WATCH: Student awarded for 'prescription exercise' proposal

Wednesday 16 December 2020

A local student's "thoughtful and well-evidenced" paper arguing that children suffering symptoms of depression should be able to be prescribed exercise has won an award.

JCG sixth former Elizabeth Binet won a £350 bursary and a £200 cash prize for her submission to Mourant’s 2020 Psychology Essay Writing Competition.

The essay, entitled ‘Evaluating the effect of exercise for reducing depressive symptomatology in children’, looked at the positive impact that exercise can have in children suffering from depressive symptoms. 

It included references to international research, and concluded: "...perhaps prescribing exercise to children showing depressive symptomatology on the [Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service] waiting lists may provide more children with the help and support that they need, while also reducing the lengthy waiting lists.

"Exercise in conjunction with CBT or other such treatments could be the most effective way to treat children with depressive symptoms due to its cost-effectiveness and relative ease to do, however; further research would need to be conducted to test this."

Pictured: Elizabeth's idea sought to find a way to reduce mental health care waiting times for children.

There were a record number of entries to this year's competition.

Hautlieu Student Mary Bichard was awarded second place for her essay on the extent that stigma and help-seeking behaviour is a barrier for university students in looking after mental health. 

In third place, Victoria College student Joshua Ashworth was awarded for his piece exploring the positive impact of intergenerational practice on the elderly’s mental health in care homes.

Video: As there could be no ceremony for the award this year, Hautlieu media and photography students, Madeline Jule and Micah De Gruchy, made this video.

Sarah Huelin, Mourant Partner and supporter of the initiative, said: "With the consequences of the pandemic shining a spotlight on the importance of caring for our mental health, the focus on positive mental health for this year's competition was particularly relevant. 

"The topics debated were both fascinating and thought provoking and we congratulate Elizabeth and runners up, Mary and Joshua, on their achievement and engaging in the dialogue on this important issue."

Head of Psychology at Hautlieu School and competition co-ordinator Adrian Moss said: "We're delighted to have received a record number of entries this year across a broader number of schools. It's a real testament to an increased interest in the subject of psychology and the issue of mental health, particularly during these unprecedented times."

Pictured: The students' essays were described as "fascinating and thought-provoking."

He continued: "This competition enables students to think independently, demonstrate an extension of their knowledge of Psychology in the area of mental health and also grow in personal ability and confidence. 

“I'm therefore grateful for the continued support from Mourant in opening up the dialogue on this important subject."

CLICK HERE to read the winning essay.