The Clinical Impact of Innovative Pedagogical Methods on High School Students' Mental Health

Adolescent mental health is increasingly recognised as a key factor affecting academic success and lifelong well-being, with the school environment playing a crucial role. This review investigates how innovative teaching methods impact high school students' psychological well-being. It evaluates the effects of Project-Based Learning, flipped classrooms, artificial intelligence-driven tools, and socio-emotional learning on adolescent mental health and engagement. A systematic search following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across several databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Of 1,296 studies screened, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that mental health literacy programs reduce stigma and increase awareness among students. Project-Based Learning significantly improves engagement and collaborative skills. Flipped classrooms enhance understanding while reducing emotional stress around learning concepts. Artificial intelligence tools promote motivation and academic participation through personalised learning experiences. The review also reflects the heightened anxiety and stress levels caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging pedagogical approaches show promise in fostering mental health and emotional resilience in high school students. Implementing evidence-based, inclusive, and adaptive teaching methods can improve both academic outcomes and psychological well-being, highlighting the need for holistic support strategies in education.