Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Delle Fave ◽  
Luca Negri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Indian Medical ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Western View ◽  
Health Features

This chapter offers an overview of the scientific approaches to the study of mental health, starting from the historical breakthrough represented by Maria Jahoda’s emphasis on the structural differences between mental health and mental illness, and concluding with the latest theoretical models and interventions formulated within positive psychology. Attention is paid to conceptualizations of human flourishing and psychological well-being, their operationalization and assessment tools, and their use and effectiveness in interventions. Empirical findings on positive mental health features across the life span are summarized. The approach to mental health developed within Asian traditions, and specifically in the Indian medical system of Ayurveda, is discussed in relation to the Western view. New questions and challenges arising from the expansion of knowledge about positive mental health are outlined.

scholarly journals Erratum to: From well-being to positive mental health: conceptualization and qualitative development of an instrument in Singapore

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 1795-1795
Author(s):  
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar ◽  
Mythily Subramaniam ◽  
Yee Wei Lim ◽  
Cathy Sherbourne ◽  
Nan Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health

Positive Mental Health in Youth with ADHD: Exploring the Role of Social Support

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Laura Harris-Lane ◽  
Jacqueline Hesson ◽  
Ken Fowler ◽  
Nicholas Harris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Youth With Adhd

Positive mental health in youth has important implications for overall well-being. This study examined the extent to which different types of social support are associated with positive mental health among individuals, ages 15–24, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Compared to respondents without a diagnosis of ADHD, those with a diagnosis had significantly lower scores on measures of positive mental health and on four of five types of social support. Among the five types of social support, social integration and reassurance of worth were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health in respondents diagnosed with ADHD.

scholarly journals Positive psychiatry/psychology for older adults: a new and important movement but robust methodology is essential

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte R. Stoner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
View Point ◽  
The World ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Dynamic Interplay

Positive psychiatry and the related positive psychology are offering a much needed alternative framework through which to view the psychology of old age (Jeste et al., 2015). Traditional models of old age tend to approach the subject from a negative view point where themes of dependency and decline can be common (Cumming and Henry, 1961). In contrast, positive psychiatry and psychology refer to the scientific study of strengths and capabilities that contribute to well-being (Seligman, 1998). Some of these can be thought of as character strengths and evidence suggests that concepts such as hope, humour, integrity, and gratitude are universal, with examples documented in at least 54 nations across the world (Park et al., 2006). Researchers aligned to these theoretical models seek to explore complex approaches to measuring and improving mental health, recognizing that well-being is often a dynamic interplay between positive and negative psychological processes and outcomes (Lomas and Ivtzan, 2016).

Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of mental disorders in the Nigerian Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oye Gureje ◽  
Victor O. Lasebikan ◽  
Lola Kola ◽  
Victor A. Makanjuola
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress

BackgroundLarge-scale community studies of the prevalence of mental disorders using standardised assessment tools are rare in sub-Saharan Africa.AimsTo conduct such a study.MethodMultistage stratified clustered sampling of households in the Yoruba-speaking parts of Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews used the World Mental Health version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI).ResultsOf the 4984 people interviewed (response rate 79.9%), 12.1% had a lifetime rate of at least one DSM–IV disorder and 5.8% had 12-month disorders. Anxiety disorders were the most common (5.7% lifetime, 4.1% 12-month rates) but virtually no generalised anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder were identified. Of the 23% who had seriously disabling disorders, only about 8% had received treatment in the preceding 12 months. Treatment was mostly provided by general medical practitioners; only a few were treated by alternative practitioners such as traditional healers.ConclusionsThe observed low rates seem to reflect demographic and ascertainment factors. There was a large burden of unmet need for care among people with serious disorders.

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF JOB CRAFTING ON THE PROMOTION OF FLOW AND WELLBEING

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
RITA P. de DEVOTTO ◽  
CLARISSA P. P. FREITAS ◽  
SOLANGE M. WECHSLER
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Flow At Work

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the mediating role of flow at work on the relations of job crafting (task crafting, cognitive crafting and relational crafting) with positive mental health dimensions (emotional well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being). Originality/value: Job crafting actions have been identified as antecedents of the levels of well-being at work. The present study contributed to the literature examining the relationships between job crafting, flow at work, and positive mental health, which have not yet been investigated in previous empirical studies. Design/methodology/approach: The quantitative approach was used through an online questionnaire composed of a sociodemographic questionnaire and three scales. The sample consisted of 386 professionals from different Brazilian states, of which 58% were female, with a mean age of 44 years (SD = 12 years). The data were analyzed through structural equations. Findings: The results of the analysis of structural equations showed that relational crafting had a direct impact on positive mental health. The relations of cognitive crafting with positive mental health were totally mediated by flow at work. We concluded that job crafting, primarily cognitive crafting, influence occupational and general well-being.

