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Ittefaq M, Reynolds-Tylus T. Memorable Messages About Mental Health Among International Students in the United States: A Mixed-Method Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38778630 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2359170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the memorable messages about mental health that international students (N = 199) received from various sources since arriving on campus in the U.S. Utilizing the memorable messages framework, we examined the types of messages (normalizing, strategizing, minimizing) they received and their association with message satisfaction, mental health stigma, and attitude toward help-seeking. The most frequently recalled messages were normalizing messages (49.2%), followed by strategizing messages (31.7%), and minimizing messages (9.5%). Participants who recalled normalizing and strategizing messages reported higher satisfaction and a more favorable attitude toward help-seeking compared to those who recalled minimizing messages. These findings offer theoretical implications for memorable messages and immigrant populations, as well as practical implications for campaign messaging and design. These results can guide university officials in tailoring their efforts to meet the mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
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Omodaka Y, Sato T, Maruyama T. Impact of mental and developmental disorders on disability in Japanese university students: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1144-1149. [PMID: 35472442 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2068961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilized the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule version 2 (WHODAS 2.0) to identify vulnerable students and explore the impact of mental and developmental disorders on disability. PARTICIPANTS A total of 156 undergraduates who visited support service offices at large-scale universities in Japan between April 2018 and March 2020 were included. METHODS The 36-item WHODAS 2.0 was administered, and data were gathered regarding mental and developmental disabilities. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted. RESULTS Parents/guardians typically initiated consultation with student support services. Students whose parents had initiated consultation did not have higher scores in any WHODAS domain except "Life Activities." In every WHODAS domain except "Cognition," the "Mental Disorder" group scored significantly higher than the "No Disorder" group. The addition of "Developmental Disorders" significantly increased WHODAS scores, except in "Mobility." CONCLUSIONS The WHODAS is a useful tool for identifying vulnerable students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Omodaka
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toru Maruyama
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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da Conceição V, Mesquita E, Gusmão R. Effects of a stigma reduction intervention on help-seeking behaviors in university students: A 2019-2021 randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115673. [PMID: 38113809 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma is one of the most frequently identified help-seeking barriers, but there is a lack of research on the effects of stigma reduction interventions on actual mental health help-seeking behaviors during crucial academic years. This research explores the effects of stigma on university students' mental health care help-seeking behaviors before and during the pandemic. METHODS A randomized control trial spanned from 2019 to 2021 at the University of Porto, along five evaluation moments, with students into one control group and two intervention groups-the interventions aimed to reduce depression stigma. RESULTS Among the 702 participants (mean age 18.87, 59.4 % female), the intervention groups significantly increased help-seeking behaviors. In 2020, the intervention groups, having reduced stigma, continued to demonstrate to be more prompt to seek mental health help. In 2021, 22 months, the effects of the intervention on help-seeking were no longer significant; however, participants in the intervention groups showed less severe symptomatology. CONCLUSION Stigma reduction interventions have a pronounced effect on enhancing help-seeking behaviors among university students, even during times of crisis. This study advocates for prioritizing stigma reduction in academic settings, highlighting its value in promoting mental health access during crucial academic and life challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgínia da Conceição
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Edgar Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Gusmão
- EPIUnit - Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal; Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
