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Amsalem D. Social Media-Based Brief Video Interventions to Support Youths' Mental Health. Psychiatr Serv 2024:appips20240093. [PMID: 38982837 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20240093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Social media platforms are communication forums with potential benefits and disadvantages for youths' mental health. In this column, the author focuses on two main themes. First, recognizing the need for carefully crafted interventions, the author advocates for the use of crowdsourcing platforms to test and refine social media-based video content. These platforms enable the development of engaging, safe, and stigma-reducing videos tailored to meet the needs of diverse youths. Second, the author proposes the establishment of strategic frameworks designed to empower youths to produce and share these videos effectively, enhancing the positive effect of social media on mental health discourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doron Amsalem
- New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City
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Molewyk Doornbos M, Landheer Zandee G. Capturing men's perspectives on prevalence, existing resources, and solutions to depression and anxiety using community-based participatory research and focus groups. Public Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38757648 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men are predisposed to suffer from unaddressed depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to capture the perceptions of men in three urban, racially/ethnically diverse, under-resourced, and impoverished neighborhoods around this health issue. The results were used to design a resident-driven solution to this health disparity. DESIGN Design This study utilized a focus group method within the ideological perspective of community-based participatory research (CBPR). SAMPLE Sample The researchers recruited 50 Black, Hispanic, and White men aged 23-83 years to participate in this study during the summer of 2021. MEASUREMENTS Measurements Data were collected via six homogeneous, Zoom-based focus groups. Five of the focus groups were offered in English and the sixth in Spanish. RESULTS The men identified themes and subthemes pertaining to the perception of widespread depression and anxiety in their neighborhoods, existing typical and atypical community resources, and suggested solutions to this health disparity. These results were translated into a solution involving the training of five male, lay mental health ambassadors. CONCLUSIONS Policies and solutions to issues of mental health disparity must be informed by the communities that they intend to serve. CBPR is a robust vehicle for empowering communities to address the healthcare issues facing them.
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Stas P, De Jaegere E, van Heeringen K, Ballon A, Portzky G. Evaluation of an online suicide prevention campaign targeting men. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024; 54:95-107. [PMID: 37970735 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men are at elevated risk of suicide compared to women. Adherence to traditional norms of masculinity can interfere with potential protective factors such as openness to talk and seeking social support, which can contribute to the increased suicide risk. An online public health campaign was developed to improve mental health among men and tackle the stigma surrounding it. This study aimed at examining whether the online suicide prevention campaign targeting men increased openness to talk about emotions and help-seeking behavior and decreased hopelessness and adherence to traditional gender norms concerning self-reliance. METHOD 250 men (18+) from Flanders (Belgium) were recruited online and given access to the campaign website for a period of 3 days. Before and after viewing the campaign website, participants were asked to complete an online survey. RESULTS Viewing the campaign was associated with a small increase in help-seeking intention when experiencing suicidal thoughts. Among men who reported mental health problems, a small increase in openness to communicating and expressing emotions was found after viewing the campaign. In general, participants evaluated the campaign positively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the potential beneficial impact of an online prevention campaign specifically targeting men on health behaviors that may protect against suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Stas
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva De Jaegere
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kees van Heeringen
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Ballon
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gwendolyn Portzky
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Goodwill JR. Reasons for Suicide in Black Young Adults: A Latent Class Analysis. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:425-440. [PMID: 36867388 PMCID: PMC9983538 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicides have increased among Black youth in the US, though it remains unclear if these trends persist into young adulthood. Further, even less is known about the reasons why individuals begin to consider suicide as a viable option. The current study aims to redress these gaps by identifying specific reasons for suicide among a sample of 264 Black young adults who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts within the past 2 weeks. METHODS Participants were recruited from an online panel. Reasons for suicide were measured using eight individual items/indicators. Latent class analysis was used to detect underlying patterns in Black young adults' reasons for considering suicide. RESULTS The most commonly reported reason for considering suicide among the entire sample was feeling hopeless about the future. Black women were more likely to report considering suicide because they could not live up to other's expectations and because they felt lonely and sad. Findings for the 3-class model were retained. The first class is described as the "Somewhat hopeless and other reasons" class (n = 85; 32%). The second class is "Accomplished but extremely lonely and sad" (n = 24; 9%). The third class is described as "Pronounced feelings of failure, hopelessness, being overwhelmed, and lack of accomplishment" and includes 59% of the sample (n = 155). CONCLUSIONS Culturally grounded clinical treatments and interventions are needed to meet the specific mental health needs of Black young adults. A particular focus on identifying factors that drive feelings of hopelessness and failure is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle R Goodwill
