scholarly journals Religion, spirituality and mental health: results from a national study of English households

2013 ◽  
Vol 202 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael King ◽  
Louise Marston ◽  
Sally McManus ◽  
Terry Brugha ◽  
Howard Meltzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
National Study ◽  
Neurotic Disorder ◽  
Spiritual But Not Religious ◽  
Abnormal Eating ◽  
Religious Understanding

BackgroundReligious participation or belief may predict better mental health but most research is American and measures of spirituality are often conflated with well-being.AimsTo examine associations between a spiritual or religious understanding of life and psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses.MethodWe analysed data collected from interviews with 7403 people who participated in the third National Psychiatric Morbidity Study in England.ResultsOf the participants 35% had a religious understanding of life, 19% were spiritual but not religious and 46% were neither religious nor spiritual. Religious people were similar to those who were neither religious nor spiritual with regard to the prevalence of mental disorders, except that the former wereless likely to have ever used drugs (odds ratio (OR)=0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.88) or be a hazardous drinker (OR=0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.96). Spiritual people were more likely than those who were neither religious nor spiritual to have ever used (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.49) or be dependent on drugs (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.20-2.61), and to have abnormal eating attitudes (OR = 1.46, 95% Cl 1.10-1.94), generalised anxiety disorder (OR =1.50, 95% Cl 1.09-2.06), any phobia (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77) or any neurotic disorder (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.12-1.68). They were also more likely to be taking psychotropic medication (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.05-1.86).ConclusionsPeople who have a spiritual understanding of life in the absence of a religious framework are vulnerable to mental disorder.

Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402198973
Author(s):  
Kathleen Ford ◽  
Aree Jampaklay ◽  
Aphichat Chamatrithirong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Migrant Groups

Aim: The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. Methods: Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health. Results: The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants’ mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.

Aspiring to Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens? Quixotic Hope, Religiosity, and Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood

2021 ◽  
pp. 215686932110085
Author(s):  
Laura Upenieks
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Expectations ◽  
Religious Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
Religious Attendance ◽  
National Study ◽  
Health Consequences

Beliefs about the probability of educational success tend to be very optimistic in the United States. However, scholars are beginning to uncover mental health consequences associated with quixotic hope—the unrealistic outstripping of expectation by aspiration. Using longitudinal data from Waves 1 and 3 of the National Study of Youth and Religion, this study asks, (1) does religiosity promote or diminish the likelihood of quixotic hope? and (2) does religious attendance and closeness to God mitigate long-term mental health consequences of quixotic hope? Results show that weekly religious attendance had a modest negative relationship with the likelihood of experiencing quixotic hope, while increasing religious attendance over time attenuated the negative mental health consequences of quixotic hope on increases in depression. Closeness to God neither predicted quixotic hope nor played a moderating role for depression. As educational expectations rise, regular religious practice may help protect the emotional well-being of youth.

Establishing national mental health and well‐being indicators for Scotland

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Additional Data ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Health Profile ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Health And Well Being

The growing interest in the mental health and well‐being of populations raises questions about traditional measures of public mental health, which have largely focused on levels of psychiatric morbidity. This paper describes work in progress to identify a set of national mental health and well‐being indicators for Scotland that could be used to establish a summary mental health profile, as a starting point for monitoring future trends. The process in taking this work forward involves identifying a desirable set of indicators, scoping the data that are currently collected nationally in Scotland, identifying additional data needs, and ensuring existing data collection systems include mental health and well‐being. It is expected that an indicator set for adults will have been identified by 2007. The paper presents some of the conceptual and practical challenges involved in defining and measuring positive mental health and is presented here as a contribution to ongoing debates in this field.

Psychiatric morbidity in December 2015 flood-affected population in Tamil Nadu, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailaja Bandla ◽  
NR Nappinnai ◽  
Srinivasagopalan Gopalasamy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Floods are the most common type of natural disaster, which have a negative impact on mental health. Following floods, survivors are vulnerable to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Aim: The aim is to study the psychiatric morbidity in the persons affected by floods during December 2015. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in Chennai and Cuddalore. In total, 223 persons who were directly exposed to floods were assessed. PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization–Five Well-Being Scale (WHO-5) were used in the study. Chi-square test was used to compare the means. Results: Overall, psychiatric morbidity was found to be 45.29%; 60 (26.9%) persons had symptoms of PTSD. Anxiety was found in 48 (27.4%) and depression was found in 101 (45.29%) persons; and 11 (4.9%) persons have reported an increase in substance abuse. Conclusion: Following disaster like floods, there is a need for better preparedness in terms of basic necessities and medical and psychological assistance, particularly emphasizing the needs of older persons in order to prevent the development of psychiatric problems.

Mental health promotion: Guidance and strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Kalra ◽  
G. Christodoulou ◽  
R. Jenkins ◽  
V. Tsipas ◽  
N. Christodoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Population Mental Health

AbstractPublic mental health incorporates a number of strategies from mental well-being promotion to primary prevention and other forms of prevention. There is considerable evidence in the literature to suggest that early interventions and public education can work well for reducing psychiatric morbidity and resulting burden of disease. Educational strategies need to focus on individual, societal and environmental aspects. Targeted interventions at individuals will also need to focus on the whole population. A nested approach with the individual at the heart of it surrounded by family surrounded by society at large is the most suitable way to approach this. This Guidance should be read along with the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Guidance on Prevention. Those at risk of developing psychiatric disorders also require adequate interventions as well as those who may have already developed illness. However, on the model of triage, mental health and well-being promotion need to be prioritized to ensure that, with the limited resources available, these activities do not get forgotten. One possibility is to have separate programmes for addressing concerns of a particular population group, another that is relevant for the broader general population. Mental health promotion as a concept is important and this will allow prevention of some psychiatric disorders and, by improving coping strategies, is likely to reduce the burden and stress induced by mental illness.

