Holistic approach in the field of education and mental health

Authors

Sebastjan Kristovič
Alma Mater Europaea - ECM
Polonca Pangrčič
Alma Mater Europaea - ECM

Synopsis

The comprehensive renovation of the educational system in Slovenia must consider and apply a holistic approach, which is highlighted in the special appendix of the publication: Proposal of a strategic plan for the renovation of the educational system in the Republic of Slovenia. It includes the much-needed modern vision, plan, and content of the comprehensive renovation of the educational system, which in this way avoids the dangerous traps of reductionism, determinism, and partial solutions. 

The goal of education and the entire educational process should be: a fully "functioning", integrated, thought-out and satisfied person; according to the current development characteristics. This is possible only within the framework of a holistic approach, which perceives the child not only as a cognitive/rational being, but as an indivisible whole of physical, mental, and spiritual dimension. 

The holistic approach has been promoted and encouraged by UNESCO and the European Commission for decades, and it is time to start introducing it into the school system in Slovenia as well. Only comprehensive consideration of the child leads to an understanding of his personality, needs, hardships, wishes, etc. This will make it easier, more efficient, and faster to limit children's mental health problems, as there is an increasing number of violent behavior, chemical and non-chemical addictions among young people. In Slovenia, we have completely neglected the field of mental health for children and young people.

The latest research shows that teenagers and children spend an average of around 6-7 hours a day in front of the screens, which has extremely negative consequences for mental health, brain development, cognitive abilities and concentration and leads to anxiety, depression, apathy, self-harm behavior, lack of empathy, aggressiveness, development of addictive behavior, speech problems, reduced coordination and physical abilities, obesity, diabetes, low self-esteem, confidence, etc. Screen addiction and social media addiction have become something so everyday and "normal" that the adult world doesn't even notice it anymore.

Albert Einstein said: "A man who considers his life to be meaningless is not only unhappy, but he is barely able to live." This means that a man who is internally fulfilled, a man who sees meaning in life, is also internally strong. This is important both for mental health and for a quality and satisfying life.

The scientific monography Holistic approach in the field of upbringing, education, and mental health, which was created in the framework of the ARRS project Holistic educational process and strengthening of mental health, was co-created by authors who are experts in the mentioned fields and includes sixteen chapters and the Proposal for a strategic plan for the renovation of V-I of the educational system in the Republic of Slovenia.

Prof. dr. Sebastjan Kristovič

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

January 31, 2023

Details about the available publication format: PDF

PDF

Physical Dimensions

Details about the available publication format: Order hard copy

Order hard copy

Physical Dimensions

How to Cite

[1]
Kristovič, S. and Pangrčič, P. 2023. Holistic approach in the field of education and mental health. Alma Mater Press.