The Role of School-Level Guidance and Counselling Services for Sustaining the Mental Health of G.C.E Advanced Level Students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Counselling plays a crucial role in promoting students’ mental health, particularly among G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) students who face significant academic and psychosocial pressures. This study examined the role of school-level guidance and counselling services in sustaining the mental health of A/L students in 1AB schools of the Manmunai North Educational Zone, Batticaloa Educational Division, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The objectives were to identify counselling activities available to A/L students and propose strategies to improve their effectiveness. A mixed-methods research design was employed. Eight 1AB schools were selected for the study. Participants included school principals, deputy principals, guidance and counselling teachers, educational and psychosocial officers, psychiatrists, and a counselling nurse. From a population of 2,588 A/L students, 346 students were selected using Slovin’s formula with a margin of error of 0.05. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentary evidence. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22, while qualitative data were interpreted thematically. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and mean scores, were calculated and used for data analysis. Findings revealed that 62.6% of A/L students experienced mental stress, with students in the Biology and Physical Science streams reporting higher levels of psychological difficulties. Although mental health concerns were common, the level of counselling activities conducted in schools was inadequate (Mean = 1.93). Key challenges included a shortage of trained guidance counsellors, insufficient professional training, and limited access to regular psychological counselling services. The study recommends strengthening school counselling programs, appointing qualified guidance and counselling teachers, promoting co-curricular activities that support mental well-being (Mean = 4.55), and ensuring the effective implementation of existing school counselling guidelines.