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Gallagher K, O’ Brien C, O’ Driscoll M, Ní Dhálaigh D, Corcoran P, Griffin E. Suicide prevention curriculum development for health and social care students: Protocol for a scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285231. [PMID: 38060488 PMCID: PMC10703193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide has become a serious public health concern and international research has shown that the majority of individuals who die by suicide had receive healthcare in the year prior to their death. This presents an opportunity for suicide prevention by strategically training healthcare students in suicide prevention knowledge and skills. The objective of this scoping review is to identify literature that describes the design, development, implementation and/or evaluation of suicide prevention training for healthcare and/or social care students in higher education settings. Studies will only be considered eligible for inclusion if they describe the design, development, implementation and/or evaluation of suicide prevention curricula being delivered to healthcare or social care degree students in higher education. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies published between 2011 and 2023 (inclusive) and in the English language will be considered eligible. This scoping review will be conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The developed search strategy will be implemented across six databases: PubMed, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. Several grey literature sources will also be consulted. Further potential results will be located by hand-searching the reference lists of included articles. The search strategy will include variations of the terms: 'student', 'suicide prevention' and 'education'. The search will be limited to titles, abstracts, and keywords in databases that allow it. Two reviewers will complete the screening using the predefined inclusion criteria. A third reviewer will resolve any conflicts during the screening and eligibility appraisal processes. Results will be presented in the form of tabulated results and an accompanying narrative summary, describing key findings and context related to learning outcomes, methodologies employed and implementation of the identified programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paul Corcoran
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eve Griffin
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Özdemir Ö, Kaya Y, Adagide S. Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Associated to Self-Stigma and Perceived Social Stigma. J Caring Sci 2023; 12:221-227. [PMID: 38250005 PMCID: PMC10799273 DOI: 10.34172/jcs.2023.33094] [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] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nursing students often experience stress due to their educational demands and developmental stage. This study focuses on nursing students to investigate the relationship between their attitudes toward seeking psychological help and their levels of perceived self-stigma and social stigma. Methods This was a descriptive correlational study, in which 791 nursing students participated through convenience sampling between April and May 2022. Data were collected using the Attitude Towards Seeking Psychological Help Scale-R (ASPH-R), the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH). The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The article adheres to the STROBE checklist in its organization and presentation. Results Positive attitudes towards seeking psychological help were negatively correlated with self-stigma (r=-0.39, P<0.01) and social stigma perceptions (r=-0.17, P<0.01), while negative attitudes were positively correlated with self-stigma (r=0.50, P<0.01) and social stigma (r=0.47, P<0.01). Variables of sex, age, self-stigma, and social stigma significantly contributed to explaining attitudes towards seeking psychological help. Conclusion Social stigma and particularly self-stigma significantly influence nursing students' attitudes towards seeking psychological help. Therefore, it is recommended that authorities develop psychoeducational interventions aimed at enhancing nursing students' mental health awareness and reducing self-stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özcan Özdemir
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Kilis 7 Aralık University Yusuf Şerefoğlu Faculty of Health Sciences, Kilis, Turkey
| | - Yunus Kaya
- Department of Child Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Simla Adagide
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
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Gulliver SB, Pennington ML, Cardenas M, Lewis JE, Cammarata CM, Leto F, Ostiguy WJ, Meyer EC, Kimbrel NA. Stamp Out Stigma: a national campaign to decrease stigma and increase behavioral health in fire service. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:625-640. [PMID: 37489115 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2233695] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are at risk for behavioral health problems; however, mental health stigma is a barrier to seeking treatment. Although effective treatments exist, many firefighters report that internal stigma prohibits presentation for effective care. This study aimed to decrease stigma about behavioral health in fire service through the development and delivery of a peer-led anti-stigma intervention campaign called Stamp Out Stigma (SOS). SOS consisted of three related phases. During Phase 1 (n = 12), we produced testimonials and piloted the videos with firefighters to determine which were most compelling. During Phase 2 (n = 23), we beta-tested our training curriculum with two departments, resulting in a significant decrease in internalized stigma but not in self-stigma. During Phase 3 (n = 73), we presented the curriculum to two cohorts of firefighters. Participation in the SOS workshop was associated with a significant decrease in firefighters' self-stigma from pre-, M = 22.7, SD = 6.3, to post-workshop, M = 20.8, SD = 5.5, t(66) = 3.2, p = 0.002. Participation in the SOS workshop was associated with a significant decrease in firefighters' internalized stigma, M = 2.0, SD = 0.5, to post-workshop, M = 1.8, SD = 0.4, t(66) = 2.8, p = 0.007. The SOS approach to stigma reduction is promising for modifying negative attitudes toward mental health and treatment seeking among professional firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy B Gulliver
