Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Gardening as a mental health intervention: a review
- Authors:
- CLATWORTHY Jane, HINDS Joe, CAMIC Paul M.
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review Journal, 18(4), 2013, pp.214-225.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The number of gardening-based mental health interventions is increasing, yet when the literature was last reviewed in 2003, limited evidence of their effectiveness was identified. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current evidence-base for gardening-based mental health interventions and projects through examining their reported benefits and the quality of research in this field. Design/methodology/approach: Studies evaluating the benefits of gardening-based interventions for adults experiencing mental health difficulties were identified through an electronic database search. Information on the content and theoretical foundations of the interventions, the identified benefits of the interventions and the study methodology was extracted and synthesised. Findings: Ten papers published since 2003 met the inclusion criteria. All reported positive effects of gardening as a mental health intervention for service users, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Participants described a range of benefits across emotional, social, vocational, physical and spiritual domains. Overall the research was of a considerably higher quality than that reviewed in 2003, providing more convincing evidence in support of gardening-based interventions. However, none of the studies employed a randomised-controlled trial design. Research limitations/implications: There is a need for further high-quality research in this field. It is important that adequate outcome measures are in place to evaluate existing gardening-based mental health interventions/projects effectively. Originality/value: This paper provides an up-to-date critique of the evidence for gardening-based mental health interventions, highlighting their potential clinical value. (Publisher abstract)
Posttraumatic growth among men with histories of child sexual abuse
- Authors:
- EASTON Scott D., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Maltreatment, 18(4), 2013, pp.211-220.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Despite an increased risk of long-term mental health problems, many survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) experience positive changes in areas such as appreciation for life, personal strength, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on life course theory, this study examined factors related to posttraumatic growth among a sample of men with CSA histories (N = 487). Using multiple linear regression (i.e., ordinary least squares), it was found that men who had a better understanding of the sexual abuse experience, who ascribed to less traditional masculine norms, and who experienced a turning point reported greater growth. To promote growth, practitioners can help survivors understand the meaning and impact of the abuse on their lives and deconstruct rigid gender norms. More research on growth is needed with male survivors, especially on the nature of turning points in the recovery process. (Publisher abstract)
Obstacles to continuity of care in young mental health service users' pathways: an explorative study
- Authors:
- ADNANES Marian, STEIHAUG Sissel
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Integrated Care, 13(3), 2013, Online only
- Publisher:
- International Foundation for Integrated Care
Background: Users of mental health services often move between different primary and specialised health and care services, depending on their current condition, and this often leads to fragmentation of care. The aim of this study was to map care pathways in the case of young adult mental health service users and to identify key obstacles to continuity of care. Method: Quarterly semi-structured interviews were performed with nine young adults with mental health difficulties aged beween 18 and 30 years of age , following their pathways in and out of different services in the course of a year. Results: Key obstacles to continuity of care included the mental health system's lack of access to treatment, lack of integration between different specialist services, lack of progress in care and inadequate coordination tools such as ‘Individual Plan’ and case conferences that did not prevent fragmented care pathways. Conclusions: Continuity of care should be more explicitly linked to aspirations for development and progress in the users' care pathways, and how service providers can cooperate with users to actually develop and make progress. Coordination tools such as case conferences and ‘individual plans’ should be upgraded to this end and utilised to the utmost. This may be the most effective way to counteract the system obstacles. (Publisher abstract)
Childhood sexual abuse and adult developmental outcomes: findings from a 30-year longitudinal study in New Zealand
- Authors:
- FERGUSSON David M., McLEOD Geraldine F.H., HORWOOD L. John
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 37(9), 2013, p.664–674.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Objectives: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with many adverse medical, psychological, behavioural and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. This study aims to examine the linkages between CSA and a wide range of developmental outcomes over a protracted time period to age 30. Methods: Data from over 900 members of the New Zealand birth cohort the Christchurch Health and Development Study were examined. CSA prior to age 16 was assessed at ages 18 and 21 years, in addition to: mental health, psychological wellbeing, sexual risk-taking behaviours, physical health and socioeconomic outcomes to age 30. Results: After statistical adjustment for confounding by 10 covariates spanning socio-demographic, family functioning and child factors, extent of exposure to CSA was associated with increased rates of (B, SE, p): major depression (0.426, 0.094, <.001); anxiety disorder (0.364, 0.089, <.001); suicidal ideation (0.395, 0.089, <.001); suicide attempt (1.863, 0.403, <.001); alcohol dependence (0.374, 0.118, <.002); and illicit drug dependence (0.425, 0.113, <.001). In addition, at age 30 CSA was associated with higher rates of PTSD symptoms (0.120, 0.051, .017); decreased self-esteem (−0.371, 0.181, .041); and decreased life satisfaction (−0.510, 0.189, .007). Childhood sexual abuse was also associated with decreased age of onset of sexual activity (−0.381, 0.091, <.001), increased number of sexual partners (0.175, 0.035, <.001); increased medical contacts for physical health problems (0.105, 0.023, <.001); and welfare dependence (0.310, 0.099, .002). Effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the significant outcomes from all domains ranged from .14 to .53, while the attributable risks for the mental health outcomes ranged from 5.7% to 16.6%. Conclusions: CSA is a traumatic childhood life event in which the negative consequences increase with increasing severity of abuse. CSA adversely influences a number of adult developmental outcomes that span: mental disorders, psychological wellbeing, sexual risk-taking, physical health and socioeconomic wellbeing. While the individual effect sizes for CSA typically range from small to moderate, it is clear that accumulative adverse effects on adult developmental outcomes are substantial. (Publisher abstract)
Social work education in the creative arts space
- Authors:
- McCAUGHAN Su, ANDERSON Michael, JONES Wendy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 12(1), 2013, pp.34-52.
- Publisher:
- Whiting and Birch
This case study explores how the creative arts can be used in the professional development of student social workers. The study is of a voluntary organisation that works with adults experiencing emotional or psychological distress by helping participants to explore the arts as a means of recovery. The organisation incorporates art and design studios, a community gallery and graphic design service with several community projects including a domestic abuse project, prison project and a hospital in-patient service. Since 2004 the organisation has supported over 40 student social workers in practice learning placements. The project manager and off-site practice educator, supported by the HEI, have been instrumental in developing a practice curriculum. The student social workers develop core professional skills by working with individuals, groups, communities and organisations in a setting that challenges negative assumptions about mental health. The creative arts are used as a vehicle for developing skills in relationship based practice. The study explores how the placements have evolved; what the student social workers actually do; the effectiveness of the practice experience in preparation for the final placement and the development of their professional identity. (Publisher abstract)
Statistics on community care for adults in Northern Ireland 2012-2013
- Author:
- NORTHERN IRELAND. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 141
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
An annual statistical report presenting information on a range of community activity gathered from HSC Trusts. It also includes comparisons over the past five years for the main activities. Activities covered include: contacts with HSC Trusts; residential and nursing home care packages; meals on wheels services; residential and nursing home care accommodation; and day care facilities. Services provided include those for older people, people with mental health problems, people with learning disabilities and people with physical and sensory disability. (Original abstract)