Effectiveness of Mental Health First Aid: a meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy K. Maslowski ◽  
Rick A. LaCaille ◽  
Lara J. LaCaille ◽  
Catherine M. Reich ◽  
Jill Klingner
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Publishing Research ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The People ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper, a meta-analysis and systematic review of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), is to focus on studies that reported trainees’ mental health literacy, attitudes and helping-related behaviors, as well as the impact of the program for the people who came into contact with trainees (i.e. recipients). Design/methodology/approach A systematic search included several online databases of published studies, dissertations or theses, and journals commonly publishing research in this area. Studies were randomized or non-randomized control trials using an intervention based upon the adult or youth MHFA curriculum. Findings Of the 8,257 initial articles, 16 met inclusion criteria. Small-to-moderate effect sizes (Hedges’ g=0.18–0.53) were found for the primary outcomes for the trainees with effects appearing to be maintained at follow-up. Study quality was inversely associated with effect size. No evidence of investigator allegiance was detected. Few studies examined the effects for those who received aid from a MHFA trainee. Preliminary quantitative evidence appeared lacking (Hedges’ g=−0.04 to 0.12); furthermore, a qualitative review found limited positive effects. Research limitations/implications MHFA trainees appear to benefit from MHFA; however, objective behavioral changes are in need of greater emphasis. Additionally, considerably greater attention and effort in testing effects on distressed recipients is needed with future empirical investigations. Originality/value This is the first known review that includes preliminary findings on the effects of MHFA on the distressed recipients of the aid. It is anticipated that this will prompt further investigation into the impact of MHFA.

Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid USA Using the Mental Health Beliefs and Literacy Scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
My K. Banh ◽  
Jeremy Chaikind ◽  
Hillary A. Robertson ◽  
Mary Troxel ◽  
Justine Achille ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Mental Health Beliefs ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the United States with a theoretically based and psychometrically sound measure, the Mental Health Beliefs and Literacy Scale (MBLS). Design: Online MBLS surveys were administered pre-MHFA training, 3-weeks post-training, and 6-months posttraining. Setting: Mental Health First Aid trainings carried out across the United States. Participants: Six hundred sixty-two trainees were contacted, and 273 (41%) completed the presurvey. Of those, 63% filled out the postsurvey and 35% completed the 6-month survey. Seventy-six individuals completed all 3 surveys. Intervention: Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour education program to help the general public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse; to date, almost 1 million people have been trained. Measure: The MLBS, based on the Unified Theory of Behavior Change framework, consists of attitudinal, social-, and skill-based constructs affecting the intention to perform and achievement of MHFA actions and reports of their actual completion. Analysis: Change across time points was assessed using multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Significant short- and longer term changes were found in internally consistent constructs tapping positive beliefs about MHFA actions, the confidence and intention to perform them as well as mental health literacy. Conclusion: The MBLS documented strong positive effects of MHFA training that were greater in individuals without prior mental health training, the intended targets of MHFA efforts.

scholarly journals Investigating the barriers and facilitators to implementing mental health first aid in the workplace: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Jay Narayanasamy ◽  
Louise Thomson ◽  
Carol Coole ◽  
Fiona Nouri ◽  
Avril Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Employee Characteristics

Purpose There has been little research into the use and efficacy of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) across UK workplaces. This paper aims to investigate the implementation of MHFA across six UK organisations, identifying key barriers and facilitators. Design/methodology/approach Twenty-seven workplace representatives were recruited from six organisations through purposive sampling and took part in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of workplace MHFA. The data underwent thematic analysis, identifying key themes around implementation. Findings Implementation varied across organisations, including different reasons for initial interest in the programme, and variable ways that MHFA-trained employees operated post-training. Key barriers to successful implementation included negative attitudes around mental health, the perception that MHFA roles were onerous, and employees’ reluctance to engage in the MHFA programme. Successful implementation was perceived to be based on individual qualities of MHFA instructors and good practice demonstrated by trained individuals in the workplace. The role of the inner organisational setting and employee characteristics were further highlighted as barriers and facilitators to effective implementation. Research limitations/implications MHFA is a complex intervention, presenting in different ways when implemented into complex workplace settings. As such, traditional evaluation methods may not be appropriate for gaining insights into its effectiveness. Future evaluations of workplace MHFA must consider the complexity of implementing and operationalising this intervention in the workplace. Originality/value This study is the first to highlight the factors affecting successful implementation of MHFA across a range of UK workplaces.

