A Wellness First Approach: A Lens for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54
Author(s):  
Crystal L. Brandow ◽  
Jasmin S. Brandow ◽  
Cathy Cave
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Violence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Ecological Approach ◽  
Toxic Stress ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Treatment Practices ◽  
Health And Well Being

This article introduces a Wellness First Approach to addressing adverse community experiences and encouraging community healing and resilience. Structural violence and traumatic conditions can contribute to poor mental health outcomes for communities.However, communities have the capacity to amplify protective factors to mitigate the negative effects of adverse community experiences, toxic stress, and trauma. The authors offer that a better understanding of these experiences can transform the ways mental health is approached. Rather than predominantly focus on prevention and treatment practices on an individual level, there is a need to engage in prevention and healing through an ecological approach that includes whole communities. Recommendations of frameworks for mental health and well-being promotion that are aligned with a Wellness First Approach are provided.

scholarly journals ‘The fact that she just looked at me…’ – Narrations on shame in South African workplaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude-Hélène Mayer ◽  
Rian Viviers ◽  
Louise Tonelli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Work Context ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Health And Well Being

Orientation: Shame has been internationally researched in various cultural and societal contexts as well as across cultures in the workplace, schools and institutions of higher education. It is an emotional signal that refers to experienced incongruence of identity goals and the judgement of others.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to focus on experiences of shame in the South African (SA) workplace, to provide emic, in-depth insights into the experiences of shame of employees.Motivation for the study: Shame in the workplace often occurs and might impact negatively on mental health and well-being, capability, freedom and human rights. This article aims at gaining some in-depth understanding of shame experiences in SA workplaces. Building on this understanding the aim is to develop awareness in Industrial and Organisational Psychologists (IOPs), employees and organisations to cope with shame constructively in addition to add to the apparent void in the body of knowledge on shame in SA workplaces.Research design, approach and method: An interpretative hermeneutical research paradigm, based on Dilthey’s modern hermeneutics was applied. Data were collected through semistructured interviews of 11 employees narrating their experiences from various workplaces, including the military, consulting organisations and higher education institutions. Content analysis was used for data analysis and interpretation.Main findings: The major themes around which shameful experiences evolved included loss of face, mistreatment by others, low work quality, exclusion, lifestyle and internalised shame on failure in the workplace. Shame is experienced as a disturbing emotion that impacts negatively on the self within the work context. It is also experienced as reducing mental health and well-being at work.Practical/managerial implications: SA organisations need to be more aware of shame in the workplace, to address the potential negative effects of shame on employees, particularly if they are not prepared to reframe shame into a constructively and positively used emotion. Safe spaces should be made available to talk about shame. Strategies should be applied to deal with shame constructively.Contribution/value-add: This article expands an in-depth understanding of shame from emic and culture-specific perspectives within SA workplaces. The findings are beneficial to IOPs and organisations to understand what shame is from the perspective of SA employees across cultural groups. The article thereby adds value to theory and practice, offering IOPs a deeper understanding of shame in the work context.

scholarly journals Migration and Mental Health in the Aftermath of Disaster: Evidence from Mt. Merapi, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Muir ◽  
Michael R. Cope ◽  
Leslie R. Angeningsih ◽  
Jorden Jackson ◽  
Ralph B. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Return Migration ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Poor Mental Health Status ◽  
Health And Well Being

Migration is a standard survival strategy in the context of disasters. While prior studies have examined factors associated with return migration following disasters, an area that remains relatively under explored is whether moving home to one's original community results in improved health and well-being compared to other options such as deciding to move on. In the present study, we seek to address this gap in the literature through examining whether return migration, compared to other migration options, results in superior improvements to mental health. We draw upon data from a pilot study conducted 16 months after a series of volcanic eruptions in Merapi, Indonesia. Using ordinal logistic regression, we find that compared to respondents who were still displaced, respondents who had ``moved home'' were less likely to report poor mental health status (OR = 0.50 [95\% CI = 0.26, 0.95]). Likewise, respondents who had ``moved on'' were less likely to report poor mental health status (OR = 0.38 [95\% CI = 0.13, 1.04]). The results suggest that while moving home was an improvement from being displaced, it may have been better to move on, as this yielded superior associations with self-reported mental health.

