DeCoDe - Teachers’ Detection and Competence Regarding Students’ Depressive Symptoms

Teachers can play a crucial role in the early identification of depressive symptoms in students and in referring them to professional support systems. However, many teachers report lacking sufficient knowledge and preparation. There is limited research on the factors that shape (prospective) teachers’ knowledge, actions, and attitudes regarding childhood and adolescent depression. The DeCoDe project uses a vignette study to investigate how pre-service teachers recognize depressive symptoms and how they respond pedagogically. It also examines which individual teacher characteristics are associated with recognizing depressive symptoms and choosing supportive actions. Across four experimental conditions, the project tests whether a video-based minimal intervention or ChatGPT can improve teachers’ ability to identify depressive symptoms and respond competently. The aim of DeCoDe is to sustainably improve school-based support for children and adolescents with depressive symptoms.