scholarly journals Factors Contributing to Filicide-Suicide: Differences Between Male and Female Perpetrators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Murfree ◽  
Laura Schwab-Reese ◽  
Andrea L. DeMaria

Background: One-quarter of homicide-suicide deaths in the U.S. are children. Filicide-suicide, a subset of homicide-suicide involving parent or caregiver perpetrators, is the most common form of homicide-suicide involving children. While these incidents have significant impacts, relatively few studies examine modifiable factors that contribute to these incidents.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of circumstances and contributing factors for filicide-suicide deaths, focusing on the individual and interpersonal differences between male and female perpetrators.Participants: This study utilized data from the National Violent Deaths Reporting System (NVDRS), which included 76 filicide-suicide incidents reported to NVDRS in 32 U.S. states between 2013-2015.Methods: We conducted a qualitative content analysis, which was grounded in the Marzuk et al. (1992) framework. We reviewed the filicide-suicide narratives and engaged in conversations about codes or themes that emerged for the filicide-suicide narratives. Additional codes were added as needed, and narratives were retroactively coded to ensure codes were consistently applied.Results: Relationship conflict and mental health issues were common among male and female perpetrators, but the manifestation of these factors differed greatly. For female perpetrators, relationship conflict, mental health issues, and children’s chronic health issues commonly co-occurred. In contrast, relationship conflict, history of violence, and consequences of violence (e.g., legal issues, job problems) more commonly co-occurred among male perpetrators. Conclusion: Filicide-suicides are preventable acts of violence with numerous contributing factors. Our findings highlight the need for prevention efforts to be grounded in these interpersonal experiences, particularly the differences between male and female perpetrators differences.

Author(s):  
KC Mabilangan ◽  
S Healy ◽  
T Fantaneanu ◽  
S Whiting

Background: Growing evidence has that a suggested that mental health strongly influences quality of life (QoL) in adolescents with epilepsy. In addition, research has suggested that these mental health issues are associated with increased seizure burden and worsened health outcomes. Despite this, and the elevated rate of mental health issues in this population, seizure control tends to be the dominant or sole concern for treating physicians. Methods: In order to look at potential predictors of QoL in adolescents we looked at seizure related data, demographic variables, and comorbid conditions in 70 adolescents with epilepsy aged 14 to 18 (M= 16.3l; 37 males, 33 females) enrolled into an epilepsy transition clinic. Results: Regression analysis found that mental health remained a significant and independent predictor of QoL even when other significant seizure related variables were accounted for (t(58)= -3.44, p= .001). Furthermore, when looking at the individual subscales of patient QoL (e.g., memory, social support, stigma), mental health was consistently found to be the strongest correlate. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that in order to ensure the best outcomes for transition-aged adolescents with epilepsy, it is important to not only manage and treat seizures, but also to assess and treat mental health issues.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-322
Author(s):  
Jennifer Payne

Students enter college with pre-formed beliefs about the causes of mental health issues, from spiritual explanations (e.g., demonic possession) to biological explanations (e.g., genetics). However, they rarely have thought through how their faith backgrounds influence their beliefs about mental health. MSW students in their clinical concentration year engaged in a class-based assignment in which they explored the question, "Where are you on the spectrum of belief regarding the cause of mental illness?" A qualitative content analysis was completed on 69 student papers collected over five years. Results showed how each student's religious childhood experience shaped his or her view about mental illness causes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Neethu Arikupurathu

In response to the rise in mental health issues among youth, New York State (NYS) now requires all schools' curriculums to include mental health education. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of high school teachers in NYS -- on school-based mental health education, its implementation, its effectiveness, and its impact on student and teacher mental health outcomes. The Theory of Organizational Readiness for Change can be used in an organization, such as a school system, to determine if the necessary factors are present for the successful implementation of new policies as incorporating a mental health educational program into the existing curriculum. Participants (N=20) with a minimum of 3 years of classroom experience were recruited through Facebook and snowball sampling. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, a semi-structured, open-ended interview guide was developed and used to interview participants. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze interviews and derive common themes. The main themes that emerged included the following: (a) a broken system, (b) mental health issues impact teachers and the classroom environment, (c) student mental health challenges in schools are complex and multifaceted, and (d) effective school mental health education needs a multi-faceted approach. Teachers play a pivotal role in the academic, social, and emotional development of students. This study highlights a need for policy changes that will support teachers in dealing with mental health issues in the classroom.


