Me and My Feelings (Me and My School)

The Me and My School questionnaire (M&MS) is a self-report measure for children aged eight years and above that measures emotional difficulties and behavioural difficulties. Participants respond to each item by selecting one of three options: Never, Sometimes, Always. Total scale scores are created by summing the item scores which results in a possible range of scores of 0–20 for the emotional and 0–12 for the behavioural difficulties scales, a higher score indicating more problems.

The M&MF survey consists of 16 items that students respond to. Each item represents a specific statement related to their emotional and behavioral experiences. Students are asked to rate how often each statement applies to them using a scale of Never, Sometimes, and Always. The scoring of the survey involves assigning numerical values to these response options: Never = 0, Sometimes = 1, and Always = 2. However, one item ("I am calm") is reverse scored, with Never = 2, Sometimes = 1, and Always = 0.

The first 10 items make up the Emotional Difficulties subscale, and items 11-16 make up the Behavioural Difficulties subscale.

The scoring of the M&MF survey provides insights into students' mental health and wellbeing. By calculating the total score and subscale scores, schools can identify patterns and levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties that students may be experiencing. The survey aims to quantify the frequency of certain feelings and behaviours that are indicators of mental wellbeing.

The results of the M&MF questionnaire offer valuable information that can be used in several ways:

• Early Intervention: Schools can identify students who might be struggling with emotional or behavioural challenges and provide timely support to address their needs.
• Targeted Support: The survey helps schools pinpoint specific areas of difficulty, such as emotional distress or disruptive behaviour, allowing them to tailor interventions and resources to individual students.
• Tracking Progress: By administering the survey periodically, schools can track changes in students' emotional and behavioural wellbeing over time and assess the impact of interventions.
• Program Evaluation: Schools can evaluate the effectiveness of mental health and wellbeing programmes by comparing survey results before and after program implementation.
• Resource Allocation: The survey results can guide schools in allocating resources, such as counseling services or workshops, to areas of greatest need.

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The M&MF survey offers several benefits for schools:

• Holistic Approach: It provides a structured way to assess not only academic progress but also students' emotional and behavioral well-being, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of student needs.
• Proactive Care: Schools can proactively address mental health concerns, creating a safer and more supportive environment for students.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: The survey generates data that informs evidence-based decisions, enabling schools to prioritise and tailor interventions effectively.
• Improved Outcomes: By identifying and addressing emotional and behavioral challenges, schools can contribute to improved student well-being, behaviour, and overall academic performance.

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The M&MF survey is designed to be efficient and time-friendly. It takes approximately 10 minutes for students to complete. This relatively short duration minimises disruption to academic schedules while still providing valuable insights into students' mental health and wellbeing.