scholarly journals Physiological and Psychological Effects of Nature Experiences in Different Forests on Young People

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1391
Author(s):  
Qiaohui Liu ◽  
Xiaoping Wang ◽  
Jinglan Liu ◽  
Congying An ◽  
Yuqi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Urban Site ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
The Impact

Many studies have proved that having nature experiences in forests is conducive to human physiological and psychological health. However, currently there is little research focusing on the effects of forest characteristics and the experiential characteristics of nature experiences on changes in health. In the study, three types of forest (mixed forest; deciduous forest; coniferous forest) and an urban site were used to measure the effects of these environments on participants’ physiological and psychological restoration after nature experience activities (sitting and walking activities). The study participants were 30 young adult students from Beijing Forestry University. Restorative effects were measured by physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and four psychological questionnaires (Profile of Mood States (POMS); Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS); Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS); Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)). Results demonstrated that all types of forest were beneficial to lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as to reduce negative feelings while boosting positive emotions. The mixed forest was more effective in lowering blood pressure and heart rate as well as increasing vitality. The levels of restoration and positive mental health increased significantly, while all subscales of the POMS (with the exception of vigor) decreased greatly in the coniferous forest. Relative to the sitting activity, obvious decreases in blood pressure and negative emotions were observed, while significant increases in restoration, vitality and positive mental health were observed after the walking activity. In conclusion, the impact on subjects’ health restoration varied with different forest characteristics, and the experiential characteristics of exposure may be helpful for creating supportive interventions and lifting the benefits of forest therapy as people interact with the forest.

scholarly journals Preparing student paramedics for the mental health challenges of the profession by using the wisdom of the experienced

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Natalie Ciccone ◽  
Lynne Cohen ◽  
Richard Brightwell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Challenges

Given the significant mental health issues affecting our paramedics, there exists an urgent need to promote positive mental health and well-being among future cohorts of student paramedics.  This study investigated the preparedness of student paramedics for the mental health challenges of the profession and explored the coping strategies used by experienced paramedics.The study was conducted in two parts. Part A comprised of two surveys which were developed and administered to 16 course coordinators and 302 students of the 16 accredited undergraduate paramedicine courses across Australia and New Zealand. The survey aimed to identify the perceived need for preparation within the curriculum.  In addition, the anticipations, confidence and fears of student paramedics, Course Coordinators and paramedics were also collected as a means to explore the preparedness through self-evaluation, reflection and discussion.Part B included twenty semi-structured interviews with experienced paramedics, from Australia and New Zealand. The interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of their experiences and the mental health coping strategies they employed, as well as capture the advice they would give to student paramedics. Results from the interviews were validated by three focus groups comprised of six paramedics each, representative of the geographic spread.Results suggest there is widespread recognition for the need to include preparation for the mental health challenges of the profession, within accredited undergraduate paramedic courses, with 100% of course coordinators and 97% of students recognising this need.The interviews with paramedics provided valuable insights into the experiences and strategies used to aid the survival of the paramedics throughout their careers.  Within the interviews, 70% of participants expressed a sincere love for the paramedic role, and 70% identified black humour as the coping strategy most used by themselves and colleagues.  In addition, extensive advice was given to students based upon the paramedics’ lived experiences.  This advice comprised of three themes; support, health and the profession.   These findings were mapped against the aims of Australia’s current Mental Health Policy to provide evidence-based and policy-informed guidelines for the integration of positive mental health strategies into undergraduate paramedicine curricula.Preparing student paramedics for the mental health challenges of the profession could be advantageous.  One way to achieve this is through the inclusion of key content within the undergraduate curriculum by utilising the relatable data collected on anticipation, confidence, fears and the advice offered by the veteran paramedics can be integrated. These lived experiences are highly credible and an opportunity for veterans to contribute positively to the future of paramedicine.

scholarly journals Psychometric Evaluation of the Positive Mental Health (PMH) Scale Using Item Analysis According to the Rasch Model

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lusine Vaganian ◽  
Maren Boecker ◽  
Sonja Bussmann ◽  
Michael Kusch ◽  
Hildegard Labouvie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rasch Model ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Present Sample ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Rasch Model

