Contact with the baby following stillbirth and parental mental health and well-being: a systematic review

BackgroundThere is little research on the application of gamification to mental health and well-being. Furthermore, usage of gamification-related terminology is inconsistent. Current applications of gamification for health and well-being have also been critiqued for adopting a behaviorist approach that relies on positive reinforcement and extrinsic motivators.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze current applications of gamification for mental health and well-being by answering 3 research questions (RQs). RQ1: which gamification elements are most commonly applied to apps and technologies for improving mental health and well-being? RQ2: which mental health and well-being domains are most commonly targeted by these gamified apps and technologies? RQ3: what reasons do researchers give for applying gamification to these apps and technologies? A systematic review of the literature was conducted to answer these questions.MethodsWe searched ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, IEEE Explore, JMIR, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science for qualifying papers published between the years 2013 and 2018. To answer RQ1 and RQ2, papers were coded for gamification elements and mental health and well-being domains according to existing taxonomies in the game studies and medical literature. During the coding process, it was necessary to adapt our coding frame and revise these taxonomies. Thematic analysis was conducted to answer RQ3.ResultsThe search and screening process identified 70 qualifying papers that collectively reported on 50 apps and technologies. The most commonly observed gamification elements were levels or progress feedback, points or scoring, rewards or prizes, narrative or theme, personalization, and customization; the least commonly observed elements were artificial assistance, unlockable content, social cooperation, exploratory or open-world approach, artificial challenge, and randomness. The most commonly observed mental health and well-being domains were anxiety disorders and well-being, whereas the least commonly observed domains were conduct disorder and bipolar disorders. Researchers’ justification for applying gamification to improving mental health and well-being was coded in 59% (41/70) of the papers and was broadly divided into 2 themes: (1) promoting engagement and (2) enhancing an intervention’s intended effects.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the current application of gamification to apps and technologies for improving mental health and well-being does not align with the trend of positive reinforcement critiqued in the greater health and well-being literature. We also observed overlap between the most commonly used gamification techniques and existing behavior change frameworks. Results also suggest that the application of gamification is not driven by health behavior change theory, and that many researchers may treat gamification as a black box without consideration for its underlying mechanisms. We call for the inclusion of more comprehensive and explicit descriptions of how gamification is applied and the standardization of applied games terminology within and across fields.

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Use of Social Robots in Mental Health and Well-Being Research: Systematic Review

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/13322 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (7) ◽

pp. e13322 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Arielle AJ Scoglio ◽

Erin D Reilly ◽

Jay A Gorman ◽

Charles E Drebing

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Robots ◽

Health And Well Being

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Mobile Apps that Promote Emotion Regulation, Positive Mental Health and Well-being in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.31170 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amelia Eisenstadt ◽

Shaun Liverpool ◽

Elisa Infanti ◽

Roberta Maria Ciuvat ◽

Courtney Carlsson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Emotion Regulation ◽

