Melody Ezpeleta, Walla Walla University School of Education and Psychology associate professor, is seeking individuals who would like to participate in a research study to further understand the experience of high school students and their mental health while attending Adventist academies.
This research study aims to capture experiences from a variety of perspectives and to assess the resources and supports that would benefit this population. The rationale for this study is to gain knowledge of the observed or encountered mental health conditions of high school students in Adventist academies, how they are being attended to and what is needed to better support the mental health of these students.
Recent alumni of Adventist academies who meet the following criteria can participate:
- Graduated and/or attended an Adventist academy within grades 9–12 under one of the conferences in the North Pacific Union — Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Upper Columbia and Washington — under the North American Division Office of Education within the last four years (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025).
- Attended the academy for at least one academic year within grades 9–12. No online-specific academies, please.
- No longer a student in any academy or another high school.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
The research study involves an anonymous online survey that can be completed on your own independent time. Participation will involve answering several eligibility questions, providing demographic information and completing a series of survey questions. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
You will be given the opportunity to provide your name and email address through a separate survey link and be entered into a drawing for a chance to receive one of four $25 Amazon e-gift cards. Your name and email address will not be connected to your survey responses.
If you believe you meet the criteria, click the link below, where you will be directed to another website on which the study is hosted. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and, therefore, you may opt out of the study at any point by closing your browser window.
The research team thanks you for your time and consideration in participating in this study. Your perspective is valuable in guiding the direction and steps that may need to take place to address the mental health of students in Adventist academies.
If you have any questions about this study, please contact Ezpeleta at melody.ezpeleta@wallawalla.edu.
This research has been approved by Walla Walla University’s Ethics in Research Committee.
