scholarly journals Predicting high and low levels of positive mental health among people living alone in the Lapland region of Finland

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Crista Milana Solin ◽  
Jaakko Reinikainen ◽  
Tuija Martelin ◽  
Nina Tamminen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Moderate Level ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
High Level ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate positive mental health (PMH) and factors related to it among those living alone in the sparsely populated area of the Lapland region. Design/methodology/approach The study utilises data from the Mental Health Survey of the Lapland region in Finland, covering 12 municipalities. The scores of short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (sWEMWBS) were categorised into three levels of PMH. Logistic regression models were used to separately estimate the odds ratios for the high level of PMH compared with the moderate level of PMH and the low level of PMH compared with the moderate level. Findings Social support seemed to be very strongly associated with both low and high levels of PMH among people living alone. Participating in activities provided by organisations or societies decreased the odds of having low PMH. Among men, young age predicted low PMH. Originality/value The number of people living alone in Finland and other parts of Europe is increasing, yet there are few studies focusing on their positive mental health (PMH). Using scales such as sWEMWBS adds to the authors’ knowledge about the positive mental well-being of those living alone, especially in rural areas, thus making it possible to utilise mental health promotion interventions effectively and accordingly.

Promoting mental health of immigrant seniors in community

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon D. Koehn ◽  
Pavlina Jarvis ◽  
Sharanjit K. Sandhra ◽  
Satwinder K. Bains ◽  
Madeleine Addison
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Community Organizations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Determinants ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore if and how community organizations providing services to late-in-life Punjabi immigrants in British Columbia, Canada, offer services with the potential to promote their mental health or well-being. The authors also wanted to know how Punjabi seniors perceived available services and if they supported their mental well-being. Design/methodology/approach – To guide the research, the authors used the VicHealth Framework, which identifies three overarching social and economic determinants of mental health: social inclusion (SI), freedom from violence and discrimination, and access to economic resources and participation. This mixed methods study combines descriptive survey and qualitative focus group data with input from Punjabi seniors and community service providers. Findings – All three mental health determinants were identified as important by service providers and seniors, with SI as the most important. Family dynamics (shaped by migration and sponsorship status) influence all three determinants and can promote or diminish mental well-being. Research limitations/implications – The pilot study is limited in sample size and scope and further inquiry with different groups of immigrant older adults is warranted. Practical implications – Service providers assert that more outreach and sustainable funding are needed to reach the majority of potential beneficiaries unable to participate in community programmes. Information on mental well-being of seniors should be targeted at both seniors and their families. Originality/value – The VicHealth Framework provided a unique lens through which to explore the contributions of community organizations to mental health promotion for immigrant older adults.

Research watch: Coronavirus (COVID-19), mental health and social inclusion in the UK and Ireland

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Holttum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to examine recent papers on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, including implications for some of the groups of people already less included in society. Design/methodology/approach A search was carried out for recent papers on mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Two papers describe surveys of adults in the UK and Irish Republic in the first days of lockdown. Low income and loss of income were associated with anxiety and depression. These surveys could not examine distress in Black and minority ethnicities, who have higher death rates from COVID-19. Two surveys of children and young people report distress and what can help. One paper summarises a host of ways in which the pandemic may affect mental well-being in different groups, and what might help. Another calls for research to understand how to protect mental well-being in various groups. Originality/value These five papers give a sense of the early days of the pandemic, especially in the UK. They also highlight the needs of some specific groups of people, or the need to find out more about how these groups experience the pandemic. They suggest some ways of trying to ensure that everyone has the best chance to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Sporting memories & the social inclusion of older people experiencing mental health problems