scholarly journals Mental Health First aid Training: Review of Evaluation Studies

2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betty A. Kitchener ◽  
Anthony F. Jorm
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
The Public ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Helping Behaviours ◽  
First Aid Training ◽  
Helping Behaviour ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Objective: To review studies evaluating mental health first aid (MHFA) training. Method: Review of three published trials: one uncontrolled with members of the public in a city, one randomized controlled efficacy trial in a workplace setting and one cluster randomized effectiveness trial with the public in a rural area. Results: Most mental health first aiders tend to be middle-aged women whose work involves people contact. All trials found the following statistically significant benefits 5– 6months post-training: improved concordance with health professionals about treatments, improved helping behaviour, greater confidence in providing help to others and decreased social distance from people with mental disorders. Only one trial evaluated the mental health benefits to participants and this found positive effects. Conclusions: Although MHFA training has been found to change knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviours, and even benefit the mental health of participants, there has not yet been an evaluation of the effects on those who are the recipients of the first aid.

scholarly journals Do Mental Health First Aid™ courses enhance knowledge?

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Morrissey ◽  
Simon Moss ◽  
Nektarios Alexi ◽  
Patrick Ball
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Before And After

Purpose Biased assumptions and unhelpful tendencies in human nature can lead people who are experiencing mental illness to shun help and support. Mental illness is often perceived as immutable and/or a sign of weakness. Even those seeking support may not receive the assistance they need. Advice may be unsuitable or people feel too nervous and challenged to help. The Mental Health First Aid™ courses, like general first aid, are designed to enhance community knowledge and thereby support appropriate assistance. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the extent to which this is achieved. Design/methodology/approach An educational audit based upon a short quiz administered anonymously to 162 tertiary students from a range of disciplines, before and after delivery of the standard 12 hour Mental Health First Aid™ course. This was used to examine assumptions and proposed actions before and after training. Findings Analysis of the 162 responses found that the Mental Health First Aid™ courses significantly improve knowledge. This has the potential to increase understanding and support for those suffering mental illness. Research limitations/implications This educational audit looked only at knowledge improvement. Whether this really does translate into improved outcomes requires further investigation. Practical implications Tertiary students who are enrolled in health courses and others which involve human interaction as provision of services will be empowered with skills that enable them to interact with those who they will be serving at well-informed level and equity. Social implications Social inclusion and de-stigmatising mental health issues Originality/value Mental health first aid courses potentially enable individuals who are not otherwise involved in mental health to assist people in need.

Exploring the role of mental health first aid officers in workplaces

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 366-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataly Bovopoulos ◽  
Anthony D. LaMontagne ◽  
Angela Martin ◽  
Anthony Jorm
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Level Of Experience

Purpose An emerging trend in Australian workplaces is to appoint staff trained in mental health first aid as mental health first aid officers (MHFAOs), similar to physical first aid officers (PFAOs) focused on physical health emergencies. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the nature of MHFAO roles in workplaces and develop recommendations for other workplaces. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology was used, with semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted with multiple individuals within five diverse organisations. Findings The results indicated that organisations tended to differ in their approach to implementation, based on their level of experience. There was a strong agreement across organisations on the benefits and challenges they have experienced with the role. Practical implications Organisational representatives highlighted some important differences between PFAO and MHFAO roles. Respondents across all organisations agreed that MHFA training should ideally be offered to all staff if feasible, not only MHFAOs. The greatest challenge experienced by respondents was inadequate support to, and internal resourcing for, MHFAO roles. Respondents suggested that workplaces provide more support and training to MHFAOs. Originality/value This is the first study to explore and describe the experiences of workplaces with MHFAOs. Recommendations are made to assist interested organisations in these efforts.

