scholarly journals Aligned but not integrated: UK academic library support to mental health and well-being during COVID-19

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Cox ◽  
Liz Brewster
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health And Well Being

PurposeTo discover how UK academic libraries sought to support student mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe data was from a 24-question survey of UK universities distributed in May 2021 which received 56 responses from 47 different Higher Education Institution libraries. Descriptive statistics are combined with thematic analysis of open text comments.FindingsLibraries were undertaking a wide range of activities, targeted chiefly at students and broadcast via Twitter, other social media and library web sites. The problem being addressed was the stresses of studying in the context of the pivot online and isolation caused by social distancing. Digital well-being seemed also to be an increased concern. COVID-19 had proved the value of digital support but created a number of challenges such as loss of physical space, communication barriers and lack of extra resource. The role had a somewhat informal place in the organisation. Overall library activities were aligned but not strongly integrated into institutional efforts.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a study in one specific national context with a relatively limited number of total responses. There could be a non-response bias where respondents were doing more than was typical in the sector.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the first papers to gather sector wide data and move beyond case studies of what individual libraries due to support to mental health and well-being. It also offers a case study of the impacts of COVID-19 on management pointing to its catalysing the digital shift, creating constraints on resources and communication and prompting the emergence of staff well-being as a consideration in management decision making.

Correlates of mental health and well-being for Mexican female partners of migrants

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-373
Author(s):  
Marcela Sotomayor-Peterson ◽  
Ana A. Lucero-Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the associations between familism, frequency of physical contact, and marital satisfaction with mental health and well-being in a sample of 58 female marital partners of migrants who stayed in Mexico when their spouses migrated to the USA. Design/methodology/approach In total, 58 women were recruited through word of mouth in Sonora, Mexico. All women had their partner (the father of her children) living in the USA. Survey was administered face-to-face in participants’ homes. Findings Hierarchical regression analysis found that higher marital satisfaction and frequency of physical contact predicts mental health and well-being. However, familism was not associated with mental health and well-being for female partners of migrants. Originality/value This work is unique in that the current sample of female partners of migrants originate from the Sonora border region and has greater physical contact with their partner than most studies on transnational families assume. Approximately 40 percent of participants residing in the Sonora border state meet with their partners at least once a month. Additionally, this work provides an intimate face to the understanding of the very specific processes distinctive of inhabitants of border regions that are part of international migration. In order to promote health equity, health providers (e.g. counselors) need evidence-based information to tailor services to the specific needs of underserved Mexican transnationals.

scholarly journals Occupational stress management for UK construction professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saheed O. Ajayi ◽  
William Jones ◽  
Maria Unuigbe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The increasing awareness of stress as an issue in the construction industry, and the increased realisation of the more effective approach of preventing stress as opposed to treating mental health, has placed a great responsibility on industries that rely heavily on the performance of their workforce. In line with this, this paper aims to investigate the causes of stress and the best strategies for improving professional resilience and stress management proficiency in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using exploratory sequential mixed method research design, the top factors that cause stress, mitigate stress and build resilience are identified and discussed. Findings The findings show thematic similarities in the causes of stress, by displaying a reoccurring theme relating to the quality and lack of information, as well as poor communication among the construction professionals. This implies that poor collaboration and “over-the-wall syndrome” of the construction industry does not only contribute to defective output and reworks, it also has significant impacts on the health and well-being of the professionals. Recommendations are made on how to mitigate stress in the industry, by addressing its root-causes and implementing the identified mitigation strategies. This includes a realistic approach to budgeting and project duration, as well as improved communication and collaboration. Originality/value Finding of this study could help in mitigating stress and mental health concerns that are currently plaguing the construction industry.

scholarly journals The “Supporting Kids, Avoiding Problems” (SKIP) study: relationships between school exclusion, psychopathology, development and attainment – a case control study

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Parker ◽  
Ruth Marlow ◽  
Marc Kastner ◽  
Felix May ◽  
Oana Mitrofan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Behavioural Difficulties ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school between the ages of 4 and 12 years and the role of psychopathology, development and attainment. Design/methodology/approach – A case-control approach was conducted. Cases were children who had been excluded from school compared to those who had no reported exclusions and normative data where possible. A range of measures were used to collect information from the parent, child and teacher on areas covering the child’s mental health and well-being. Findings – The findings showed the number of difficulties faced by children who are at risk of being or who have been excluded from school compared to gender- and age-matched controls and normative data increased. Behavioural difficulties were apparent in the majority of the cases and an alarming number of children reported self-harm. Interestingly nearly all the cases had recognised needs, but not all of them were accessing appropriate services. Practical implications – There have been a number of changes regarding the identification and support of children’s mental health and well-being. This study highlights gaps in resources and provision, particularly around behavioural difficulties for children who are presenting as not coping in school. Originality/value – The findings from the SKIP study indicate the complexities and compounded difficulties faced by children who are experiencing exclusion from school. By implementing a systematic group of assessments the study was able to identify these complexities of need across a vulnerable group of children.