- University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, 969 E. 60th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Collins-Anderson A, Vahedi L, Hutson W, Hudson D. Intersectionality and Mental Health Among Emerging Adult Black American Men: a Scoping Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:819-830. [PMID: 36449172 PMCID: PMC9994382 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01386-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We conducted a scoping review to evaluate the degree to which literature published within the past 5 years concerning mental health among Black emerging adult men in the USA engaged with intersectionality. METHODS Using scoping review methods, we applied the following a-priori eligibility criteria: (i) sample included Black/African American men who were aged 18-29 years, (ii) pertained to general mental wellness, depression, or anxiety, (iii) published within between 2017 and 2022, (iv) empirical and/or theoretical literature including reviews, pre-prints, and reports from organizations or professional groups, (v) conducted in the USA. In total, 1384 studies were identified from the databases, after which 224 duplicates were removed, resulting in 1160 unique citations that were screened in the title/abstract phase. Overall, 376 sources were assessed for full-text eligibility, and 20 studies were included for extraction. Information pertaining to sample characteristics, intersectionality, and main mental health results were extracted from the included studies. RECENT FINDINGS Findings from this review indicate that there is a paucity of research that has investigated the mental health of Black American, emerging adult men. Of the studies that have been conducted in recent years, there are few that have used an intersectional framework to examine how different social identities intersect to affect mental health. This review underscores that the mental health of emerging adult Black men is of considerable concern given the developmental stage, social and historical context as well as intersecting identities that men in this stage embody.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luissa Vahedi
- Brown School (Public Health), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - William Hutson
- Brown School (Public Health), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Darrell Hudson
- Brown School (Public Health), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Kruzan KP, Williams KD, Meyerhoff J, Yoo DW, O'Dwyer LC, De Choudhury M, Mohr DC. Social media-based interventions for adolescent and young adult mental health: A scoping review. Internet Interv 2022; 30:100578. [PMID: 36204674 PMCID: PMC9530477 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health conditions are common among adolescents and young adults, yet few receive adequate mental health treatment. Many young people seek support and information online through social media, and report preferences for digital interventions. Thus, digital interventions deployed through social media have promise to reach a population not yet engaged in treatment, and at risk of worsening symptoms. Objective In this scoping review, we aimed to identify and review empirical research on social media-based interventions aimed at improving adolescent and young adult mental health. A secondary objective was to identify the features and functionalities of platforms described as social media. Methods Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, the search was conducted in PubMed MEDLINE; Embase Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley); PsycINFO (Ebsco); Scopus; Web of Science; IEEE Xplore; ACM Digital Library; and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until November 2021. Studies were included if they involved adolescents or young adults (10-26 years of age) that meet clinical, or subclinical, levels of a mental health condition and include a pre- and post-assessment of mental health outcomes. Results Among the 18,380 references identified, 15 met full inclusion criteria and were published between 2017 and 2021-this included four randomized controlled trials, seven non-randomized pre-post trials, and four were experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Just five studies were delivered through an existing social media site (Facebook or Pixtori), with the remainder focused on purpose-built networks. Three studies involved adolescents or young adults who self-reported a mental health condition, seven involved young people diagnosed with a mental health condition by a clinician or who scored above a clinical threshold on valid clinical measure, three involved college students without a mental health inclusion criterion, and two studies focused on young people with a cancer diagnosis. Conclusions The review highlights innovations in the delivery of mental health interventions, provides preliminary evidence of the ability of social media interventions to improve mental health outcomes, and underscores the need for, and merit of, future work in this area. We discuss opportunities and challenges for future research, including the potential to leveragei existing peer networks, the use of just-in-time interventions, and scaling interventions to meet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee Payne Kruzan