Investigating the role of social media on mental health

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Ebrahimpour Sadagheyani ◽  
Farin Tatari
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Body Image Dissatisfaction ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Today with the internet expansion, social media has also been identified as a factor in evolutions. Social media is the title used to refer to the set of sites and tools that have been born and developed in the space created by modern media such as communication networks, the internet and mobile phones. The effects of emerging phenomena, such as social media on human health, especially mental health, are important. As the effects of social media on users mental health is unclear, and the evidence in this field is contradictory, this study aims to determine the role of social media on mental health. Design/methodology/approach The current study was a review conducted in 2020. According to keywords, an extensive search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran and SID databases. In total, 501 articles were obtained. The articles were screened in three stages. Finally, out of 501 evaluated articles, 50 cases were carefully assessed and included in the study. Findings The findings showed that social media has negative and positive effects on mental health. Negative effects included anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor sleep quality, poor mental health indicators, thoughts of self-harm and suicide, increased levels of psychological distress, cyber bullying, body image dissatisfaction, fear of missing out and decreased life satisfaction. Positive effects included accessing other people’s health experiences and expert health information, managing depression, emotional support and community building, expanding and strengthening offline networks and interactions, self-expression and self-identity, establish and maintain relationships. Originality/value The impact of social media on mental health can be considered as a double-edged sword. The important thing is to be able to reduce the negative effects of social media on mental health and turn it into an opportunity by implementing appropriate strategies and actions and to increase and strengthen the positive effects.

Mental health recovery narratives: their impact on service users and other stakeholder groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 173-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myra Piat ◽  
Jessica Spagnolo ◽  
Suzanne Thibodeau-Gervais ◽  
Catherine Deschamps ◽  
Yves Gosselin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Recovery Narratives ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, assess the effects of the peers’ recovery narratives on service users’ perceived mental health recovery; and second, explore various stakeholders’ perspectives on the program, specifically its facilitators and barriers. Design/methodology/approach The study used a convergent mixed-method design. First, a pre-test post-test design was used with service users to evaluate the peer recovery narrative program. They completed the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) and participated in qualitative interviews that explored perspectives on their mental health recovery before and after the program. Second, a cross-sectional design was used to explore stakeholder groups’ perspectives on the recovery narrative program immediately after listening to the narratives. Findings While findings show that there was no statistical difference between scores on the RAS before and after the peer narratives, thematic analysis revealed a change in service users’ understanding of recovery post-narratives. Other stakeholder groups confirmed this change. However, some healthcare professionals questioned the universal positive effects of the peer recovery narrative program on service users. Stakeholders agreed that beyond effects of the peer recovery narrative program on service users, there were also positive effects among the peers themselves. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Canadian study, and one of the first studies to rely on mixed-methods and various stakeholder groups to evaluate the impact of peer recovery narratives on service users. The research, thus, fills a knowledge gap on peer recovery narratives.

Export market orientation and its consequences: a meta-analytic review and assessment of contextual and measurement moderators

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 939-954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilay Bıçakcıoğlu-Peynirci ◽  
İlayda İpek
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Firm Capabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In spite of the considerable research interests particularly devoted to meta-analyze the empirical findings on market orientation in the domestic context, much little attention has been assigned to the role of market orientation in the field of exporting. Owing to the fast progress in the momentum of the empirical articles pertaining to export market orientation, this study aims to quantitatively synthesize all empirical studies on the export market orientation’s linkage with performance-related consequences, firm capabilities and strategy-related consequences. Besides, this meta-analysis endeavors to examine the impact of potential contextual and measurement moderators on export market orientation and its consequences by following a meta-analysis perspective. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative evidence was drawn from a meta-analysis of 89 total effects (N = 8,652). Findings The meta-analysis results reveal that export market orientation has a major impact on both innovation performance and firm capabilities. Moreover, the meta-analytic evidence also indicates that the strength of the association between export market orientation and capability building/strategy-related consequences is greater for firms operating in high collectivist cultures, whereas the magnitude of the correlation between export market orientation and performance-related consequences is stronger for least developed countries. Originality/value On the basis of the findings, this study considerably contributes to the related body of research by aggregating fragmented empirical evidence in the extant literature and providing beneficial insights for both researchers and practitioners.

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