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Clark ◽  
Charlie Murphy ◽  
Tony Jameson-Allen ◽  
Chris Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose – Social exclusion and isolation of older people and their mental health are likely to be more significant, interlinked issues for society as countries experience an ageing demographic profile. The authors urgently need to identify effective ways of addressing these challenges that can be easily mobilised to meet diverse needs in different settings. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of sporting memories (SM) work as one approach to help meet this need. This SM work entails the use of sports-based reminiscence to engage with older people experiencing mental health problems. To date this has especially focused on people living with dementia in institutional and in community settings. Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets out the SM idea and discusses lessons learnt from case studies of its application to meet the inclusion and mental health needs of different older people in institutional and community settings. Findings – The evidence from the application of SM work to date is that it is an effective and flexible means of engaging people to improve their social inclusion and mental well-being. It can be readily deployed in various care and community settings. Research limitations/implications – The evidence to date is of case studies of the use of SM work, and, although these are now extensive case studies, further research is needed on the costs and impacts of SM work. Practical implications – SM work is a flexible and readily adoptable intervention to engage older people and help improve their social inclusion and mental well-being. Social implications – SM work can be an important part of meeting some of the challenges society faces with an ageing population profile. Originality/value – This is the first paper to set out the SM work.

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 Evaluating mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours in UK university students: a country wide study

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-319
Author(s):  
Paul Gorczynski ◽  
Wendy Sims-Schouten ◽  
Clare Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems, few students know where to turn for support. The purpose of this study was to gain a UK wide perspective on levels of mental health literacy amongst university students and to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and mental health help-seeking behaviours. Design/methodology/approach A total of 300 university students in the UK participated in this online cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the mental health literacy scale, the general help-seeking questionnaire, Kessler psychological distress scale 10, The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale and the self-compassion scale: short form. Findings Overall, 78 per cent of participants indicated mild or more severe symptoms of distress. Students reported lower levels of mental health literacy when compared to students in other nations. Women, bisexuals, and those with a history of mental disorders indicated high levels of mental health literacy. Participants indicated they were most likely to seek support from intimate partners and least likely to seek support from religious leaders. No significant correlations were found between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Mental health literacy was not correlated with distress, mental well-being or self-compassion. Help-seeking behaviours were only significantly positively correlated with mental well-being. Originality/value Universities should address strategies to improve help-seeking behaviours in an effort to address overall mental well-being. Programmes may wish to help provide students with information about accessing face-to-face support systems. Environmental strategies to foster mental well-being on campus should also be explored.

The impact of employees’ well-being on performance in the workplace

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Haddon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Made In

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look at the link between employee well-being in the workplace and its effect on productivity. Specifically, it looks at the different types of well-being (physical, nutritional and mental) and how organisations should be putting the welfare of staff at the heart of their workplace culture, to ensure their well-being and productivity. Design/methodology/approach Written as a viewpoint, the paper outlines the ways in which organisations traditionally offer employees incentives to look after their physical and nutritional well-being, such as gym memberships and healthy food options. It goes on to look at the impact of mental health on productivity and the symptoms employees may display if they are suffering with mental illness. Findings Mental health is one of the key contributors to productivity, and employers should do more to ensure the mental well-being of their staff. In addition, it outlines the impact a person’s mental well-being can have not only on themselves, but also on those around them, affecting, therefore, the productivity of a team/organisation as a whole, not just the individual. Originality/value The findings in the paper are based on personal experience, as well as recent statistics which are used to highlight the importance of the arguments made in the paper about the effect of mental health on and individual’s well-being and productivity. It is designed to advise HR managers and employers of the steps they can take to ensure the well-being of their employees and the benefits to themselves in doing so.

Assessing mental well-being in family carers of people with dementia using the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1443-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Orgeta ◽  
Elena Lo Sterzo ◽  
Martin Orrell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTBackground:Understanding and measuring mental health and well-being among carers of people with dementia has become an important public health issue.Methods:In the present study we used the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) to identify predictors of positive mental health in a convenience sample of family carers of people with dementia using a cross-sectional design.Results:WEMWBS showed a negative correlation with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and a positive correlation with physical health status. Regression analyses indicated that overall nearly 70% of the variance in mental well-being in carers could be attributed to caregiver's age, physical health, stress specific to caregiving, and social support. Preliminary data show that the WEMWBS demonstrates strong internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated one underlying factor of positive mental well-being.Conclusions:WEMWBS is a psychometrically strong measure of mental well-being, and can be used to identify factors that promote positive mental health in family carers of people with dementia. Current results provide preliminary data supporting the usefulness of the scale as an overall indicator of population mental health and well-being for carers of people with dementia.