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kofoworola D.A. Williams
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jonah Meyerhoff
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dong Whi Yoo
- School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, 85 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - Linda C. O'Dwyer
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Munmun De Choudhury
- School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, 85 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - David C. Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Moon JY, Choi TY, Won ES, Won GH, Kim SY, Lee HJ, Yoon S. The Relationship Between Workplace Burnout and Male Depression Symptom Assessed by the Korean Version of the Gotland Male Depression Scale. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221123930. [PMID: 36113189 PMCID: PMC9483954 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221123930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Screening for depression in males is important because their symptoms differ from those of females, ranging from indications of aggression to attempts at suicide. Men and women differ in their responses to job stress. There are no tools that have been verified, developed, or translated for screening male depression in Korea. Our team translated the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS) into Korean. The Korean version of GMDS (K-GMDS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) were administered to 277 office workers in one public institution. Gender differences in each scale score were measured along with the correlation between the K-GMDS and the MBI-GS. There was no significant difference in the K-GMDS score between males and females, whereas females scored significantly higher on the MBI-GS (p < .001). The correlation between the K-GMDS total score and the MBI total score (male: r = .702, p < .001, female: r = .375, p < .001) and MBI subscale scores were higher in males than females. Gender moderated the relationship between total K-GMDS and total MBI scores (p < .001). The Korean version of the GMDS is suitable for screening male depression symptoms in the workplace. The results of the K-GMDS demonstrated a strong correlation between depressive symptoms and work-related burnout among men. This study can be used as a basis for studying male depression symptoms in Korea, which has not been studied extensively. This will prove beneficial for work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Daegu
Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Daegu
Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Soo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, CHA Bundang
Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea,Department of Psychiatry, Chaum, Seoul,
Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Hui Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Daegu
Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeun Kim
- Department of Counselling and Social
Welfare, Kyungwoon University, Gumi, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jeong Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Daegu
Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyoung Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Daegu
Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea,Seoyoung Yoon, Department of Psychiatry,
Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, 33, Duryugongwon-ro 17-gil,
Nam-gu, Daegu 42471, Republic of Korea.
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Williams KDA, Wijaya C, Stamatis CA, Abbott G, Lattie EG. Insights Into Needs and Preferences for Mental Health Support on Social Media and Through Mobile Apps Among Black Male University Students: Exploratory Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38716. [PMID: 36044261 PMCID: PMC9475414 DOI: 10.2196/38716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black college-aged men are less likely than their peers to use formal, therapeutic in-person services for mental health concerns. As the use of mobile technologies and social media platforms is steadily increasing, it is important to conduct work that examines the future utility of digital tools and technologies to improve access to and uptake of mental health services for Black men and Black men in college. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and understand college-attending Black men's needs and preferences for using digital health technologies and social media for stress and mental health symptom management. METHODS Interviews were conducted with Black male students (N=11) from 2 racially diverse universities in the Midwestern United States. Participants were asked questions related to their current mental health needs and interest in using social media platforms and mobile-based apps for their mental health concerns. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Four themes emerged from the data: current stress relief strategies, technology-based support needs and preferences (subthemes: mobile-based support and social media-based support), resource information dissemination considerations (subthemes: information-learning expectations and preferences and information-sharing preferences and behaviors), and technology-based mental health support design considerations (subtheme: relatability and representation). Participants were interested in using social media and digital technologies for their mental health concerns and needs, for example, phone notifications and visual-based mental health advertisements that promote awareness. Relatability in the context of representation was emphasized as a key factor for participants interested in using digital mental health tools. Examples of methods for increasing relatability included having tools disseminated by minority-serving organizations and including components explicitly portraying Black men engaging in mental health support strategies. The men also discussed wanting to receive recommendations for stress relief that have been proven successful, particularly for Black men. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study provide insights into design and dissemination considerations for future work geared toward developing mental health messaging and digital interventions for young Black men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofoworola D A Williams
