Mental Health in Educational Communities in Chile After a Public Health Emergency: An Assessment of Schoolchildren and Their Caregivers.

The model predicting posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) in students was statistically significant, with female sex as a key predictor.

• Sample included 489 students aged 10-17, with 48% female sex.
• Female sex was identified as a significant predictor of PTSSs in the hierarchical regression model.
• Caregivers ranged in age from 21-69, with 86.5% female, including mothers, fathers, and guardians.
• Hierarchical linear regression and path analyses were used to evaluate the predictive model.

Aggressive behavior and specific coping strategies were key predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms in students.

• Key predictors of PTSSs included aggressive behavior, keeping problems to oneself, cognitive avoidance, and intrusive rumination.
• These coping strategies represent avoidant and suppressive approaches to managing distress.
• Intrusive rumination, as opposed to deliberate rumination, was associated with negative outcomes.

Caregiver posttraumatic stress symptoms were a significant predictor of student posttraumatic stress symptoms.

• Caregiver PTSSs were identified as a key predictor in the model for student PTSSs.
• This finding indicates that caregiver well-being influences student mental health outcomes.
• The study highlighted 'the influence of caregiver well-being' on school-aged children's mental health.

The model predicting posttraumatic growth (PTG) in students was also significant, with distinct predictors from those associated with PTSSs.

• Predictors of PTG included active problem-solving, communication, a positive attitude, and deliberate rumination.
• These predictors are distinct from those predicting PTSSs, indicating 'distinct psychological processes underlying negative and positive outcomes following trauma.'
• Deliberate rumination, in contrast to intrusive rumination, was associated with positive posttraumatic growth outcomes.

School closures and changes in daily routines during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced students' opportunities for learning and social interaction, affecting their mental health.

• The study was conducted in educational communities across various Chilean cities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic was identified as a public health emergency significantly impacting individuals and families, particularly in educational settings.
• Caregivers faced increased responsibilities and stressors during this period.

Multi-level intervention strategies addressing emotional regulation, communication, and coping mechanisms were identified as important for fostering resilience and psychological growth.

• The study concluded that 'multi-level strategies addressing emotional regulation, communication, and coping mechanisms may foster resilience and psychological growth in educational communities.'
• The findings underscore 'the complexity of mental health outcomes among school-aged children and the influence of caregiver well-being.'
• The study highlighted the importance of supporting both students and caregivers through targeted interventions.