scholarly journals The functioning of rescue workers in life tasks: development of a test

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-46
Author(s):  
Heilwine Bakker ◽  
Marc van Veldhoven ◽  
Tony Gaillard ◽  
Remy Hertogs ◽  
Margot Feenstra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rescue Workers ◽  
Life Tasks

Purpose Since policemen have a highly demanding job, they have a high risk of developing mental health problems, which may have a negative influence on their private life. The purpose of this paper is to present a new questionnaire for measuring the functioning of rescue workers in life tasks outside of work. Design/methodology/approach The internal consistency, factor structure and concurrent validity of this life tasks test (LTT) were examined in a group of 108 policemen. Findings The test measures perceived effectiveness in the following five domains: social life, maintaining mental health, household and finance, giving meaning and maintaining positivity. Cronbach’s α was acceptable for two scales (>0.60) and good for the other three (>0.70). The hypothesized five-factor structure of the LTT was corroborated in a confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was examined by correlating the scores on the LTT with two established questionnaires, one for personality characteristics and one for work characteristics and work stress. All LTT scales, with the exception of social life, showed significant correlations with social support, workload and personality. Research limitations/implications This provides support for the concurrent validity of the questionnaire. Practical uses and future research are discussed. Practical implications The items are close to everyday clinical practice. It adds valuable information to the commonly used questionnaires on mental health complaints. The test may also provide insight on which life tasks domains are functioning well and which are in need of attention to improve the effectiveness. Social implications In both preventive and curative mental health support, it is important to enhance the effectiveness in life tasks, because it works as a buffer for the adversity of rescue work. Moreover, it gives rescue workers mastery of their personal life, makes self-management stronger, as well as it gives feelings of confidence and positive energy. Originality/value This is the first questionnaire to be designed and implemented for rescue workers.

scholarly journals The Impact of Critical Incidents and Workload on Functioning in the Private Life of Police Officers: Does Weakened Mental Health Act as a Mediator?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
A H M (Heilwine) Bakker ◽  
M J P M (Marc) Van Veldhoven ◽  
A W K (Anthony) Gaillard ◽  
M (Margot) Feenstra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Critical Incidents ◽  
Private Life ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Life Tasks ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study examined the disintegrating effects of critical incidents (Cri) and workload (WL) on the mental health status (MHS) and private life tasks of 166 police officers. In addition, it investigated whether diminished MHS mediated the impact of Cri and WL on private life tasks. This mediation effect was based on the work–home resources model of Brummelhuis and Bakker (2012). The respondents were police officers functioning in the front line, experiencing Cri and working in urban areas. We investigated the effects on the following five private life tasks: ‘social life, maintaining mental health, household and finance, giving meaning, and maintaining positivity’. The results showed that Cri only had a negative effect on ‘maintaining positivity’. Respondents reporting more Cri had a lower MHS, which in turn had a direct effect on the functioning in all private life tasks except ‘social life’. When mediated by MHS, Cri were associated with less effective functioning in all private life tasks except for ‘social life’. Thus, the effects of Cri on functioning in private life tasks (except social life) were larger for respondents with a low MHS. The largest effects were found for ‘maintaining mental health (MMH) and maintaining positivity’. In the WL model, no significant indirect effects were found on life tasks.

scholarly journals The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danna Oomen ◽  
Annabel D. Nijhof ◽  
Jan R. Wiersema
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported a negative psychological and mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact is likely to be stronger for people with autism as they are at heightened risk of mental health problems and because the pandemic directly affects social functioning and everyday routines. We therefore examined COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in mental health, the impact of the pandemic on their social life and routines, satisfaction with pandemic-related information and tips, and participants’ wishes for guidance. Methods We used a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative survey data from adults with and without autism across three European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (N = 1044). Results We found an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in response to the pandemic for both the non-autism and the autism group, which was greater for adults with autism. Furthermore, adults with autism showed a greater increase in worries about their pets, work, getting medication and food, and their own safety/security. They felt more relieved from social stress, yet experienced the loss of social contact as difficult. Adults with autism also felt more stressed about the loss of routines. Pleasant changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity and reduced sensory and social overload. Adults with autism frequently reported problems with cancellation of guidance due to the pandemic and expressed their wish for (more) autism-specific information and advice. Limitations Our sample is likely to reflect some degree of selection bias, and longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term effects. Conclusions Results highlight the psychological burden of the pandemic on adults with autism and shed light on how to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important now that the pandemic is likely to have a prolonged course. There is a need for accessible, affordable (continued) support from health services. Guidance may focus on the maintenance of a social network, and adjusting routines to the rapid ongoing changes. Finally, we may learn from the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes experienced as pleasant by adults with autism to build a more autism-friendly society post-pandemic.

