scholarly journals The Consequences of Apostasy: How Changing Core Social and Personal Religious Beliefs Affect Sense of Self, Mental Health, and Identity.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leyla Bolton ◽  
Association of Black Humanists ◽  
Andres Fonseca ◽  
Derek Tracy ◽  
Joseph M Barnby
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Belief Change ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Dynamic Interaction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Identity Crises ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship

Though previous research has highlighted the significant and typically positive ‘religion-health’ relationships, little attention has been paid to the psychological and social factors involved in, and resulting from absconding from religion, known as apostasy. This is despite popular culture referencing apostasy as a lonely and distressing experience. Our study qualitatively investigated the experiences and perceptions of those undergoing religious belief change and whether this made participants more vulnerable to poorer mental health. Using grounded theory and semi-structured interviews, we explored these experiences in 13 members of the UK-based Association of Black Humanists, including how they arrived at their belief change and how they felt that this may have impacted their social relationships. Thematic analysis determined a dynamic interaction between perceived predisposing factors, triggers and maintenance. Furthermore, the data suggest the relationship between apostasy and one’s sense of self and mental health to be influenced by identity crises and moderated by protective factors, such as social support. Findings are discussed against previous research and recommendations are made for future investigation.

Cultural and Universal Parenting, Ethnic Identity, and Internalizing Symptoms Among African American Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 009579842110342
Author(s):  
Lydia HaRim Ahn ◽  
Angel S. Dunbar ◽  
Erica E. Coates ◽  
Mia A. Smith-Bynum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
African American ◽  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
African American Adolescents ◽  
Analytic Model ◽  
Atlantic Region ◽  
The Relationship

The present study tested a path analytic model that addressed two questions regarding the connection between one aspect of racial socialization (cultural pride reinforcement), communication between mothers and their adolescent children, adolescent ethnic identity, and mental health. First, we tested whether quality of communication moderated the relationship between cultural pride reinforcement and ethnic identity affirmation and anxiety/depressive/withdrawn symptoms. Then, we examined whether cultural pride reinforcement and quality of communication with mothers were directly linked to ethnic identity affirmation and in turn lower anxiety/depressive symptoms and withdrawn behaviors. Our sample included 111 African American adolescents (58.2% female; ages 14–17) in the mid-Atlantic region. Results of a path analysis indicated that cultural pride reinforcement and quality of communication independently and uniquely related to internalizing symptoms through ethnic identity affirmation. Findings contribute to a novel understanding of how both cultural (cultural pride reinforcement) and universal (quality of communication) are important factors to foster African American adolescents’ healthy adjustment and sense of self.

scholarly journals Loss and assimilation: Lived experiences of Brexit for British nationals living in Luxembourg

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Maria Knight ◽  
Dean Fido ◽  
Henry William Lennon ◽  
Craig A. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Political Upheaval ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Political Realities

Inconsistent political realities are associated with mental health issues such as hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. The psychological impact of Brexit is clearly an important and timely issue, but hitherto has been understudied. This study uses a critical realist approach to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of British Citizens living in Luxembourg during the Brexit era. The study carried out semi-structured interviews with 8 British nationals aged 18-65. An experientially-focused Thematic Analysis was conducted, exploring two main themes: Loss (with psychological and broader social implications) and Integration (contrasting the mover's community with the receiving community). This study demonstrates the psychological impact of Brexit and highlights the urgency for future researchers and mental health practitioners alike – both in the UK and overseas – to consider the human consequences associated with political upheaval. Open access materials for this project can be viewed here: https://osf.io/38rg7/?view_only=b8c04dfc3fe5474f9aff4897e370b3e6.

scholarly journals Experiences of how services supporting women with perinatal mental health difficulties work with their families: a qualitative study in England

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e030208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billie Lever Taylor ◽  
Jo Billings ◽  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Debra Bick ◽  
Sonia Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Health Access ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Health Access