Factors Associated with Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis

1981 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 562-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Livesley
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Nuclear Family ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chronic Hemodialysis ◽  
Home Dialysis ◽  
Family Factor ◽  
High Incidence

Psychiatric morbidity in a sample of 85 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis was assessed using standard questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire). Examination of the effects of demographic, illness, treatment, and history variables on questionnaire scores revealed that psychiatric symptoms were more frequent in women than in men, in those on home dialysis, in those living in rural areas, in unemployed men and in those with a disturbed nuclear family. Factor analysis of symptoms assessed by one of the questionnaires (GHQ) revealed six factors: general dissatisfaction, suicidal ideation, confidence and well-being, usefulness and enjoyment, concentration and alertness, sleep disturbance. Interview responses revealed a high incidence of general distress and anxiety and also a high incidence of sexual problems.

Initial results from the child an adolescent component of the national study of mental health and well-being

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. A59-A60
Author(s):  
M G Sawyer ◽  
B W Graetz ◽  
L Whaites ◽  
F Arney ◽  
P Baghurst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Study ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Initial Results

A descriptive study of mental health and burnout among Nigerian medical students

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110577
Author(s):  
Olatunde Olayinka Ayinde ◽  
Eniola Racheal Akinnuoye ◽  
Andrew Molodynski ◽  
Oliver Battrick ◽  
Oye Gureje
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Short Version ◽  
Mental Health Conditions

Background: Increasing attention is being paid to medical students’ mental wellbeing globally due in part to their exposure to stressors inherent in medical education and the numerous reports of elevated rates of mental health conditions in this population. Aims: This study aimed to identify stressors and determine prevalence rates of psychiatric morbidity, substance use and burnout in a sample of Nigerian medical students. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 505 medical students from 25 Nigerian medical schools completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, short version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the CAGE questionnaire and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Result: The most commonly reported sources of stress were study (75.6%), money (52.3%) and relationships (30.1%). Nine students (1.8%) had received a mental health diagnosis prior to medical school but this number had increased to 29 (5.7%) whilst in medical school, with the majority being cases of anxiety and depressive disorders. The prevalence of psychological distress was 54.5%, but <5% of affected students had received any help for their mental health conditions. Twenty five students (5%) met criteria for problematic alcohol use and 6% had used cannabis. The proportions of students who met criteria for disengagement and exhaustion domains of the OLBI were 84.6% and 77.0% respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress and burnout is high among medical students. Interventions for medical students’ well-being should be tailored to their needs and should target risk factors related to personal, organisational and medical school academic structure attributes.

Thinking Outside the Office

2012 ◽  
pp. 59-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A. Rubin ◽  
April J. Spivack
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Process Theory ◽  
National Study ◽  
Labor Process Theory ◽  
Creative Workers ◽  
Workplace Factors ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Positive Work

This chapter draws on labor process theory and builds on a previous paper by Spivack and Rubin (2011) that explored workplace factors that might diminish the autonomy of creative knowledge workers. Using data from the National Study of the Changing Workforce, this chapter tests hypotheses linking creative workers’ ability to work virtually, control their task and temporal autonomy to their well-being, job satisfaction, and commitment. The authors find that creative workers that have spatial autonomy have more positive work attitudes and better mental health. Further, they show that along with task and temporal autonomy, the conditions of the new workplace make spatial autonomy an important consideration. These findings contribute both to literature about the changing workplace and to practitioners concerned with maximizing the well-being of creative knowledge workers.

What Is Narrative Psychiatry?

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
SuEllen Hamkins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Narrative Theory ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Culturally Sensitive Care ◽  
The Arts ◽  
President Elect

Narrative psychiatry brings the muscle and agility of narrative theory and the spirit of compassion and social justice to the practice of psychiatry. What makes narrative psychiatry different from psychiatry-as-usual? Rather than focusing only on finding the source of the problem, narrative psychiatry also focuses on finding sources of strength and meaning. The result is compassionate, powerful healing. Narrative psychiatry combines narrative and biological understandings of human suffering and well-being. It begins with compassionate connection with patients, understanding that we live our lives in relationships and connect with one another through the stories we tell. It relishes discovering untold but inspiring stories of a person’s resiliency and skill in resisting mental health challenges while dismantling narratives that fuel problems. It examines what the doctor’s kit of psychiatry has to offer in light of the values and preferences of the person seeking consultation, authorizing the patient as the arbiter of what is helpful and what is not. Psychiatry as a field is seeking a more positive and patient-centered approach, which narrative psychiatry exemplifies. In his address at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting on May 6, 2012, President-Elect Dilip Jeste, M.D., said that “ ‘positive psychiatry’—a psychiatry that aims not just to reduce psychiatric symptoms but to help patients grow and flourish—is the future.” Likewise, in 2012 the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration called for a focus on “recovery” that includes collaborative and culturally sensitive care that seeks to honor the patient’s values, self-determination, and preferred relationships and to foster not just the absence of symptoms, but also well-being. Narrative approaches to psychiatry, psychotherapy, and medicine have been burgeoning in the last decade, inspired by the wave of narrative theory that has progressively suffused philosophy, anthropology, literature, and the arts over the last fifty years. Training programs and courses teaching narrative approaches to mental health treatment and to medicine are flourishing.

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