Author(s):  
Asrenee AB. Razak

There is an increasing trend of mental health issues in Malaysia. 1 in 3 Malaysian aged over 16 years old is at risk of having a mental health problem, and the trend is on the rise. The burden of mental health disorders on health and productivity, however, has long been underestimated. It is partly due to the cultural stigma attached to mental disorders. The recent 2018 Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace survey reported that more than half of employees in the survey have been affected by job-related stress such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and could lead to suicide. The serious consequences of these mental health issues not only affecting the individual but also lead to negative impacts on the productivity and performance of the company. On the other hand, workplaces that promote good mental health, and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity as well as could benefit from associated economic gains. It is crucial for the workplace to integrate mental health intervention in their health and wellbeing strategy.  Among the useful intervention is mindfulness training. Mindfulness is not only proven to reduce the work stress but also teaches the employees to appreciate life and positively cope with their job demands. This presentation outlines the benefits of mindfulness and how it can be applied in daily life.


Social Work ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-223
Author(s):  
Andrew Quinn ◽  
Mary Otteson

Abstract This article describes how an action research approach was used to involve a community of individuals with mental health issues and their support systems in the development and adoption of a mental health identification (ID) card. The intent of the card was to provide individuals with mental health issues a way to communicate and manage the idiosyncratic nature of their behaviors. A credit card–size ID card was developed that has the individual’s picture, address, diagnosis, idiosyncratic behaviors, best approach with the individual when those behaviors are present, medications, allergies, and emergency contact information. Benefits and concerns about the ID system in regard to the cardholder, card recipients, the provision of consent, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, and the balancing of reducing and increasing stigmas and stereotypes emerged throughout the process. In the end, the ID card has come to be seen as a social justice mechanism that allows for communication and awareness for those with mental health issues.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52
Author(s):  
Thalia MacMillan

Rates of substance use and overdose are continually on the rise within our communities. Recent events highlight the increase rate of opioid overdose in particular and reflect current trends of a two-fold increase in such an event. Opioids are problematic as they can be prescribed legally or gained illegally. Symptoms of opioid overdose can be reversed with the provision of naloxone. Rising prices for naloxone may prevent organizations from carrying large quantities of it, which is problematic given recent events. As there is no typical presentation of opioid addiction or those with concurrent mental health issues, the influence or effect of each on the individual and with each other should be examined in their entirety. Different types of treatment are examined, as well as several of the strengths and limitations of ea


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Harrington

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to help HR professionals to create a resilience workforce and increase productivity. Design/methodology/approach Viewpoint article. Findings While becoming more resilient is a personal journey and the individual is responsible for focussing on their thoughts and feelings and examining their actions and responses during stressful periods, employers and HR professionals can also support the individual at an organisational level to help them become happier and perform better. Originality/value With over 40 years’ experience, Cardinal Clinic is dedicated to helping people struggling with mental health issues by providing treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs to help them on their road to recovery. Cardinal Corporate was launched to help businesses support staff members dealing with mental health issues and implement strategies to ensure the overall well-being of their teams.


Author(s):  
Paolo Ruffino

Game workers and reports on the videogame industry frequently document cases of anxiety, depression, burnout and impostor syndrome. Mental health issues are exacerbated among independent developers and freelancers. The article draws on interviews with four London-based independent videogame developers who have been producing 'deep games' about mental health. The article argues that conceiving, producing and releasing these videogames is understood by their makers as a strategy to establish new and 'deeper' relations with consumers, participants and other developers. Developers seek relations with other game workers and players through the process of making, researching, testing, and showing their videogames. Their responses draw on biographical self-reflexivity and are articulated within a network sociality that conceives the individual developer as the agent of change. The development of videogames about mental health is interpreted by the participants as facilitating exchanges of autobiographical experiences that are otherwise regulated by the norms of professional networking. At the same time, these exchanges aim at the establishment of new forms of sociality and at a fairer and more inclusive videogame industry.


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