- Baylor Scott & White Warriors Research Institute, Waco, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | - Megan Cardenas
- Baylor Scott & White Warriors Research Institute, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Jordan E Lewis
- Baylor Scott & White Warriors Research Institute, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Claire M Cammarata
- New York City Fire Department Counseling Services Unit, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Leto
- New York City Fire Department Counseling Services Unit, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eric C Meyer
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Elshaikh U, Sheik R, Saeed RKM, Chivese T, Alsayed Hassan D. Barriers and facilitators of older adults for professional mental health help-seeking: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:516. [PMID: 37626290 PMCID: PMC10463345 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults are at an increased risk for mental health issues, yet they are less likely to seek professional help. This systematic review aims to identify and summarize literature on the barriers and facilitators that older adults face when seeking professional mental health help. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases including PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, ProQuest central, CINAHL and Scopus to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2021 that focused on barriers and/or facilitators to seeking help for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among older adults aged 65 years or older. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and results of studies were synthesized guided by the methodological framework of Rodgers and colleagues. RESULTS A total of eight cross-sectional studies, from Australia, United States, Mexico, Netherlands, and Malaysia met the inclusion criteria for this review. Included studies reported that the majority of their participants had anxiety or depression, yet they exhibited a preference for informal mental health help over professional help. Stigma, negative beliefs about mental health professional services, and cost were the most reported barriers. Main reported facilitators were prior positive experience with mental health services and high socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION Older adults are in need of interventions normalizing mental health help seeking and ensuring these services are accessible in terms of costs. This should be the focus of policy makers, healthcare providers, and public health practitioners working with older adults. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021238853.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usra Elshaikh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayan Sheik
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Raghad Khaled Mohammad Saeed
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Diana Alsayed Hassan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Wazni L, Gifford W, Perron A, Vandyk A. Understanding the Physical Health Problems of People with Psychotic Disorders Using Digital Storytelling. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:690-701. [PMID: 37549316 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2229435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
People with psychotic disorders struggle to be heard and express concerns beyond their mental health, especially concerns related to the side effects of treatment. Using digital storytelling, this study aimed to uncover and expose the underlying systems that oppress people with psychotic disorders from meeting their physical health needs. The stories revealed two themes: body as a contested site and biological entity with society, and (in)visible patient and paternalism. Spivak's theory of subalternity provided the theoretical basis for a critical analysis and discussion of the experiences. More research is required to highlight the power relations and structures that lead to health disparity in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liquaa Wazni
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy Gifford
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amélie Perron
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Vandyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Mason A, Johnstone G, Riordan BC, Lie C, Rapsey C, Treharne GJ, Jang K, Collings SC, Scarf D. Understanding Aotearoa New Zealand University Students Intentions to Seek Help If Experiencing Mental Distress: A Comparison of Naturalistic and Interventional Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15836. [PMID: 36497912 PMCID: PMC9738961 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
University students globally are consistently identified as a vulnerable group for mental distress and suicide. Despite this, students report low engagement in help-seeking behaviours. This series of studies aimed to assess barriers to help-seeking for students and the impact of an intervention that sought to increase support-seeking intentions. In Study 1, 373 undergraduate psychology students completed items related to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, stigma, and help-seeking intentions. In Study 2, 133 undergraduate psychology students were randomly allocated into one of three intervention groups (control, infographic, video) and completed measures as used in Study 1. Despite experiencing clinically relevant symptoms and recent suicidal ideation, students in Study 1 tended to report low intentionality to seek help, citing perceptions that their distress was not serious enough or a desire to handle their issues independently. In Study 2, an infographic about different support services increased student's intentions to access support services and reduced their perception that their issues were not serious enough. Overall, Aotearoa New Zealand students endorsed similar barriers to help-seeking as students in other countries. Importantly, we demonstrated that a simple infographic intervention reduced perceptions regarding these common barriers and may increase students' knowledge about when to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Mason