scholarly journals Adolescent Social Media User Types and their Mental Health and Well-being: results from a longitudinal survey of 13–14-year-olds in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzy Winstone ◽  
Becky Mars ◽  
CMA Haworth ◽  
Jon Heron ◽  
Judi Kidger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background There is mixed evidence as to the effects of different types of social media use on mental health, but previous research has been platform-specific and has focused on an oversimplified distinction between active and passive use. This study aimed to identify different underlying subgroups of adolescent social media user based on their pattern of social media activities and test associations between user type and future mental health. Methods Students from nineteen schools (N=2,456) in south-west England completed an online survey measuring thirteen social media activities and four psychosocial outcomes (past year self-harm, depression, anxiety and poor well-being) at age 13 years (October 2019) and repeated a year later (October 2020; aged 14 years). Latent class analysis using Mplus identified distinct classes of social media user. A bias-adjusted three-step model was used to test associations between class membership at baseline and mental health at follow-up. Analyses were adjusted for gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disability, social media screen-time and baseline mental health.Results A four-class model of social media user at baseline was selected based on fit statistics and interpretability. User types were labelled High Communicators; Moderate Communicators; Broadcasters; and Minimal users. Broadcasters at age 13 had the poorest mental health outcomes at age 14, with mental health and well-being generally better in the two Communicator groups. Conclusions Findings suggest that adolescents with high levels of content sharing – in addition to socialising and browsing online – are most likely to be experiencing poor mental health a year later. Recommendations regarding social media use should move beyond screen-time to consider different user types, and mental health implications of their engagement with different online activities.

scholarly journals 1184Combined association of living alone and dietary variety with mental health in older Japanese adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiki Hata ◽  
◽  
◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Dietary Variety ◽  
Japanese Adults ◽  
Living Together

Abstract Background We examined whether dietary variety (DV) might alleviate poor mental health (MH) of living-alone (LA) older adults. Methods Cross-sensational data from 15073 (7566 men; 7507 women) residents aged 65-84 years were assessed using the WHO-Five Well-being Index to determine poor MH (defined by a score ≤ 12) and DV (low and high DV defined by a score ≤ 3 and ≥ 4, respectively). Participants were divided into living together with high DV (G1), living together with low DV (G2), LA with high DV (G3), and LA with low DV (G4). Logistic regression analyses stratified by gender were performed to examine the association of poor MH with LA and DV. Results Prevalence of LA, low DV, and poor MH were 13.6%, 63.3%, and 26.1%, respectively, in men, and 21.2%, 54.6%, and 24.8%, respectively, in women. Compared with the G1, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) for worse MH were 1.69 (1.49-1.93) for G2, 2.04 (1.50-2.78) for G3, and 3.34 (2.70-4.11) for G4 in men. Corresponding ORs were 1.73 (1.52-1.96), 1.02 (0.83-1.26), and 1.66 (1.36-2.01) in women. Conclusions The association of poor MH with LA was more apparent in older adults with low DV than in those with high DV; however, this association differed with gender. Key message Eating a variety of food may help alleviate the negative effects of living alone on mental health in older adults.

scholarly journals The impact on the mental health and well-being of unpaid carers affected by social distancing, self-isolation and shielding during the COVID 19 pandemic in England – a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabo Akafekwa ◽  
Elizabeth Dalgarno ◽  
Arpana Verma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
List Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The People ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the impact of the COVID 19 lockdown measures on the mental health and well-being of unpaid carers, who make up the largest number of the carer population in England.Study designA systematic review research protocol was designed and used to conduct the review along with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research - ENTREQ statement [43]. Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. EndNote X9 reference management was used and the search process was represented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram [76]. Appraisal of the included research was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) [57]. Line by line coding was done using inductive thematic synthesis and EPPI Reviewer 4 software [60].ResultsFour themes emerged; immediate worries or fears, adapting to change, post pandemic fears and use of technology.ConclusionThe measures put in place during the first lockdown period have had detrimental impacts on unpaid carers, putting them at greater risk of burnout. However, use of digital platforms could have a positive impact on well-being. Recommendations for further research are provided.What is new?Key findings?Discontinued or reduced access to activities and services during the first lockdown during the pandemic has had a negative impact on both people who require care and their carers.Carers prioritise the mental health and wellbeing needs of the people they care for over their own.Further qualitative research from different groups of carers would be useful to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic measures on unpaid carers.Use of digital technology and digital platforms may be useful tools for carers both during the pandemic and after.What this adds to what is known?There have been very few qualitative studies on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, this review has synthesised their findings and will contribute to future research.Unpaid carers are known to be at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes, this review demonstrates that they are even more at risk due to the increased reliance on them during the pandemic.What is this implication and what should change?There is limited qualitative data available from a range of different groups of carers for example, spouse carers, parent carers, carers of people who have specific needs or conditions. Therefore, purposeful sample research to determine the needs of groups of carers during the COVID 19 pandemic could be valuable.Unpaid carers who do not have appropriate support are more at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes. During the pandemic services have had to adapt to the various rules implemented. Digital adaptations to the provision of support to both carers and the people they care for could be beneficial both during and after the pandemic.

