First Aid Training for Parents of Teenagers: A Randomized Controlled Trial (TPOT Study)

Project Details

This project aims to assess the long-term effects of MHFA training of parents on the mental health of their adolescent children. Parents of an adolescent aged 12–15 were randomised to receive either the 14-hour Youth MHFA course or the 15-hour Australian Red Cross Provide First Aid course. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up in both parents and adolescents. Primary outcomes were cases of adolescent mental health problems, and parental support towards their adolescent if they developed a mental health problem, rated by the parent and adolescent.

The study showed some improvements in mental health literacy in training recipients but could not detect changes in the mental health of adolescents and the support provided to them by their parents if they had a mental health problem. However, there was a lack of power to detect primary outcome effects and therefore the question of whether MHFA training leads to better outcomes in the recipients of aid remains to be further explored.

Research Group

Population Mental Health



Faculty Research Themes

Neuroscience

School Research Themes

Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (including cancer), and promotion of mental health



Key Contact

For further information about this research, please contact the research group leader.

Department / Centre

Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing

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