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Grace Johnstone
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin C. Riordan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Celia Lie
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Gareth J. Treharne
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Kyungho Jang
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Sunny C. Collings
- Faculty of Health, Victoria University, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Damian Scarf
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Crespo-Gonzalez C, Dineen-Griffin S, Rae J, Hill RA. Mental health training programs for community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students: A systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3895-3910. [PMID: 35778317 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is often the first point of contact for people living with mental disorders. Community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students are increasingly being trained to deliver mental health care. However, there is still a gap in the literature exploring the characteristics of all available mental health training programs and their components and their influence on pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students' outcomes. OBJECTIVES To summarize the evidence evaluating mental health training programs completed by community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students. More specifically, to explore the components of mental health training programs and identify those that facilitate significant improvements in outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane handbook and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A search for published literature was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in July 2021. Eligible studies were included if they described and evaluated the impact of mental health training programs delivered to community pharmacists, pharmacy staff and pharmacy students regardless of design or comparator. The methodological quality of included studies was appraised using both the NIH quality assessment, to evaluate studies with an uncontrolled pre-post design, and the Cochrane EPOC risk of bias assessment, to evaluate studies with a controlled (randomized and non-randomized) study design. RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included. Most of the identified mental health training programs contained knowledge-based components and active learning activities. Changes in participants' attitudes, stigma, knowledge, confidence and skills were frequently assessed. An extensive range of self-assessment and observational instruments used to evaluate the impact of the training programs were identified. Positive improvements in participants' attitudes, knowledge and stigma were frequently identified following participation in training programs. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlights the importance of mental health training programs in increasing pharmacists', pharmacy staff and pharmacy students' skills and confidence to deliver mental health care in community pharmacy. Future research should build upon this basis and further focus on finding the most efficient measures to evaluate these training programs and assess their long-term effectiveness, allowing comparison between programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Crespo-Gonzalez
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Dineen-Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Rae
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney A Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
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Shahwan S, Yunjue Z, Satghare P, Vaingankar JA, Maniam Y, Janrius GCM, Lin TW, Roystonn K, Subramaniam M. Employer and Co-worker Perspectives on Hiring and Working with People with Mental Health Conditions. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1252-1267. [PMID: 35098388 PMCID: PMC9392707 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00934-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand perspectives towards hiring and working with people with mental health conditions (PMHC). Semi-structured interviews with 25 employers and 20 co-workers were carried out. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The barriers to hiring and working with PMHC identified through the interviews were concerns about safety, incompetence, PMHC not being able to get along with others, requiring more training and supervision as well as medical costs and reputational risks to the hiring organisation. Employers and co-workers suggested that improving mental health literacy of staff, pairing the PMHC with trained work buddies, having access to mental professionals when needed, and providing incentives for hiring PMHC such as tax rebates are likely to improve attitudes towards hiring and working with PMHC. Their suggestions for the additional supports required should be considered when developing initiatives to promote inclusivity of PMHC in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore.
