scholarly journals Is mental health literacy related to different types of coping? Comparing adolescents, young-adults and adults correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-290
Author(s):  
Mariana Maia de Carvalho ◽  
Maria da Luz Vale-Dias
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Questionnaire ◽  
Mental Well Being

Introduction: Mental health literacy is associated with better mental health outcomes and believed to improve the way people cope with life challenges and manage mental health issues. Nevertheless, no study has yet empirically examined the relationships between mental health literacy and the use of coping strategies. Aims: This study aims to describe the levels of mental health literacy (literacy about mental illness and literacy about positive mental health) and the use of coping (coping styles) in adolescents, young-adults and adults; To explore the relationship between coping and mental health literacy in each age group; To compare if patterns of significant correlations vary across groups. Methods: This is a cross-sectional / exploratory design study. We have collected online and through paper-pencil method three developmental samples: adolescents aged between 15-18 years old (N=240), young-adults aged between 19-36 (74) and adults aged between 37-75 (N=105). Measures used were: Positive Mental Health Questionnaire PosMHLitq (Maia de Carvalho et al., in preparation) to evaluate literacy about positive mental health; the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire MHLq (Campos et al., 2016; Dias et al., 2018) and the Portuguese adaptation of the Brief Cope by Pais Ribeiro and Tavares (2004) to control coping styles. Results: Across the three developmental groups, most coping styles are associated with both literacy about mental illness and literacy about mental well-being, but with different patterns of correlation between coping/literacy about mental well-being/coping/literacy about mental illness and between groups. The Use of Emotional Support is the only coping style significantly associated with both mental health literacy about mental illness and literacy about mental well-being in adolescents, young-adults and adults. Conclusions: Future research should examine this findings with longitudinal design.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Positive Mental Health Literacy and Mental Well-Being Among Adolescents: Implications for School Health Services

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne N. Bjørnsen ◽  
Geir A. Espnes ◽  
Mary-Elizabeth B. Eilertsen ◽  
Regine Ringdal ◽  
Unni K. Moksnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Health Services ◽  
School Health ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Education ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The Relationship

Mental health education is a central part of school nurses’ practice. Mental health literacy is an asset for health that educational initiatives can strengthen, and a significant determinant of mental health. This study was intended to examine the relationship between positive mental health literacy (PMeHL) and mental well-being to discuss its implications for school health services’ mental health education. The relationship was assessed using a multiple linear regression model controlling for relevant covariates. Data were derived from a cross-sectional school-based survey including 1,888 adolescents aged 15–21 years (response rate 97.3%). A weak gender difference was found in PMeHL. The regression model accounted for 41% of the variance in adolescents’ mental well-being; PMeHL was a significant explanatory variable of mental well-being. Accordingly, the current study found support for including PMeHL, or knowledge of how to obtain and maintain good mental health, as an integral component of school health services’ mental health education among adolescents.

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.

scholarly journals MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY, STIGMA, SHAME AND SELF CRITICISM: A STUDY AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Mª da Luz Vale-Dias ◽  
Mariana Maia de Carvalho ◽  
Maria Joao Martins ◽  
Sandra Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Internalized Shame

Abstract:Mental health literacy (MHL) and mental illness stigma (MIS) represent new horizons of study and intervention, particularly important, for both communities and clinical settings (European Commission & Portuguese Ministry of Health, 2010). In this paper we aimed to: a) describe a clinical sample (CS) and non clinical group (NCG) in aspects related to family history of psychopathology, contact with mental illness and “learning about mental illness”; b) differentiate groups in terms of MHL, shame and self criticism; c) test associations between MHL with shame and self criticism; and, in the clinical sample, d) test the relationship between self stigma, shame and self criticism; e) explore the predictor role of other’s support in self stigma. To do so we collected data from a sample of 187 young adults, including CS and NCG, using: a Sociobiographic Questionnaire; Opinions about Mental Illness (Cohen & Struening, 1962); Other as Shamer Scale (Goss, Gilbert & Allan, 1994); Internalized Shame Scale (Cook, 1994); and Forms of Self Criticizing and Self Reassuring Scale (Gilbert, Clarke, Hempel, Miles, & Irons, 2004). Our results show that: most of the subjects learned what is mental illness at school; CS know more people that has or had mental illness than NCG; there are no differences on MHL within samples; shame and self criticism are higher in the CS and correlate with self stigma; others support predict self-stigma. Several research and clinical implications are presented.Keywords: mental health literacy, shame, self criticism, clinical sample, community sample, young-adults.