ObjectivesPartners and wider family members play a vital role in relation to women’s perinatal mental health. Clinical guidelines in the UK and internationally recommend that services supporting women with perinatal mental health difficulties involve and support their families too. However, little is known about family members’ needs and experiences, or whether they feel included by mental health services. This study set out to explore this.MethodsThis research formed part of a wider study exploring experiences of perinatal mental health care in England. The broader study included semi-structured interviews with 52 women across England who received treatment for a perinatal mental health difficulty, and 32 family members identified by the women as offering them some support. Data from these 84 interviews relating to how services work with partners and families were extracted and analysed thematically.ResultsAnalysis identified three overarching themes: (1) the centrality of women’s families to their perinatal mental health/access to support, (2) experiences of partners and families being excluded by services and (3) ambivalence among women and their families about increasing family involvement/support. We found that partners and families appear to have an important influence on women’s perinatal mental health, access to care and interactions with services, but that services tend to focus on individual women (and babies) with little regard for their wider family context. The complexity of involving and supporting partners and families, coupled with anxiety about this among women and their families, reinforces the tendency to marginalise them.ConclusionInvolving women’s families and providing the support they need is challenging, but important. Experiences of women and their families of services treating perinatal mental health difficulties suggests greater focus is needed on overcoming barriers to family inclusion and on challenging underlying gender roles and expectations, rather than allowing these to shape and guide practice.

scholarly journals Therianthropy: Wellbeing, Schizotypy, and Autism in Individuals Who Self-Identify as Non-Human

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-426
Author(s):  
Helen Clegg ◽  
Roz Collings ◽  
Elizabeth C. Roxburgh
Keyword(s):  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractTherianthropy is the belief that one is at least part non-human animal. This study aimed to address the dichotomization surrounding therianthropy in relation to mental health and wellbeing. One hundred and twelve therians and 265 non-therians completed Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Wellbeing, the O-LIFE questionnaire, and the Autism Spectrum Quotient. The results showed that therians scored lower on variables that are associated with positive social relationships. Such findings may be explained by cognitive factors and/or social factors that are associated with the stigmatization of cross-species identities. However, being a therian moderated the relationship between both autism and introverted anhedonia in relation to autonomy. Thus, a therian identity may act as a protective factor for those experiencing higher levels of autism and schizotypy.

Physical Illness and Psychopathology

1974 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. J. Lipowski
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Psychosomatic Medicine ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Dynamic Interaction ◽  
Physical Illness ◽  
Illness Behavior ◽  
Organic Brain ◽  
The Relationship

The writer discusses the relationship between physical illness and psychiatric disorders. He points out the relativity of the “psychosomatic” and “somatopsychic” concepts and the dynamic interaction between biological, psychological and social factors in initiating, predisposing to and influencing the course and outcome of all organic diseases. Psychiatric disorders causally related to physical illness include organic brain syndromes, reactive psychoses, neuroses and personality disorders, and deviant illness behavior. Some of the pathogenic mechanisms are discussed and the clinical importance of this area of psychosomatic medicine is stressed.

scholarly journals Help Seeking and Access to Primary Care for People from “Hard-to-Reach” Groups with Common Mental Health Problems

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Bristow ◽  
S. Edwards ◽  
E. Funnel ◽  
L. Fisher ◽  
L. Gask ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Common Mental Health Problems ◽  
Access To Primary Care ◽  
The Uk

Background. In the UK, most people with mental health problems are managed in primary care. However, many individuals in need of help are not able to access care, either because it is not available, or because the individual's interaction with care-givers deters or diverts help-seeking. Aims. To understand the experience of seeking care for distress from the perspective of potential patients from “hard-to-reach” groups. Methods. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, analysed using a thematic framework. Results. Access to primary care is problematic in four main areas: how distress is conceptualised by individuals, the decision to seek help, barriers to help-seeking, and navigating and negotiating services. Conclusion. There are complex reasons why people from “hard-to-reach” groups may not conceptualise their distress as a biomedical problem. In addition, there are particular barriers to accessing primary care when distress is recognised by the person and help-seeking is attempted. We suggest how primary care could be more accessible to people from “hard-to-reach” groups including the need to offer a flexible, non-biomedical response to distress.

scholarly journals Alone but not lonely: The relationship between COVID-19 social factors, loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261867
Author(s):  
Ana Rabasco ◽  
Vincent Corcoran ◽  
Margaret Andover
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Online Support ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Relationship