| | - Zhang Yunjue
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Pratika Satghare
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Yogeswary Maniam
- Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Goh Chong Min Janrius
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Teh Wen Lin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kumarasan Roystonn
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747, Singapore
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Aruta JJBR, Maria A, Mascarenhas J. Self-compassion promotes mental help-seeking in older, not in younger, counselors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35400980 PMCID: PMC8976458 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While self-compassion and mental help-seeking are two important aspects emphasized in mental health literature and counseling practice, very little research has focused on how these two are associated particularly among counseling professionals-individuals providing mental health support to others but whose mental health are often overlooked. This cross-sectional study investigated a moderated mediation model examining the role of age and attitudes in the positive influence of self-compassion on mental help-seeking intention. Using a paper-and-pencil survey, data were collected from a total of 158 Filipino counseling professionals. Results revealed that mental help-seeking attitudes significantly and partially mediated the positive association between self-compassion and mental help-seeking intention. Additionally, age significantly moderated the positive relationship between self-compassion and mental help-seeking attitudes. The significant positive influence of self-compassion on mental help-seeking attitudes was strong among older participants, weak among middle-age, and diminished among younger participants. The findings provided insights on the importance of a self-compassion-based approach to counselor training. The implications of preserving counselors' mental health in counseling practice were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Alphonse Maria
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines
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Conceição V, Rothes I, Severo M, Griffiths K, Hegerl U, Gusmão R. Psychometric properties of the Depression Stigma Scale in the Portuguese population and its association with gender and depressive symptomatology. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:42. [PMID: 35248057 PMCID: PMC8898398 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01945-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma is one of the most significant constraints on people living with depression. There is a lack of validated scales in Portugal to measure depression stigma; therefore, the Depression Stigma Scale (DSS) is essential to the depression stigma research in Portugal. Methods We developed the adaptation process with the ITC Guidelines for Translation and Adapting Tests taken into consideration. We collected the sample as part of the OSPI program—Optimizing suicide prevention programs and their implementation in Europe, specifically within the application in Portugal, and included 1693 participants. Floor-ceiling effects and response ranges were analyzed, and we calculated Cronbach alphas, and Confirmatory Analysis. Validity evidence was tested with two well-documented hypotheses, using data on gender and depression symptoms. Results The sample was well comparable with the general Portuguese population, indicating its representativeness. We identified a three-factor structure in each subscale (personal and perceived stigma): weak-not-sick, discrimination, and dangerous/unpredictable, with good model fit results. The Cronbach's alphas were satisfactory, and validity was confirmed. Conclusions This study established the validity and demonstrated good psychometric properties of the DSS in the Portuguese population. The validation of the DSS can be beneficial in exploring stigma predictors and evaluating the effectiveness of stigma reduction interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12955-022-01945-7.
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Strategies to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma: Perspectives of People with Lived Experience and Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031632. [PMID: 35162655 PMCID: PMC8835394 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness is a global public health priority. Traditionally, anti-stigma campaigns were led by mental health professionals/organisations and had an emphasis on increasing mental health literacy. More recently, it has been argued that people with lived experience have much to contribute in terms of extending and strengthening these efforts. The purpose of this paper was to elicit views and suggestions from people with lived experience (PWLE) as well as from informal caregivers of people with mental health conditions, on effective strategies to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. METHODS Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with PWLE recruited at outpatient services at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, and five FGDs were carried out with informal caregivers who responded to advertisements for the study between March and November 2018. In all, the sample comprised 42 PWLE and 31 caregivers. All the FGDs were transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic analysis. A pragmatic approach was adopted for the study, and the researchers did not assume any particular philosophical orientation. RESULTS Four overarching themes depicting strategies to combat stigma were identified through thematic analysis. They were (1) raising mental health awareness, (2) social contact, (3) advocacy by influential figures or groups, and (4) the legislation of anti-discriminatory laws. CONCLUSIONS These strategies were in line with approaches that have been used internationally to disrupt the process of stigma. Our study has further identified nuanced details on how these strategies can be carried out as well as possible areas of priority in the Singapore landscape.