General Population ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Mental Health ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND Among the general public there appears to be a growing need and interest in receiving digital mental health and well-being support. In response to this, a number of mental health apps (MHapps) are becoming available for monitoring, managing and promoting positive mental health and well-being. Thus far, the evidence supports positive outcomes when users engage with digital interventions. However, there is high variability in the theoretical base informing MHapps and the features incorporated. Such differences can have implications for the efficacy of the apps and the level of engagement among specific target population groups. Moreover, such heterogeneity may influence the extent to which the data from various MHapps can be pooled to assess the strength of the evidence. OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically review the available research on MHapps that promote emotion regulation, positive mental health, and well-being in the general population aged 18-45. More specifically, the review aimed at providing a systematic description of the theoretical background and features of MHapps while evaluating any potential effectiveness. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of key databases; MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), PsycINFO (via Ovid), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted until January 2021. Studies were included if they described standalone mental health and well-being apps for adults without a formal mental health diagnosis. All studies were quality assessed against the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. In addition, the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB-2) was used to assess randomized control trials (RCTs). Data were extracted using a modified extraction form the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis was then undertaken to address the review aims. RESULTS In total, 3156 abstracts were identified. Of these, 52 publications describing 48 MHapps met the inclusion criteria. Together the studies evaluated interventions across 15 countries. Thirty-nine RCTs were identified that suggested there is some support for the role of individual MHapps in improving and promoting mental health and well-being. Regarding pooled effect, MHapps, when compared to controls, showed a small effect for reducing mental health symptoms (k = 19, g = -0.24, 95% CI [-0.34, -0.14], p < .05) and improving well-being (k = 13, g = 0.17, 95% CI [0.05, 0.29], p < .05), and a medium effect for emotion regulation (k = 6, g = 0.49, 95% CI [0.23,0.74], p<.05). There is also a wide knowledge base of creative and innovative ways to engage users in techniques, such as mood monitoring and guided exercises. Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural approaches appear to be the most common among MHapp developers. Studies were generally assessed to contribute unclear or high risk of bias, or be of medium to low methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS The emerging evidence for MHapps that promote positive mental health and well-being continue to show some evidence of promise. Despite a wide range of MHapps, there are not many that specifically promote emotion regulation. However, our findings may position emotion regulation as an important mechanism for inclusion in future positive mental health and well-being MHapps. A fair proportion of the included studies were pilot or feasibility trials (k = 17, 33%), and full scale RCTs reported high attrition rates and non-diverse samples. Given the number and pace at which MHapps are being released, further robust research is warranted to inform the development and testing of evidence-based programs. CLINICALTRIAL Mia Eisenstadt, Elisa Infanti, Shaun Liverpool. Characteristics and effectiveness of mobile apps that promote emotion regulation and well-being in the general population: a systematic review protocol. PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020213051 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020213051

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Exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the context of work: a systematic review

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s1518-8787.2016050006129 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Cláudia Fernandes ◽

Anabela Pereira

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychosocial Risk Factors ◽

Psychosocial Risk ◽

Sample Type ◽

Related Factors ◽

Health And Well Being

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the scientific literature about the effects of exposure to psychosocial risk factors in work contexts. METHODS A systematic review was performed using the terms “psychosocial factors” AND “COPSOQ” in the databases PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. The period analyzed was from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2012. We have included articles that used the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) as a measuring instrument of the psychosocial factors and the presentation of quantitative or qualitative results. German articles, psychometric studies or studies that did not analyze individual or work factors were excluded. RESULTS We included 22 articles in the analysis. Individual factors, such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, were analyzed along with work-related factors such as labor demands, work organization and content, social relationships and leadership, work-individual interface, workplace values, justice and respect, personality, health and well-being, and offensive behaviors. We analyzed the sample type and the applied experimental designs. Some population groups, such as young people and migrants, are more vulnerable. The deteriorated working psychosocial environment is associated with physical health indicators and weak mental health. This environment is also a risk factor for the development of moderate to severe clinical conditions, predicting absenteeism or intention of leaving the job. CONCLUSIONS The literature shows the contribution of exposure to psychosocial risk factors in work environments and their impact on mental health and well-being of workers. It allows the design of practical interventions in the work context to be based on scientific evidences. Investigations in specific populations, such as industry, and studies with more robust designs are lacking.

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A Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Mental Health and Well-Being of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Germany

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643704 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Vivien L. Hajak ◽

Srishti Sardana ◽

Helen Verdeli ◽

Simone Grimm

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

Well Being ◽

German Studies ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Asylum Seekers And Refugees