Abstract Background: The investigation of patient-reported outcomes and psycho-oncological interventions mainly focuses on psychological distress or psychopathology. However, the recognition of the equal importance of positive mental health (PMH) has increased lately. The PMH-scale is a brief questionnaire allowing to assess well-being in individuals in the general population and in patients. Previous studies evaluated the psychometric properties of the PMH-scale using classical test theory (CTT). This study is the first to investigate the PMH-scale in patients with cancer using item analysis according to the Rasch model. Methods: In total, N = 357 cancer patients participated in the study. A Rasch analysis of the PMH-scale was conducted including testing of unidimensionality, local independence, homogeneity and differential item functioning (DIF) with regard to age, gender, type of cancer, the presence of metastases, psycho-oncological support, and duration of disease. Additionally, the ordering of the item thresholds as well as the targeting of the scale were investigated.Results: After excluding one misfitting item and accounting for local dependence by forming superitems, a satisfactory overall fit to the Rasch model was established (χ2 = 30.34, p = 0.21). The new PMH-8 scale proved to be unidimensional, and homogeneity of the scale could be inferred. All items showed ordered thresholds, there was no further item misfit. DIF was found for age, but as the impact of DIF was not substantial, no adjustment related to the age-DIF had to be made. The Person Separation Index (PSI = 0.89) was excellent, indicating excellent discriminatory power between different levels of positive mental health. Overall, the targeting of the PMH-8 was good for the majority of the present sample. However, at both ends of the scale item thresholds are missing as indicated by a slight floor effect (1.4%) and a considerable ceiling effect (9.8%). Conclusion: Overall, the results of the analysis according to the Rasch model support the use of the revised PMH-scale in a psycho-oncological context.

scholarly journals Self-esteem and mental health in adolescents – level and stability during a school year

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Unni Karin Moksnes ◽  
Randi Johansen Reidunsdatter
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Health Development ◽  
Hopkins Symptom Checklist ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
School Year ◽  
Mental Well Being

Aim: Adolescence represent an important period for positive mental health development. The aim of the present paper was to investigate gender differences as well as the level, stability and predictive role of mental health (symptoms of depression/anxiety and mental well-being) and self-esteem in adolescents during a school year.Methods: The study sample consisted of a cohort of 351 students aged 15–21 years in Mid-Norway. In a survey administrated at the beginning and end of the 2016/2017 school year, mental well-being was assessed with Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, depression/anxiety with Hopkins Symptom Checklist and self-esteem with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Two models were tested for prediction; self-esteem on mental health (vulnerability model) and mental health on self-esteem (scar model).Results: Girls reported significantly higher depression/anxiety than boys and showed a slightly significant increase in depression/anxiety, stress and self-esteem during the two assessments. Boys scored significantly higher on mental well-being and self-esteem and reported stable mental health during the school year. Selfesteem significantly predicted depression/anxiety and mental well-being. Mental well-being and depression/ anxiety also significantly predicted self-esteem.Conclusion: The results suggest that self-esteem and mental health are reciprocally associated. The results underline the gender differences in overall mental health in adolescents and thus the potential importance of acknowledging gender when working on universal strategies for positive mental health development.

scholarly journals On the Role of Mental Health Activities for Teachers’ Work and Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Hofmann ◽  
Daniel Groß ◽  
Carl-Walter Kohlmann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Positive Functioning ◽  
Female Age ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Healthy Work ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractEveryday behavior is getting increasingly attention, both in the prevention of mental impairment and the promotion of mental health – within and beyond the work context. The present study aimed to identify the importance of mental health activities for well-being and positive functioning of teachers, while taking affectivity into account. Teachers are confronted with various stressors, and identifying predictors of teachers’ well-being and positive functioning is important, not only for teachers’ personal health, but also for their students’ well-being and achievement. Based on the Broaden and Build (B&B) theory and Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we assumed that (1) the practice of mental health activities is associated with well-being (i.e., positive mental health) and positive functioning (i.e., healthy and unhealthy work-related behavior and experiences), and that (2) mental health activities mediate the association between affectivity and the respective outcomes. These assumptions were tested in a sample of 326 German teachers (75% female, age: M = 44, SD = 11.85). The practice of mental health activities was associated with more positive mental health, more healthy work-related behavior and experiences, and less unhealthy work-related behavior and experiences. Moreover, mental health activities partly explained the relationship between affectivity and the respective outcomes. The present findings indicate the potential of mental health activities for mental health promotion in teachers but future studies are recommended in order to establish causal effects.

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