Mental health and stigma in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nada Alattar ◽  
Anne Felton ◽  
Theodore Stickley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Issues

Purpose Stigma associated with mental health problems is widespread in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Consequently, this may prevent many Saudi people from accessing the mental health-care services and support they need. The purpose of this study is to consider how stigma affects people needing to access mental health services in the KSA. To achieve this aim, this study reviews the knowledge base concerning stigma and mental health in KSA and considers specific further research necessary to increase the knowledge and understanding in this important area. Design/methodology/approach This review examines the relevant literature concerning mental health stigma and related issues in KSA using the Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses frameworks. As a scoping review, it has used a systematic approach in literature searching. The results of the search were then thematically analysed and the themes were then discussed in light of the concepts of stigma and mental health. Findings Stigma around mental health impedes access to care, the nature of care and current clinical practice in the KSA. The voices of those with mental health issues in KSA are almost entirely unrepresented in the literature. Originality/value The review identifies that mental health stigma and cultural beliefs about mental health in KSA may act as barriers to accessing services. The voice of mental health service users in KSA remains largely unheard. If public discussion of mental health issues can increase, people’s experiences of accessing services may be improved.

Hitting the right note for child and adolescent mental and emotional wellbeing: a formative qualitative evaluation of Sistema Scotland’s “Big Noise” orchestral programme

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Harkins ◽  
Lisa Garnham ◽  
Aileen Campbell ◽  
Carol Tannahill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Causal Pathways

Purpose – Previous research emphasises the need for preventative interventions to reduce mental health problems among disadvantaged children and adolescents. There is however little consensus concerning the delivery and impacts of such interventions particularly non-clinical, arts-based models delivered within community settings. The purpose of this paper is to begin to address this deficit through a qualitative assessment of the short- to medium-term impacts to participants’ mental and emotional wellbeing within Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise orchestral programme. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews, observation, participant drawing exercise, participatory filmmaking, focus group and analysis of programme engagement were undertaken to examine the mental and emotional wellbeing impacts of the programme which are observable at this early stage of programme delivery and participants’ lives. Findings – The qualitative findings indicate that participation in the Big Noise programme enhances participant mental and emotional wellbeing in three ways; first, the happiness and enjoyment of taking part in the programme and orchestra, particularly from music making; second, the security, belonging and relationships fostered through participation; the quality of musician/participant relationship is important here as is programme design which enables support, routine and structure; and third, increased pride, confidence and self-esteem, as a result of acquiring difficult musical skills, receiving regular praise and having frequent opportunities to demonstrate these acquired skills through regular orchestral performances. Originality/value – There is little evidence or understanding of community-based, preventative, arts interventions like Big Noise: their delivery, their life-course impacts and their potential contribution to mental health and to addressing social and health inequalities. The causal pathways in the field are under-theorised. These early findings are important as they serve as an important basis from which to consider the programme’s wider and longer term impacts, which will be assessed through an on-going longitudinal, mixed method summative evaluation.

“Walking wounded or wounded healer?” Does personal experience of mental health problems help or hinder mental health practice? A review of the literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Conchar ◽  
Julie Repper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Wounded Healer ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – A systematic review of the literature on “wounded healers” was undertaken to identify, define and interpret the term and its application within the mental health environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Eight key medical/social sciences databases were interrogated. In total, 835 papers were identified in the systematic database search and abstracts were obtained for each to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. In total, 237 sources were retrieved for critical reading, to assess relevance and value to the review, and 125 documents were subsequently included. Through thematic analysis a number of themes and sub themes were identified Findings – The archetypal image of the wounded healer originates in ancient mythology and crosses many cultures. There are many interpretations and applications of the belief that having healed their own wounds a person is in a better position to heal others, however, the evidence to support this is not so robust. Of more direct relevance to contemporary practice are reports of supporting staff with mental health problems to make a contribution to mental health services, most recently through the employment of peer support workers. Originality/value – As peer support workers are increasingly being employed in mental health services, it is helpful to consider the many existing staff who bring personal experience of mental health problems. This paper explores the evidence that their lived experience makes a difference to the way that they work and considers their employment support needs.

scholarly journals Well-being through group exercise: immigrant women’s experiences of a low-threshold training program

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
Nancie Luth-Hanssen ◽  
Marit Fougner ◽  
Jonas Debesay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Immigrant Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Body Awareness ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Threshold

Purpose Immigrant women show a higher risk of mental health problems and report higher levels of musculoskeletal disorders. Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy (NPMP) is a body awareness treatment that has been used to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders and mental distress. The purpose of this study is to explore immigrant women’s participation in a low threshold training group and identify what motivates and affects their attendance and well-being. Design/methodology/approach The study is informed by a phenomenological approach. The data collection methods consisted of participatory observation and interviews. Observations and interviews were carried out between December 2016 and March 2017. Findings The findings show that the content and context of the movement group, being able to participate in exercises wearing own clothes and relying on previous body experiences motivate the women to attend and continue in the training program. NPMP inspired group training takes into account women’s cultural preferences and values. The culture-sensitive approach to physical exercise seems to motivate attendance and contribute to social and mental well-being. Low threshold physical programs should, therefore, be considered to provide immigrant women with the opportunity to experience well-being and social participation. Originality/value This study contributes to the better understanding and promotion of the physical and mental health of immigrants.