scholarly journals Mental health of students living with food insecurity during the transition to university

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Howard ◽  
Erin Barker
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
First Year ◽  
Transition To University ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Health Deficit

The present study examined differences in mental health and well-being between students with and without suspected food insecurity during their transition to university. We drew on existing data from four samples of traditionally-aged, first-year undergraduates enrolled at large universities in three provinces (Alberta N = 199; Québec N = 299; Ontario N = 461 and N = 510). Students completed online surveys assessing a wide range of health-related behaviours and indicators, including food security. Poorer mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, low satisfaction with life) was consistently associated with food insecurity across samples. The magnitude of mental health deficit was comparable to socioeconomic disadvantage associated with food insecurity. Students with food insecurity are disproportionately launching their university careers with poorer mental health, revealing a critical point of intervention for these socioeconomically higher-risk students.

scholarly journals Mitigating dilemmas in postgraduate researcher mental health and well-being project implementation: critical reflections from three former implementers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Valeix ◽  
Rachel Moss ◽  
Charotte Morris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Project Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Networks ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Personal Accounts ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Critical Reflections

Purpose This paper aims to present the critical reflections of three women implementers formerly working in projects that seek to support the mental health and well-being (MHW) of postgraduate researchers (PGRs), which has become a recent focus for UK researchers and policymakers. The paper offers an experience-based perspective on tensions in PGR-MHW project implementation by providing personal accounts of several social dilemmas the authors encountered. From reflecting on experiences, the authors derived recommendations for mitigating such dilemmas when designing and delivering future projects. Design/methodology/approach First, the experiences of dilemmas as female project implementers of PGR-MHW projects were recalled, listed and discussed and identified broad overarching themes. Second, one dilemma for each of the three themes was fleshed out according to the ones that carried meaning for how the role was personally experienced. Third, what the accounts of dilemmas meant for project implementation and outcomes was analyzed. Then the findings to existing literature where similar tensions were identified were linked, including how these could be mitigated. Findings The dilemmas experienced as implementers in PGR-MHW projects fit among three interconnected themes: identity, values, and motivations and relationships. It was showed that, although they may be hard to see, the dilemmas presented in this paper impede project’s success, outcomes for PGRs and implementers’ well-being. Mitigating such dilemmas when designing, funding, implementing and evaluating future projects is not straightforward, and the findings in this article open avenues to tackle this problem. Originality/value Focusing on reflections of female implementers, the paper provides an original perspective on PGR-MHW project evaluation. Using reflective writing as a research tool allowed us to identify overlooked dilemmas in project implementation. Honest and critical accounts of implementers’ experiences revealed important lessons such as different framings of project success, the intersection between the personal and the professional and individual responsibilities in project networks.

Commentary on “The experiences of Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ for people with a learning disability: results from surveys in Jersey and Guernsey”

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Long Term Consequences ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Purpose This paper aims to consider the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown restrictions. Design/methodology/approach This commentary reflects on the issues raised by Morris et al., and in the wider literature. Findings Although there have been some benefits to lockdown for people with intellectual disabilities, mainly they have experienced isolation, increased mental health and well-being challenges, difficulty in accessing services, support and adequate adapted information. Originality/value This commentary argues that it is important to continue to capture the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities now and over time to assess the long-term consequences of the pandemic and to design services which are respondent to their needs.

scholarly journals Health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers abroad

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Adhikary ◽  
Zoë A. Sheppard ◽  
Steven Keen ◽  
Edwin van Teijlingen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose Although South Asia is a growing supplier of migrant labour, there is a paucity of research on the health and well-being of male Nepalese migrant workers. The purpose of this paper is to assess the health and mental well-being of Nepalese construction and factory workers employed in Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire administered, in and around Nepal’s international airport, to 403 migrants who had worked for over six months in their host countries. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with self-reported health status and mental health symptoms. Findings Over 13 per cent reported poor or very poor health and nearly a quarter reported mental health issues. Whilst age and exercise were significantly associated with health status, poor work environments and perceived health risks were associated with both mental health issues and health status. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to males only and those working in the factories and the construction industry. To improve migrant health and mental well-being, Nepalese and host governments should consider mandatory health insurance and a range of pre-departure and arrival education around general literacy, mental health assessments and workplace health and safety. Originality/value There have been no known studies on the health and well-being of Nepalese migrant construction and factory workers in the Middle East and Malaysia. The strong association between self-reported poor health and perceived work environment is an important issue that policy makers in Nepal and destination countries should address.