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Clarisa Wijaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Caitlin A Stamatis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gabriel Abbott
- Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily G Lattie
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Williams KDA, Dougherty SA, Lattie EG, Guidry JPD, Carlyle KE. Examining Hashtag Use of #blackboyjoy and #theblackmancan and Related Content on Instagram: Descriptive Content Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e34044. [PMID: 35916699 PMCID: PMC9379788 DOI: 10.2196/34044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social media is widely accessible and increasingly utilized. Social media users develop hashtags and visual, text-based imagery to challenge misrepresentations, garner social support, and discuss a variety of mental health issues. Understanding how Black men are represented on social media and are using social media may be an avenue for promoting their engagement with and uptake of digital mental health interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of posts containing visual and text-based components related to representations of Black men's race, gender, and behaviors. METHODS An exploratory, descriptive content analysis was conducted for 500 Instagram posts to examine characteristics, content, and public engagement of posts containing the hashtags #theblackmancan and #blackboyjoy. Posts were selected randomly and extracted from Instagram using a social network mining tool during Fall 2018 and Spring 2019. A codebook was developed, and all posts were analyzed by 2 independent coders. Analyses included frequency counts and descriptive analysis to determine content and characteristics of posts. Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were conducted to assess engagement associated with posts via likes, comments, and video views. RESULTS Of the 500 posts extracted, most were image based (368/500, 73.6%), 272/500 (54.4%) were posted by an individual and 135/500 (27.0%) by a community organization, 269/500 (53.8%) were posted by individuals from Black populations, and 177/500 (35.4%) posts contained images of only males. Posts depicted images of Black men as fathers (100/500, 20.0%), Black men being celebrated (101/500, 20.2%), and Black men expressing joy (217/500, 43.4%). Posts (127/500, 25.4%) also depicted Black men in relation to gender atypical behavior, such as caring for children or styling their children's hair. Variables related to education and restrictive affection did not show up often in posts. Engagement via likes (median 1671, P<.001), comments (P<.001), and views (P<.001) for posts containing #theblackmancan was significantly higher compared with posts containing #blackboyjoy (median 140). Posts containing elements of celebrating Black men (P=.02) and gender atypical behavior (P<.001) also had significantly higher engagement. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first studies to look at hashtag use of #blackboyjoy and #theblackmancan. Posts containing #blackboyjoy and #theblackmancan promoted positive user-generated visual and text-based content on Instagram and promoted positive interactions among Black and diverse communities. With the popularity of social media and hashtag use increasing, researchers and future interventional research should investigate the potential for such imagery to serve as culturally relevant design components for digital mental health prevention efforts geared towards Black men and the communities they exist and engage with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofoworola D A Williams
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sharyn A Dougherty
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Emily G Lattie
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jeanine P D Guidry
- Robertson School of Media and Culture, College of Humanities and Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Kellie E Carlyle
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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An Exploratory Case Study of the Types of Resources Black Boys Use to Support Their Mental Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061082. [PMID: 35742133 PMCID: PMC9222322 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Black adolescent boys experience mental health challenges because of their exposure to a greater frequency and severity of psychosocial stressors. This study used a sample of Black boys at a high school in southeastern Michigan as a case study to understand the types of resources Black boys might use to support their mental health. After conducting a rigorous analysis of the study data using a rapid and an accelerated data reduction technique, four themes helped us answer the question: What kinds of mental health support resources are Black boys using? Four themes emerged from our analysis: online resources, community and trusted individuals, self-reliance, and additional needs. This case study is a springboard for further work to tailor a mental health education and support intervention, such as the YBMen Project, for Black boys and for building additional support amid the multiple crises occurring that impact their mental health and safety. Findings have implications for future research, practice, and policy to improve the mental health of Black boys in high school.