Objective Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns that social distancing may negatively impact mental health, particularly with regards to loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidality. The current study explored how aspects of social distancing, communication, and online support from October 2020 to December 2020 related to loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Method Participants (n = 216) who self-identified as having mental health diagnoses were recruited and completed questionnaires online. Results Findings showed that COVID-19 related social contact, particularly electronic social contact, is associated with decreased loneliness, suicidal ideation, and depression. Online emotional support was significantly associated with decreased loneliness and depressive symptoms. Social distancing practices were not associated with increased loneliness, suicidal ideation, and depression. Conclusions Our findings underscore the importance of leveraging electronic methods of social connection, especially among individuals who are at risk for suicide or depression.

scholarly journals Vocational rehabilitation via social firms: a qualitative investigation of the views and experiences of employees with mental health problems, social firm managers and clinicians

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Alyssa Milton ◽  
Eleanor Gilbert ◽  
Sonia Johnson ◽  
Nicholas Parsons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Employment within social firms in the UK is under-developed and under-researched, but a potentially beneficial route to vocational rehabilitation for people with mental health problems. This study explores the views and experiences of employees with mental ill-health, managers of social firms and mental health clinicians, in order to understand the potential value of social firms for the vocational rehabilitation, employment and well-being of people with mental health problems. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 employees with mental health problems in 11 social firms in England. A focus group and individual interviews were conducted with 12 managers of social firms. Two focus groups were held with 16 mental health clinicians. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Most employees expressed very positive views about working in a social firm. In responses from both employees and social firm managers, an overarching theme regarding the supportive ethos of social firms encompassed several related features: openness about mental health issues; peer, team and management support; flexibility; and support to progress and develop skills over time. Managers identified benefits of employing people with mental health problems who were sufficiently recovered. Knowledge of social firms within clinician focus groups was very limited, although clinicians thought they could be a welcome additional vocational resource. Conclusions High levels of job satisfaction among social firm employees may be explained by the supportive ethos of these working environments. Social firms have potential to be a helpful addition to the range of vocational pathways available for people with mental ill-health. Further mixed methods investigations of experiences and outcomes in order to understand who engages with and benefits from this form of vocational rehabilitation would be valuable in informing decisions about scaling up the model.

scholarly journals Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Needs of Workers in the UK Automotive Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Samantha Gellatly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Automotive Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Employee Wellbeing ◽  
The Uk

The purpose of this research was to explore the mental health and wellbeing needs of employees in the automotive sector, to understand the types of initiatives these employees would appreciate and how to promote them effectively. The research was approached with an exploratory, qualitative design. The collection of employee knowledge and opinion was undertaken utilising in-depth and semi structured interviews with a small cross-sectional group of employees. The main findings from the research showed that mental health presenteeism and leaveism are commonly occurring. It was found that individual understanding of well-being differed due to conflicting terminology and that where the company excelled in the areas of health and safety employees experienced unhappiness with working hours, work life balance and pay and reward. Research of this scope was original to the company and the automotive sector thus providing great insight. These employees showed there was less need for complex well-being programmes and that there was a keenness for mental health to be recognised and discussed more to help diminish the attached stigma. This research also questions: who is really best suited to support employee wellbeing? Whilst research highlights the importance of managers in this process, it also confirms, as with this study, that they are the employees with the worst wellbeing and therefore unlikely to be those best suited to provide this support. If managers wellbeing is not boosted it is unlikely that they can bring about desired improvements and bridging this gap requires future consideration.

scholarly journals Relationships among Early Adversity, Positive Human and Animal Interactions, and Mental Health in Young Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Kerri E. Rodriguez ◽  
Shelby E. McDonald ◽  
Samantha M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor mental health. Emerging research demonstrates the protective role of positive childhood experiences, including a positive sense of self and relationships with both humans and animals, in mitigating the impacts of early life adversity on mental health outcomes. This study examined whether benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) or relationships and interactions with pets during childhood moderated the link between ACEs and current mental health symptoms in a sample of young adults. Students (N = 214) recruited from a public university in the U.S. completed an online survey. The results showed that ACEs were significantly associated with worse mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Neither emotional closeness to a childhood pet dog nor positive interactions with a childhood pet were significant moderators of the relationship between ACEs and mental health. In contrast, more BCEs were associated with better mental health, and their interaction with ACEs was significant such that adversity-exposed young adults with high BCEs reported fewer mental health symptoms than those with low BCEs. The results highlight the need for continued research on differential experiences that may be protective in the relationship between adversity exposures and mental health.

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