“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Sasha Martine Mattock ◽  
Kieron Beard ◽  
Amy Baddeley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful. Design/methodology/approach A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to. Research limitations/implications Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive. Practical implications The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted. Originality/value Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.

scholarly journals Necessary connections: ‘Feelings photographs’ in criminal justice research

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 205979912092525
Author(s):  
Chrissie Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Visual Methods ◽  
Television Shows ◽  
Self Harm

Visual representations of prisons and their inmates are common in the news and social media, with stories about riots, squalor, drugs, self-harm and suicide hitting the headlines. Prisoners’ families are left to worry about the implications of such events on their kin, while those incarcerated and less able to understand social cues, norms and rules, are vulnerable to deteriorating mental health at best, to death at worst. As part of the life-story method in my research with offenders who are on the autism spectrum, have mental health problems and/or have learning difficulties, and prisoner’s mothers, I asked participants to take photographs, reflecting upon their experiences. Photographs, in this case, were primarily used to help respondents consider and articulate their feelings in follow-up interviews. Notably, seeing (and imagining) is often how we make a connection to something (object or feeling), or someone (relationships), such that images in fiction, news/social media, drama, art, film and photographs can shape the way people think and behave – indeed feel about things and people. Images and representations ought to be taken seriously in researching social life, as how we interpret photographs, paintings, stories and television shows is based on our own imaginings, biography, culture and history. Therefore, we look at and process an image before words escape, by ‘seeing’ and imagining. How my participants and I ‘collaborate’ in doing visual methods and then how we make meaning of the photographs in storying their feelings, is insightful. As it is, I wanted to enable my participants to make and create their own stories via their photographs and narratives, while connecting to them, along with my own interpretation and subjectivities.

scholarly journals Referring to psychological therapy services in secondary NHS mental health services – how do mental health care professionals decide?

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-196
Author(s):  
Lucy Fiddick ◽  
Emily Neale ◽  
Falguni Nathwani ◽  
Kristina Bennert ◽  
James Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Service User ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Therapy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Therapies ◽  
Therapy Services

Purpose Evidence-based psychological therapies are available for severe and enduring mental health problems, but resources and access to these are limited within England. Practitioners in community mental health teams (CMHTs) can act as gatekeepers for access to psychological therapies for those in secondary care, but little is known about how they make referral decisions. This paper aims to understand how CMHT practitioners make decisions about who to refer or not, to secondary care psychological therapy services (PTS). Design/methodology/approach A total of 11 CMHT practitioners were interviewed to understand the decision making processes underpinning their referrals or otherwise, to a PTS within NHS England. The data were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Findings Thematic analysis resulted in 11 sub-themes under three main themes of the self, the organisation and wider structure and the service user. Results indicated that some participants were referred automatically for psychological therapy if a service user asked or if there was external pressure to refer, while others’ decisions were informed by contextual information such as the service user’s ability to engage or change, risk status and limited organisational resources. Originality/value This study explores the decision making of multi-disciplinary professionals referring to PTS. The findings have important implications for understanding some of the factors that can influence patient access to psychological treatment in secondary care.

The role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and mental health among economically disadvantaged Latinos in primary care

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Zvolensky ◽  
Jafar Bakhshaie ◽  
Daniel J. Paulus ◽  
Monica Garza ◽  
Jeanette Valdivieso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Subjective Social Status ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Latino Population ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the explanatory role of negative affect in the relation between subjective social status and anxiety/depressive disorders, suicidality symptoms, and disruption in life domains (i.e. disability; work/school, social life, and family life/home responsibilities) among Latinos seeking health services at a primary healthcare facility. Design/methodology/approach An experiment was designed using participants including 205 adult Latinos (Mage=39.2; SD=11.4) with annual incomes of less than $30,000. The sample was mostly female (85.9 percent) with a majority (98.5 percent) indicating Spanish as their first language. Findings Results indicated that subjective social status was indirectly related to the mental health variables through negative affect. Notably, these observed effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by gender, age, marital status, educational status, employment status, and number of years in the USA. Research limitations/implications The present findings suggest that there is merit in focusing further scientific attention on the interplay between subjective social status and negative affect to better understand and possibly intervene to reduce anxiety/depressive vulnerability and disability among Latinos in primary care settings. Originality/value The current study sheds light on the relationship between social status and negative affect in the Latino population. Elucidating mental health in a minority population such as the Latino population provides insight into the mental health needs among minorities that have yet to be addressed.

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