scholarly journals Creative practice in a group setting

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Argyle ◽  
Gary Winship
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Service Use ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Practice ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose – Involvement in creative practice is commonly regarded as “therapeutic” but what is actually meant by this and how does this work promote social inclusion and mental well-being, particularly when performed in a group setting? Drawing on the findings of a research project called Clay Transformations (AHRC), the purpose of this paper is to consider these questions. The project involved running a series of clay workshops aimed at people with experience of mental health service use and those who work with them. Design/methodology/approach – In order to explore the significance of art involvement to people who use mental health services, qualitative research findings are presented. These are then linked to relevant literature in order to consider the way in which workshop participation helped to promote social inclusion and mental well-being. Findings – Many benefits were gained from workshop attendance deriving from involvement in the process and the outcome of art creation. These benefits were enhanced by the group context in which the work took place and the mutual support and interaction arising from this group membership. Originality/value – The recognition of the therapeutic value of creative practice has been accompanied by the emergence of the notion of “mutual recovery” which extends the concept of recovery beyond an individualised focus. The positive findings of this project uphold these developments and suggest that mental health practice should address the wider social contexts that can facilitate the promotion of mental well-being.

scholarly journals The Association between Loneliness, Mental Well-Being, and Self-Esteem among Adolescents in Four Nordic Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7405
Author(s):  
Nelli Lyyra ◽  
Einar Baldvin Thorsteinsson ◽  
Charli Eriksson ◽  
Katrine Rich Madsen ◽  
Asko Tolvanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mental Well Being

Positive mental health is central to adolescent well-being. The present study examines the prevalence of loneliness and positive mental health indicators (mental well-being and self-esteem) in four Nordic countries and associations between loneliness, mental well-being, and high self-esteem. This study is based on data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study which was conducted in 2018 in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. Participants were 5883 15-year-old boys and girls. To examine the associations between loneliness, mental well-being, and self-esteem, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied. In the comparison of Nordic countries, the prevalence of loneliness was highest among Finnish and Icelandic adolescents. High mental well-being and high self-esteem were most prevalent in Denmark and Sweden. In general, boys scored higher on positive mental health indicators and girls on loneliness. Loneliness was also a strong indicator of low mental well-being and low self-esteem in all Nordic countries. Loneliness is not only associated with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, but it is also a risk factor for adolescents’ positive mental health. Positive mental health is important for healthy maturation and there is a need to develop initiatives to reduce adolescent loneliness and so support positive development.

scholarly journals Sports participation for mental health promotion among socially vulnerable youth: a study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Haavanlammi ◽  
K Appelqvist-Schmidlechner ◽  
M Kekkonen ◽  
A Ruiz-Ariza ◽  
S Fröjd
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Vulnerable Youth ◽  
Organized Sports ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract The benefits of participation in organized sports on mental well-being of young people are well-known. However, there is lacking evidence on the relationship between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people. Also, little is known about the mechanisms of sports-based programmes that may promote positive mental health among socially vulnerable young people. The aim of this PhD study is to investigate the association between participation in organized sports and positive mental health among socially vulnerable children (7-12 years) and adolescents (13-15 years) using multiple methods and several databases. I will present the study protocol of a PhD study focusing on use of sports participation as a tool for mental health promotion. Article 1 will be a systematic literature review and the data will be gathered from multiple databases. Article 2 is based on the School Health Promotion Study carried out in 2017 (ages 14-15; n = 73 680). Article 3 is based on Icehearts longitudinal study (n = 46 children participating Icehearts programme and n = 180 controls) and article 4 is based on observations (n = 5 Icehearts teams including 50 children and 5 coaches) and interviews (25 Iceheartś children and their 50 parents). Preliminary findings of the systematic literature review indicate that there is a lack of evidence how to promote mental well-being through sports participation among socially vulnerable young people. The study will provide valuable knowledge which can be utilized to prevent mental health problems and to promote positive mental health. This knowledge can be used both in municipal and political decision-making, and in developing targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities. Key messages Observational data on interventions including perspectives of children is rare but crucial to develop effective programmes for promoting positive mental health among socially vulnerable youth. Knowledge obtained from this study can be used to develop targeted, sport-based interventions for socially vulnerable children and adolescents in order to reduce health inequalities.

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