How can organisations help employees thrive? The development of guidelines for promoting positive mental health at work

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren J. Davenport ◽  
Amanda F. Allisey ◽  
Kathryn M. Page ◽  
Anthony D. LaMontagne ◽  
Nicola J. Reavley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Expert Consensus ◽  
Mental Health Practitioners ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Workplace Mental Health ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose Benefits of positive mental health have been demonstrated across work and non-work domains. Individuals reporting positive mental health experience better work performance, better social relationships and better physical health. Additionally, positive work environments can contribute to employee mental health. The purpose of this paper is to develop “expert” consensus regarding practical, actionable strategies that organisations can implement to promote positive mental health in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach A Delphi consensus method was used to establish expert consensus on strategies to promote positive workplace mental health. A 278-item questionnaire was developed and strategies were rated over three survey rounds by two panels comprising 36 workplace mental health practitioners and 36 employer representatives and employees (27 and 9, respectively), employees with experience of promoting positive mental health and well-being in the workplace (total – 72 panellists). Findings In total, 220/278 strategies were rated as essential or important by at least 80 per cent of both panels. Endorsed strategies covered the topics of: mental health and well-being strategy, work environment that promotes positive mental health, positive leadership styles, effective communication, designing jobs for positive mental health, recruitment and selection, supporting and developing employees, work-life balance, and positive mental health and well-being initiatives. Originality/value The guidelines arising from this study represent expert consensus on what is currently appropriate for promoting positive mental health at work from the perspectives of workplace mental health practitioners, employers and employees, and constitute a resource for translating the growing body of knowledge in this area into policy and practice.

Impact of a tenancy health check

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-202
Author(s):  
Nicholas Leigh-Hunt ◽  
Ruth Fletcher-Brown ◽  
Lynsey Mould
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Check ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Housing Officer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how loneliness and other mental health problems in older local authority housing tenants can be identified and addressed. Design/methodology/approach A tenancy health check form to identify health and well-being issues was developed by housing and public health for use in a rolling programme of housing officer visits to elderly tenants. This form facilitated enquiries on loneliness, social isolation and mental health as part of a supportive conversation. Individuals identified as being lonely were signposted to a range of community activities and social groups, and for some, ongoing support via telephone was provided by the housing officer. Findings The tenancy health check helped identify loneliness in this population group and enabled signposting to an increased number of local community activities. In addition to improved individual well-being, social capital has been strengthened through the creation of community networks. Practical implications Use of a health check form during housing officer visits provides a low-cost means of identifying health and well-being issues in vulnerable populations and facilitates adoption of making every contact count approaches by social housing providers. Originality/value This case study demonstrates the scope to provide holistic support for social housing tenants through better connections between public sector and community organisations.

scholarly journals Workplace bullying and incivility: a systematic review of interventions

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Hodgins ◽  
Sarah MacCurtain ◽  
Patricia Mannix-McNamara
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Workplace Mistreatment ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Future Practice

Purpose – Workplace mistreatment has a negative impact on the health and well-being of approximately 20 per cent of workers. Despite this, few interventions have been evaluated and published. The purpose of this paper is to address the question “what interventions designed to reduce workplace bullying or incivility are effective and what can be learnt from evaluated interventions for future practice?” Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review was undertaken in which 11 electronic databases were searched, yielding 5,364 records. Following screening on abstract and title, 31 papers were retained for detailed review and quality assessment. Subsequently, 12 interventions to address workplace bullying or incivility were critically appraised. Findings – The papers spanned a wide range of approaches to and assumptions about resolving the problem of bullying and/or incivility. Half the studies focused on changing individual behaviours or knowledge about bullying or incivility, and duration of intervention ranged from two hours to two years. Only four studies were controlled before-after studies. Only three studies were classed as “moderate” in terms of quality, two of which were effective and one of which was partially effective. Originality/value – A final synthesis of results of the review indicate that multi-component, organisational level interventions appear to have a positive effect on levels of incivility, and should be considered as a basis for developing interventions to address workplace bullying.

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