About us

MIELI Mental Health Ostrobothnia and the Department of Psychology at Jyväskylä University collaborate with Vaasa City Primary Schools, Vaasa Region Associations, Vaasa Region Parents and Vaasa Youth Council.

Our team is developing methods to positively influence mental health, increase social and emotional skills, and prevent mental disorders.

Background

The idea of Well-being at school project (2017-2019) was born after National Institute for Health and Welfare had conducted youth and school surveys in Ostrobothnia region. These results, as well as a suggestions brought by youth councils to turn schools into more welcoming and friendly places had been the beginning of our work. The important issues highlighted by our target group were i.a.: supporting the healthy development resulting in high self esteem and solving a problem of lack of friends.

Youth surveys raised the concern about common experience of loneliness, depression and anxiety symptoms among young people in the region. The schoolchildren had also encountered bullying and aggressive behavior. According to studies, a home that provides  clear borders, love and opportunity to  discuss issues, predicts a strong psychological and social capacity for the child. The youth survey in Ostrobothnia shows a statistically significant positive link between inclusion (belonging experience) and mental health.

The aforementioned research results, as well as interviews and discussions with professionals and institutions in the region have led to the measures to ensure everyone’s well-being at school. This has required the will and cooperation of many parties.

Project team 2020-2022

Continuos game development and design

Jani Elojoki, game developer
Anna Stanczyk, 2D and 3D artist
Katariina Keinonen, scriptwriter, PsD, psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Marjo Nordström, Projectmanager (fin)
Anna-Lena Sahlström, Projectmanager (swe)

Experts

Katariina Keinonen, PsD, psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Lappalainen, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Raimo Lappalainen, PhD, professor, Jyväskylä University

Translation

Rune Skogberg, swedish
Jani Elojoki, english

Advisoryboard

Anne Salovaara-Kero, Ostrobothnian crisis center Valo, board chairperson
Raimo Lappalainen,  Jyväskylä University
Tuula Jäntti, Pohjanmaan yhdistykset ry.
Riku Niemistö, Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu, University of Applied Sciences
Mikael Nygård, Åbo Akademi University
Jyrki Jokinen, City of Vaasa
Marianne West, City of Vaasa
Päivi Hällfors, comprehensive school
Jesse Kurunsaari, a representative of the Youth Council
Ella Filppula, a representative of the Youth Council
Leo Laine, a representative of the Youth Council
Monica Gammelgård, Vanhan Vaasan sairaala
Marjo Nordström, Ostrobothnian Association of Mental Health
Anna-Lena Vilo, Ostrobothnian Association of Mental Health

Project team 2017-2019

Project coordination

Susanna Kotamäki-Viinikka, projectcoordinator
Anne Salovaara-Kero, director

Experts

Päivi Lappalainen, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Raimo Lappalainen, PhD, professor, Jyväskylä University
Katariina Keinonen, PsD, psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Susanna Kotamäki-Viinikka, HTM, family therapist/psychoterapist

Game development

Niina Hautala, game developer
Jani Elojoki, junior developer
Aki Loponen, coder
Siiri Paananen, 3D artist, level designer
Tuisku Hiltunen, 2D artist
Anna Stanczyk, designer

Scriptwriting

Anna-Lotta Lappalainen, PsM, MSc, psychology
Katariina Keinonen, PsD, psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University

Content, methods and research

Magis and Oma juttu-groups
Katariina Keinonen, PsD, psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Susanna Kotamäki-Viinikka, HTM, family therapist/psychoterapist
Päivi Lappalainen, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Jyväskylä University
Raimo Lappalainen, PhD, professor, Jyväskylä University

Advisoryboard

Anne Salovaara-Kero, Ostrobothnian crisis center Valo, board chairman
Jyrki Jokinen, City of Vaasa
Päivi Hällfors, City of Vaasa
Niina Mäntylä, Vaasa University
Sami Ojanperä, kokemusasiantuntija
Ahti Nyman, Vaasan ammattikorkeakoulu
Tuula Jäntti, Pohjanmaan seudun yhdistykset ry
Susanna Kotamäki-Viinikka, Vaasanseudun mielenterveysseura ry

Translation

Monica Bäck
Jani Elojoki
Milla Eriksson
Tess Malone
Johanna Sjöberg