“Youth Aware of Mental Health” effectiveness evaluation in Estonia

YAM, short for Youth Aware of Mental health, is an international school-based prevention program that helps to increase young people’s awareness of mental health topics and strengthen protective factors even before problems develop. The core of the program consists of discussions and role-playing that help young people learn to recognize mental health risk signs, talk about their feelings, and seek help. 

The aim of the study is to evaluate the YAM program in youth mental health and suicide prevention implemented in Estonia in 2026–2027 to explore if the program is suitable for the Estonian context or if it needs adaptation. 

The focus of the study is a randomized controlled trial where students from Estonian schools will either participate in the YAM program sessions or belong to a control group. Both groups will undergo repeated measurements – before the start of the program, immediately after its conclusion, and 3 to 4 months later. This makes it possible to compare the intervention’s effect on mental health-related indicators, including young people’s awareness, attitudes, well-being, and readiness to seek help. The controlled trial will be supported by interviews with instructors and students. 

In cooperation with the Education and Youth Authority, IBS is responsible for the scientific evaluation of the project and the planning and implementation of the adaptation process. As a result of the project, practical proposals will be developed for adapting the YAM program in Estonian schools to increase its impact, sustainability, and applicability in strengthening youth mental health.