Background: Since the onset of the 2015 European refugee crisis, ~4. 46 million people have sought asylum in the European Union, with Germany logging the largest share of all asylum applications. In addition to the severe adversities before and during flight, the process of settling into a new environment involves stressors that affect psychological well-being and mental health. The aim of this systematic review was to examine contextual factors during post-migration that influence the mental health and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs) in Germany.Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across multiple databases for English and German studies published between 2015 and 2020 with index keywords.Results: From a total of 303 articles, 156 duplicates were removed and, after title review, another 87 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. After assessing the abstracts of the remaining 60 articles, 39 were excluded. Full texts of 21 articles were assessed for eligibility and after excluding 8 articles, 13 articles were included in the review. The results demonstrate high rates of psychological distress among ASRs in Germany and the significant influence of contextual factors on their mental health and psychological well-being. The risk factors for poor mental health include an uncertain asylum status, living in shared asylum accommodations, separation from the nuclear family, lack of German language skills, integration issues and discrimination, while employment is a protective factor.Conclusion: Asylum seekers and refugees have high prevalence rates of psychological distress directly influenced by contextual factors in Germany. Based on these findings, policy makers are strongly recommended to apply preventive strategies to reduce mental health problems of ASRs in Germany.

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Evidence on the contribution of community gardens to promote physical and mental health and well-being of non-institutionalized individuals: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255621 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0255621

Author(s):

Tarsila Lampert ◽

Joana Costa ◽

Osvaldo Santos ◽

Joana Sousa ◽

Teresa Ribeiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Community Gardens ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Gardening ◽

Quantitative Studies ◽

Health Gains ◽

Health And Well Being

Introduction There has been growing interest in community gardens as an effective and affordable health promotion strategy. However, most available evidence is derived from qualitative studies, whereas quantitative research on this subject is limited. Objectives To synthetize the literature about physical and mental health outcomes associated with community gardening. Two main questions were addressed: a) is there evidence, from quantitative studies, that community gardening is associated to physical and mental health and well-being of non-institutionalized individuals? b) Does community gardening provokes any discomfort in terms of physical health, i.e., bodily pain, to their beneficiaries? Methods A systematic review of the literature was carried out following PRISMA guidelines by searching relevant electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Empirical, quantitative studies published in English with no restrictions concerning the date of publication were considered eligible. The quality of the evidence was appraised using the tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results Overall, 8 studies were considered eligible, of which seven studies were rated as having good methodological quality (one scored as fair). Community gardeners had significantly better health outcomes than their neighbours not engaged in gardening activities in terms of life satisfaction, happiness, general health, mental health, and social cohesion. Conclusion Community gardens are associated to health gains for their users, irrespective of age, being an affordable and efficient way of promoting physical and mental health and well-being. To encourage the design, maintenance, and prospective evaluation of supportive urban environments promoting healthy and, at the same time, sustainable lifestyles, is essential to achieve public health gains and environmental sustainability.

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Feelings of Entrapment during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on ACE Star Model: A Concept Analysis

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101305 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1305

Author(s):

Hyun-Jung Lee ◽

Bom-Mi Park

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Well Being ◽

Concept Analysis ◽

Counseling Services ◽

Star Model ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Conceptual Definition ◽

Uncertain Future ◽

Health And Well Being

This study aimed to analyze the concept of the “feelings of entrapment” during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic using a systematic review. We included literature based on content and outcomes related to feelings of entrapment, such as antecedents, attributes, and consequences. The exclusion criteria were studies that did not have inappropriate subject, content, conceptual definition, and degree thesis was excluded. Walker and Avant’s process of concept analysis was used in this systematic literature review. The attributes of the concept of feelings of entrapment during the COVID-19 pandemic were found to be feelings of: (1) being out of control, (2) no escape, (3) being trapped, (4) being robbed, and (5) hopelessness. The causes for these were identified as (1) the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) lockdown system, (3) restricted situation, (4) uncertain future, (5) economic hardship, and (6) poor coping abilities. Consequences of the concept were: (1) increased suicide, (2) decreased mental health, and (3) decreased well-being. In situations such as COVID-19, it is important need to know what feelings of entrapment’s antecedents and attributes are to prevent suicide and enhance mental health and well-being. Based on the results of this study, counseling services, policies, and systems for relieving feelings of entrapment in the COVID-19 situation are recommended.

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