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Reis A, Saheb R, Parish P, Earl A, Klupp N, Sperandei S. How I cope at university: Self-directed stress management strategies of Australian students. Stress Health 2021; 37:1010-1025. [PMID: 33939880 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Universities across the world remain under-resourced and frequently unequipped to provide the required support to the increasing demand of students experiencing mental health problems. While there is a considerable amount of research focusing on university student stress levels, interventions to address them, and coping strategies adopted by students, little research has reported on the strategies students choose to manage their stress and how that relates to their self-identified sources of stress as well as to what universities are offering to support their mental health and wellbeing. The present study provides a contribution in this direction, reporting on a study that surveyed over 3200 students from three large Australian metropolitan universities and interviewed three groups of university staff who provide student wellbeing services. Results highlight differences between what students and staff perceive as main sources of stress and best strategies to address them. In addition, students recommend task-oriented, pro-active coping strategies more often to their peers than engage in them themselves. The findings of the study further reinforce the need to develop an understanding of student coping strategies with a lens considerate of students' perspectives and preferences to authentically support their wellbeing, better informing planning and service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne Reis
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rowena Saheb
- Student Experience Office, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patricia Parish
- School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea Earl
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nerida Klupp
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandro Sperandei
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
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Colleran A, O'Connor A, Hogan MJ, Harney OM, Durand H, Hanlon M. Who asked you? Young People and practitioners identify ways to facilitate access to mental health supports. HRB Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13328.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite representing the highest level of total population mental health burden, young people are the least likely to seek help from mental health services. It has been suggested that service design can influence the likelihood that young people will look for help, but little is known about how young people would like a service to be designed. This study addresses a gap in research regarding how mental health services can be designed to facilitate access for young people. Methods: A collective intelligence, scenario-based design methodology was used to facilitate stakeholders to identify and prioritise ways to improve youth mental health services. In total, 74 15–17-year-olds from three geographically diverse schools in Ireland worked to identify barriers to help-seeking and to generate and prioritise options in response to barriers. Nine practitioners with experience of working in youth mental health services rated all options in terms of both potential impact on help-seeking and feasibility for service implementation. Results: A total of 326 barriers across 15 themes were generated by youth stakeholders, along with 133 options in response to barriers. Through a process of voting, young people identified 30 options as the most impactful for improving access to mental health services. Of these options, 12 were also rated by practitioners as having both high potential impact and high feasibility. These 12 options focused on four areas: making services more familiar and welcoming; providing specialist mental health input in schools; improving parental understanding; and improving the visibility of appropriate supports. Conclusions: The results of the current study inform mental health service innovation and development, in particular, by highlighting potentially impactful and feasible ways to adapt existing mental health services to improve young people’s help-seeking behaviour.
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GOH CMJ, SHAHWAN S, LAU JH, ONG WJ, TAN GTH, SAMARI E, KWOK KW, SUBRAMANIAM M, CHONG SA. Advancing research to eliminate mental illness stigma: an interventional study to improve community attitudes towards depression among University students in Singapore. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:108. [PMID: 33602155 PMCID: PMC7890908 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After decades of anti-stigma initiatives, the Advancing Research To Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma (ARTEMIS) intervention study is one of the first in Singapore to evaluate the effects of an anti-stigma intervention on attitudes towards depression in university students. METHODS 390 university students from a local university in Singapore were voluntarily recruited for the study. The ARTEMIS intervention comprises an educational and social contact component, as well as a question and answer (Q&A) session with experts in the area of mental health. The Community Attitudes towards Mental Illness (CAMI) scale was administered at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted. RESULTS The CFA identified a 3-factor model for the CAMI with a decent fit (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.06). Favourable shifts in attitudes across the factors were observed immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001). Gender (β = - 1.19, 95% CI: - 2.10, - 0.27, p = 0.01) and nationality (β = - 1.23, 95% CI: - 2.35, - 0.11, p = 0.03) were identified as significant correlates for the community mental health ideology (CMHI) factor. Linear effects indicated that having a close social contact with mental illness observed a smaller decrease in authoritarianism scores from pre- to post-intervention (β = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.18, 1.53, p = 0.01); whereas quadratic effects found a greater decrease in scores from post-intervention to after 3-months for benevolence (β = - 0.34, 95% CI: - 0.52, - 0.16, p < 0.001) and CMHI (β = - 0.22, 95% CI: - 0.45, - 0.002, p = 0.048). CONCLUSION The anti-stigma intervention shows promising short-term results across the CAMI dimensions even after adjusting for sociodemographic correlates. However, the intervention did not observe the sustained attitude shifts after 3-months. Recommendations for future anti-stigma interventions were also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Min Janrius GOH
