Research Summary
At least one in five Canadian children and youth experience poor mental health—and equity-deserving groups, such as gender-diverse youth, are more likely to suffer. Healthy relationships are critical for positive mental health, but many young people in Canada experience unhealthy relationships that include bullying or violence. As Canada Research Chair in Childhood Health Promotion, Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens aims to improve the mental health and well-being of children and youth by promoting equity-centred, healthy relationships.
She and her research team are evaluating a national program for adolescent boys to promote gender-transformative healthy relationships and creating new content for this program. They are also exploring a new virtual suicide prevention training program for schools that is designed to prevent suicide among autistic and non-binary youth. Overall, their research will promote the health of Canadian children and youth.