takes into account the entire child including their social-emotional, physical, and well-being; and was developed by an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy practice is client focused and treats the whole child, addressing successful participation in occupations and routines. The implementation of the program will be facilitated by classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, with consultation from an occupational therapist. This program requires evaluation to assess its success and statistical relevance. Once program evaluation research is completed on the CALM program, the effects of this innovative, occupation-based program can be shared. The program can be promoted in school districts and conferences with training for specialists to decrease signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety in elementary school children.
Description
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International