Soaring seas, forest fires and deadly drought: climate change conspiracies and mental health

Summary There is scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate change is real and that it provides an existential threat to humanity and the planet. In this article, we focus on climate change conspiracy theories and the impact of such beliefs on mental health. We discuss the psychiatric disorders that might be relevant to conspiracy belief endorsement and we present the underlying psychological mechanisms. We note that there is little to no literature to associate beliefs about climate change with serious mental health conditions. However, we anticipate that such beliefs may manifest pathologically in psychiatric presentations as climate change becomes increasingly at the forefront of the global agenda.

Perspectives on paid work among men and women with schizophrenia: The results of a two study comparison in Ireland

BACKGROUND: While research indicates that people with serious mental health conditions want to work, few studies have examined motivation and concerns associated with employment. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the work attitudes among two samples of Irish people with psychotic conditions, primarily schizophrenia. METHODS: Data gathered through two work related research projects was used. A self-report instrument, the work motivation scale (WMS), gathered data in two separate studies. It was possible to examine participants’ motives and concerns due to the two factor structure, positive and negative, of this scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted for each of the two samples individually. A sub-analysis by gender was also conducted. RESULTS: Across the two samples, analysis showed the consistent motivators were increased coping ability, improved self-identity, and enhanced self-worth. Men particularly wanted others to see them as good workers. On the other hand, women regarded a job as a means to forget about having a mental illness. A sizeable minority in both samples expressed apprehensions such as work being boring and an expectation from others that they should work rather than them being personally motivated to do so. CONCLUSIONS: While caution must be exercised in interpreting the results due to the small sample size, this study has extended our understanding in this under-researched but important topic.

Impacts of stigma and discrimination in the workplace on people living with psychosis

Background. Employment holds many benefits for people living with psychosis. However, significant barriers to employment for this cohort appear to exist, notably stigma and discrimination against people living with serious mental health conditions. We asked: Would a qualitative sample including multiple stakeholder groups reveal similar results and if so, what would be the main impacts of such stigma and discrimination? Method. This analysis used data from a qualitative study that had applied focus groups and interviews to investigate the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis, including views of the multiple stakeholders (such as those living with mental health conditions, health professionals, and employers). Results: The analyses confirmed the most frequently referenced barriers to employment were stigma and discrimination. The main impacts of workplace stigma and discrimination on people living with psychosis involved five areas: work avoidance, reluctance to disclose mental health conditions to employers, work-related stress, and reduced longevity of employment. Conclusions. As in earlier studies, the main barriers to employment for those living with psychosis were stigma and discrimination, and significant impacts from such stigma and discrimination were found in this study. The findings indicate a need to provide support mechanisms and to change the culture of workplaces to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people living with psychosis.

Impacts of stigma and discrimination in the workplace on people living with psychosis

Background. Employment holds many benefits for people living with psychosis. However, significant barriers to employment for this cohort appear to exist, notably stigma and discrimination against people living with serious mental health conditions. We asked: Would a qualitative sample including multiple stakeholder groups reveal similar results and if so, what would be the main impacts of such stigma and discrimination? Method. This analysis used data from a qualitative study that had applied focus groups and interviews to investigate the employment barriers and support needs of people living with psychosis, including views of the multiple stakeholders (such as those living with mental health conditions, health professionals, and employers). Results: The analyses confirmed the most frequently referenced barriers to employment were stigma and discrimination. The main impacts of workplace stigma and discrimination on people living with psychosis involved five areas: work avoidance, reluctance to disclose mental health conditions to employers, work-related stress, and reduced longevity of employment. Conclusions. As in earlier studies, the main barriers to employment for those living with psychosis were stigma and discrimination, and significant impacts from such stigma and discrimination were found in this study. The findings indicate a need to provide support mechanisms and to change the culture of workplaces to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people living with psychosis.