scholarly journals Protocol for a phase III wait-listed cluster randomised controlled trial of an intervention for mental well-being through enhancing mental health literacy and improving work friendliness in Hong Kong

Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence T. Lam ◽  
Prudence Wong ◽  
Mary K. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Cluster Randomised ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background Mental health has long been recognised as a major global health issue. Some work-related characteristics have been identified to be associated with common mental health problems, and thus the workplace is an important venue for the prevention of mental health problems and promoting mental wellness. Burnout is one of the important aspects of workplace organisational stressors and, in recent years, the lack of mental health literacy has also been identified as a fundamental issue. Studies have demonstrated that an improvement in mental health literacy is an effective measure for enhancing mental well-being. It would be prudent to combine an organisation-directed component and the enhancement of mental health literacy in an intervention programme. This trial will examine the novel approach of an intervention aiming to provide an evidence-based prevention programme. Methods This study utilised a wait-listed cluster randomised control trial design. Using branch offices as the primary sampling units, employees from three large companies in different industries will be recruited. Upon enrolment and after the baseline assessment of the outcome measures, participants nested in the branch offices will be allocated to the intervention or wait-listed arms. The intervention programme comprises of two main elements: an organisation-directed component and individual-directed psychoeducation training. This intervention will be delivered by a senior social worker well-versed in workplace issues over a period of 3 months. The trial will determine whether an integrated workplace mental health literacy and well-being programme is effective in increasing the mental health literacy scores and reducing burnout and stress scores, as measured by standardised and validated scales. Discussion If the trial results are in line with the hypothesis that supports the efficacy of the intervention programme, this will provide an evidence-based approach for an effective workplace mental well-being intervention programme that could not only enhance the understanding of mental health issues, but also reduce work-related burnout and stress as well as increase workers’ quality of life. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12619000464167. Registered prospectively on 20 March 2019.

scholarly journals Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, and Access to Services among Young Adults in Tunisia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Eddahiri ◽  
Katherine Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Survey Results

Background: There is limited research on mental health literacy and stigmatization attitudes towards mental illness in Tunisia, despite the increasing need for such research to better understand its complexity in a specific country context. Using an exploratory mixed-method approach this study attempted to assess the needs and perceptions about mental health within a population of Tunis-based young adults. Methods: A sample of 80 participants completed an online survey on different aspects of mental health attitudes, mental illness literacy and stigma, with a subset of survey participants participating in one-on-one interviews. Results: Survey results show that 77% of respondents completely agreed or somewhat agreed that they would like to learn more about mental health. This study also found that 68% of the sample reported a lack of accessibility to mental healthcare services resulting in 49% reporting their preference to search their symptoms on the internet instead of informing someone. Throughout the interviews phase, the main factors identified to have a crucial impact on young adults' choice to openly communicate feelings and thoughts with each other and to seek professional help are: culture, gender roles, sexual orientation, and family approval. Conclusion: This study suggests a great desire among young adults to learn more about mental health, and highlights the cultural complexities regarding mental health stigmatization in Tunisia. It also highlights the need for culturally relevant approaches raising awareness about mental health.

Evaluation of a Resilience-Based Intervention for Children of Parents With Mental Illness

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 1041-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Fraser ◽  
Kenneth I. Pakenham
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Participant Satisfaction ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Treatment Gains ◽  
And Control

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a group psychosocial intervention for children (aged 12–18) of a parent with mental illness (copmi). Method: A treatment and waitlist-control design study with pre- and post-treatment, and 8 week follow up, was carried out. The treatment (n = 27) and control (n=17) groups were compared on three groups of dependent variables: intervention targets (mental health literacy, connectedness, coping strategies), adjustment (depression, life satisfaction, prosocial behaviour, emotional/behavioural difficulties), and caregiving experiences. Results: Group comparisons failed to show statistically significant intervention effects, but reliable clinical change analyses suggested that compared to the control group, more intervention participants had clinically significant improvements in mental health literacy, depression, and life satisfaction. These treatment gains were maintained 8 weeks after treatment. Participant satisfaction data supported these treatment gains. Conclusions: Given study limitations and the modest support for intervention effectiveness it is important that this and other similar interventions should continue to be revised and undergo rigorous evaluation.

scholarly journals Lay Beliefs about Treatments for People with Mental Illness and Their Implications for Antistigma Strategies

2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 745-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Lauber ◽  
Nordt Carlos ◽  
Rössler Wulf
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Social Treatment ◽  
Nonmedical Treatment