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Shazana SHAHWAN
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Jue Hua LAU
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Wei Jie ONG
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Gregory Tee Hng TAN
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Ellaisha SAMARI
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Kian Woon KWOK
- grid.59025.3b0000 0001 2224 0361School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798 Singapore
| | - Mythily SUBRAMANIAM
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
| | - Siow Ann CHONG
- grid.414752.10000 0004 0469 9592Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore, 539747 Singapore
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Li M, Long J, Wang X, Liao Y, Liu Y, Hao Y, Wu Q, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang Q, Ma Y, Chen S, Liu T. A Comparison of COVID-19 Stigma and AIDS Stigma During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in China. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:782501. [PMID: 34925108 PMCID: PMC8671734 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.782501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To understand the current situation of stigmatizing attitudes toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China and compare it with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods: Convenient sampling and vignette-based methods were used to recruit participants on WeChat. A demographic form and adopted stigma scale were used to collect participants' demographic information and stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 and AIDS. Results: A total of 13,994 questionnaires were included in this study. A high portion of participants tend to avoid contact with individuals affected with COVID-19 (74.3%) or AIDS (59.0%), as well as their family members (70.4% for COVID-19 and 47.9% for AIDS). About half of the participants agreed that affected persons could not only cause problems to their own family but also have adverse effects on others (59.6% and 55.6% for COVID-19, 56.9 and 47.0% for AIDS). The agreements with statements about perceived stigma were similar but slightly higher than those about personal stigma in both COVID-19 and AIDS. Participants' agreements with all statements regarding personal and perceived stigma attitudes between COVID-19 and AIDS were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). Participants obtained COVID-19-related information mainly from social media (91.3%) and newspaper or television (77.1%) during the epidemic, and 61.0% of them thought information from newspapers or television was the most reliable. Conclusion: Several similarities and differences of people's attitude toward COVID-19 and AIDS were found. Avoidance, blame, and secondary discrimination to diagnosed persons and their surrounding persons were the main representations of COVID-19-related stigma. Stigma of COVID-19 had less moral link but more public panic. Experience from HIV-related stigma reduction and prevention can be applied to reduce COVID-19-related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyun Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuyi Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanhui Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yueheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuzhu Hao
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuxia Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuejiao Ma
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shubao Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Tan GTH, Shahwan S, Abdin E, Lau JH, Goh CMJ, Ong WJ, Samari E, Kwok KW, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Recognition of Depression and Help-Seeking Preference Among University Students in Singapore: An Evaluation of the Impact of Advancing Research to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma an Education and Contact Intervention. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:582730. [PMID: 34054591 PMCID: PMC8149891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.582730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SMHS 2016 revealed that young adults in Singapore had the highest 12-month prevalence of mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent condition. Additionally, the study found that those with higher education were less likely to seek treatment. The recognition of mental illness and knowledge of where to seek help has been found to influence one's ability to seek timely psychological help. This study thus aims to evaluate the effects of ARTEMIS, an education and contact intervention on university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. Methods: A total of 390 university students were recruited over a period of 6-months (October 2018 to April 2019). Students had to attend a one-off intervention which comprised a lecture on depression and personal contact with a person with lived experience of mental illness. Recognition of depression and help-seeking preference were assessed using a vignette approach, at pre- and post-intervention as well as at 3-month follow-up. Results: The intervention was effective at improving student's recognition of depression and this effect was sustained at 3-months follow-up. The intervention was also effective in shifting student's help-seeking preference, although the effects were not sustained at 3-month follow-up. Having a close friend or family with mental illness was associated with better recognition, and being able to correctly recognize depression was linked to a preference to seek psychiatric over non-psychiatric help. Conclusion: This study elucidated the efficacy of a knowledge-contact-based intervention in improving university students' recognition of depression and help-seeking preference. However, while the benefits on recognition of depression is more enduring, it is more transient for help-seeking beliefs, and booster sessions may be needed to improve the long-term effectiveness of the intervention on help-seeking preference. Lastly, to investigate the generalizability of this study's findings, future studies could replicate the current one across other non-self-selected samples, such as by integrating the intervention as part of student's orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shazana Shahwan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jue Hua Lau
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Wei Jie Ong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- President's Office, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
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