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11
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Psychiatric and substance use disorders in a predominately low-income, black sample in early midlife. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:332-339. [PMID: 35196603 PMCID: PMC8986361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have documented elevated rates of psychopathology among individuals affected by poverty. However, many studies have relied on predominately White samples, and on brief symptom screening measures which may not fully capture the experiences of individuals of color (who are disproportionately affected by poverty in the United States.) The present study examines prevalence rates of probable major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, and alcohol use disorder in a predominately Black sample that grew up in urban poverty, utilizing structured neuropsychiatric interview methods. Data are drawn from a subsample of the Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS), which has followed a large cohort for over four decades. Outcomes were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) 7.0.2. Results indicate high probable rates of all measured outcomes, with notably high rates of substance use and alcohol use disorder compared to rates reported in previous national studies. Differences by sex and childhood neighborhood poverty, as well as significant comorbidity among psychiatric, substance and alcohol use disorders were also detected. Findings underscore an urgent need for community-based, culturally tailored prevention and intervention initiatives to support the mental health of individuals living in poverty. The high prevalence of psychiatric, substance and alcohol use disorders in this study likely reflect systematic inequities faced by low-income people of color in the United States. Future directions for research and practice are discussed.
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12
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Williams KDA, Adkins AE, Kuo SIC, LaRose JG, Utsey SO, Guidry JPD, Dick D, Carlyle KE. Risk, Protective, and Associated Factors of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms and Campus Health Services Utilization Among Black Men on a College Campus. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2021; 9:505-518. [PMID: 33686626 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-00981-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyze relationships among social and environmental determinants serving as risk, protective, and important covariate factors for mental health risk and help-seeking among Black men on a college campus. METHODS A secondary data analysis was conducted utilizing an ongoing, campus-wide survey at a large, urban, public university. Measures included depressive and anxiety symptoms; campus service utilization; risk factors (e.g., financial status); protective factors (social support/religiosity); and additional covariates (substance use/GPA). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine relationships between these factors, symptoms and help-seeking. RESULTS Data is included for 681 students. Findings indicated that stressful life events were associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms (B = 0.39, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (B = 0.33, p = 0.013). Cannabis use (B = 1.14, p = .020) was also associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. We found that financial status (B = 0.21, p = 0.041) was positively associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and endorsement of religiosity was associated with lower levels anxiety (B = - 0.23, p = 0.019) and depressive symptoms (B = - 0.32, p = 0.035). Religiosity predicted lower utilization of campus health services. CONCLUSIONS The key findings indicated that Black men's mental health is negatively influenced by stressful live events and cannabis use. As religiosity was associated with lower levels of symptoms and utilization, it may be beneficial to assess this in future work. Further research is needed to address and improve mental health and help-seeking among these men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofoworola D A Williams
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Amy E Adkins
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities & Sciences, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sally I-Chun Kuo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities & Sciences, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jessica G LaRose
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Shawn O Utsey
- Department of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities & Sciences, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jeanine P D Guidry
- Robertson School of Media and Culture, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities & Sciences, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Danielle Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University College of Humanities & Sciences, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kellie E Carlyle
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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13
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Smith JA, Watkins DC, Griffit DM. Reducing health inequities facing boys and young men of colour in the United States. Health Promot Int 2020; 36:1508-1515. [PMID: 33367616 PMCID: PMC8515173 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Health promotion research and practice consistently reveals that people of colour in the USA face multiple structural and systemic health and social inequities as a direct consequence of racism and discrimination. Recent scholarship on equity and men's health has highlighted the importance of gender-specifically concepts relating to masculinities and manhood-to better understand the inequities experienced by men of colour. A sharper focus on the intersection between race, gender and life stage has also emphasized the importance of early intervention when addressing inequities experienced by boys and young men of colour (BYMOC). This has led to an expansion of health promotion interventions targeting BYMOC across the USA over the past decade. Many of these health promotion strategies have attempted to reduce inequities through action on the social determinants of health, particularly those that intersect with education and justice systems. Reflecting on these developments, this commentary aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the health promotion community when attempting to reduce health and social inequities experienced by BYMOC. In doing so, the solutions we identify include: strengthening the evidence base about effective health promotion interventions; reducing system fragmentation; promoting connectivity through networks, alliances and partnerships; reducing tensions between collaboration and competition; changing the narrative associated with BYMOC; acknowledging both inclusiveness and diversity; addressing racism and intergenerational trauma; and committing to a national boys and men's health policy. We encourage health promotion researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to adopt these solutions for the benefit of BYMOC in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Smith
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing-Northern Territory, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University
| | - Daphne C Watkins
- Curtis Center for Health Equity Research & Training, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
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