School leaders’ promotion of mental health: a comparative study

The present study aimed to explore the implementation of health promotion (HP) in schools in Malaysia and Switzerland, investigate how school leaders’ attitudes are related to such efforts, and identify contextual factors that contribute to HP implementation. School leaders from both countries (Malaysia and Switzerland) completed an online survey including the School Promotion of Social and Emotional Health, and a comparative analysis (hierarchical regression analysis) was conducted to investigate the levels of HP implementation in both countries and the possible effects of school leaders’ attitudes. Although both countries had comparable results on overall HP implementation levels, Malaysia had higher levels for certain subscales, such as fostering a positive school community. In Switzerland, HP implementation was closely linked to school leaders’ attitudes. Possible explanations for these findings can be found in the distinct governing systems of the two countries. This study offers a unique comparative perspective on HP in two countries with distinctly different governing structures. It also contributes to educational policy by highlighting the need for context-sensitive approaches to HP implementation.