Adjusting to working away and as an expatriate: learnings on what organisations can do to promote the mental health and well-being of workers and their families

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Melanie L. Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Building Capability ◽  
The Military ◽  
Health And Well Being

Adjusting to frequent separations and reunions can put pressure on the relationships and families of those who work away. Although the work context is different, there are similar effects and challenges for workers, families and organisations across the military, expatriate and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) research domains. Mental health, work performance, job satisfaction, relationships and parenting are all negatively affected by the extended periods of deployment or posting and the regular and ongoing shorter periods of FIFO work. At the individual level, personality dimensions (emotional stability, sociability, openness to new experiences), locus of control, intelligence, self-sufficiency and cultural intelligence have been shown to significantly affect these impacts and provide organisations with starting points for both the screening of candidates for roles and coaching them to better adjust and cope cross-culturally. The recruitment and onboarding processes should be underpinned by the principles of managing expectations and building capability, and this means that realistic and relevant information should focus on the realities of the work, the work environment and host country. The onboarding process that seeks to socialise the worker into the organisation and the culture should assume the worker will take at least 6 months to settle into the role. Predeparture training should engage with the worker and their families to ensure the development of coping skills and practical strategies for managing communication, parenting and relationships. Effectively managing the psychosocial risks faced by workers across these domains will improve the mental health and well-being of workers and their families.

scholarly journals Mental health and well-being of fathers of children with intellectual disabilities: systematic review and meta-analysis

BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsty Dunn ◽  
Deborah Kinnear ◽  
Andrew Jahoda ◽  
Alex McConnachie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background Caring for a child with intellectual disabilities can be a very rewarding but demanding experience. Research in this area has primarily focused on mothers, with relatively little attention given to the mental health of fathers. Aims The purpose of this review was to summarise the evidence related to the mental health of fathers compared with mothers, and with fathers in the general population. Method A meta-analysis was undertaken of all studies published by 1 July 2018 in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE, using terms on intellectual disabilities, mental health and father carers. Papers were selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Of 5544 results, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and 12 had appropriate data for meta-analysis. For comparisons of fathers with mothers, mothers were significantly more likely to have poor general mental health and well-being (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.38, 95% CI −0.56 to −0.20), as well as higher levels of depression (SMD, −0.46; 95% CI −0.68 to −0.24), stress (SMD, −0.32; 95% CI −0.46 to −0.19) and anxiety (SMD, −0.30; 95% CI −0.50 to −0.10). Conclusions There is a significant difference between the mental health of father and mother carers, with fathers less likely to exhibit poor mental health. However, this is based on a small number of studies. More data is needed to determine whether the general mental health and anxiety of father carers of a child with intellectual disabilities differs from fathers in the general population.

scholarly journals 18.M. Workshop: Institutional barriers and support influencing the health and well-being of LGBT individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Elevated Risk ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Institutional Barriers ◽  
The World ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Lgbt Individuals

Abstract Research studies from many parts of the world have demonstrated significantly elevated risk of poor mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) individuals compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals. A growing body of evidence suggests that the elevated risk of poor mental health among LGBT people can be partly attributed to greater exposure to stigma-related stress and institutional barriers, such as, limited access to adequate health care, discriminatory legislation (e.g., regarding recognition of same-sex unions), and limitations in open expression of identity. Today many governmental public health agencies call for policy and intervention programs addressing specific needs of LGBT individuals. Still, the public health consequences of discrimination towards LGBT individuals have only recently been a topic of investigation and current knowledge in the area is limited. This workshop will include presentations of studies on strategies to reduce healthcare inequalities including the barriers LGBT individuals face when they access care and give examples of how institutional support can be provided. Laetitia Zeeman and Nigel Sherriff from University of Brighton, will present results from a European Union funded pilot project. Dr Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger from Rutgers University will present results from a study of the influence of gender affirmation and discrimination on transgender individuals mental health in a large US sample. Next, Daniel Hagen from New York University will present data analysing the protective effects of legal same-sex unions on the mental health of lesbian and gay couples. Lovro Markovic will present a study of predictors of being open with an LGBT identity in the workplace among employees in Austria. Key messages Although encouraging promising practices to reduce LGBT healthcare inequalities have been initiated in many parts of the world, much remains to be done to ensure equal access to care for all. Barriers to social integration in the form of discriminatory marriage legislation and work-place discrimination can have a negatively influence on LGBT individual's health and well-being.

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