Objective: First, to describe factors influencing the public's attitude toward treatment recommendations for people with mental illness; second, to identify coherent belief systems about the helpfulness of specific interventions; and third, to discuss how to ameliorate mental health literacy and antistigma strategies. Method: Participants of a representative telephone survey in the general population ( n = 1737) were presented with a vignette depicting a person with either schizophrenia or depression. From a list of suggestions, they were asked to recommend treatments for this person. We used a factor analysis to group these proposals and used the factors as the dependent variables in a multiple regression analysis. Results: Treatment suggestions are summarized in 4 groups, each characterizing a specific therapeutic approach: 1) psychopharmacological proposals (that is, psychotropic drugs), 2) therapeutic counselling (from a psychologist or psychiatrist or psychotherapy), 3) alternative suggestions (such as homeopathy), and 4) social advice (for example, from a social worker). Medical treatments were proposed by people who had a higher education, who had a positive attitude toward psychopharmacology, who correctly recognized the person depicted in the vignette as being ill, who were presented with the schizophrenia vignette, who kept social distance, and who had contact with mentally ill people. The variables could explain alternative and social treatment proposals only to a small extent. Conclusions: The public's beliefs about treatment for people with mental illness are organized into 4 coherent systems, 2 of which involve evidence-based treatments. Medical treatment proposals are influenced by adequate mental health literacy; however, they are also linked to more social distance toward people with mental illness. Additionally, efforts to better explain nonmedical treatment suggestions are needed. Implications for further antistigma strategies are discussed.

scholarly journals Health literacy needs among unemployed adults: Triangulating interview and scoping review data

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Samkange-Zeeb ◽  
H Singh ◽  
M Lakeberg ◽  
J Kolschen ◽  
B Schüz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity

Abstract   Disadvantaged populations, including unemployed adults, often exhibit low levels of health literacy. Exploring subjectively perceived health literacy needs in these populations can serve as an entry point for participatory intervention development. We aimed to assess health literacy needs of unemployed adults by triangulating qualitative interviews data and a scoping review. Using a parallel approach, we combined results of an interview study with 10 participants of a job-reintegration program in Germany and a scoping review. The interviews, conducted in early 2021, focused on health topics of interest to the participants and their sources of health-related information. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. For the scoping review, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and SCOPUS up to January 2021 for studies containing “unemployed” AND “health literacy” in titles/abstracts. Study selection and data extraction were done independently by two researchers. Nutrition and physical activity emerged as core themes during the interviews, with some participants referring to the importance of both for mental health. Doctors and the institution running the job-reintegration program were the sources of health-related information often mentioned. The Corona pandemic was reported to have limited physical activity and affected psycho-social well-being. Five out of 2696 studies were included in the review. Four focused on mental health literacy, the fifth assessed information seeking practices in unemployed adults. The qualitative analysis revealed that health literacy needs of unemployed adults go beyond mental health literacy. As nutrition and physical activity impact mental health, interventions targeting such topics might also improve mental health literacy in unemployed adults. Study findings will be discussed with unemployed persons and social workers in co-production workshops that aim to identify and prioritize health literacy needs for intervention development. Key messages Health literacy programs for unemployed adults should target nutrition and physical activity. Workforce re-integration programs play a pivotal role in improving health literacy of unemployed adults.

scholarly journals Counsellor-in-Residence: Evaluation of a Residence-Based Initiative to Promote Student Mental Health

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Anne Beks ◽  
Sharon L Cairns ◽  
Serena Smygwaty ◽  
Olga A.L. Miranda Osorio ◽  
Sheldon J Hill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
International Students ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Domestic Students ◽  
Counselling Services ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Health Programming ◽  
Target Male

Many universities have implemented campus-based initiatives addressing students’ mental health with the goal of promoting well-being. One such initiative is the newly developed Counsellor-in-Residence (CIR) program at the University of Calgary, which targets students’ mental health by providing residence-based counselling services and mental health programming. In this process evaluation, students completed three waves of data collection conducted over the academic year. Each wave measured students’ mental health literacy, using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (O’Connor & Casey, 2015), and resiliency, using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-25 (Connor & Davidson, 2003). Males reported lower mental health literacy than females (p < .001), and international students reported lower mental health literacy than domestic students (p < .001). No differences in resilience levels were found between groups. These findings suggest that male and international students experience additional barriers to accessing campus-based mental health services. Implications for residence-based mental health programming that target male and international students are discussed.  

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