Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 17
What do African American youth with a mental illness think about help-seeking and psychiatric medication?: Origins of stigmatizing attitudes
- Authors:
- KRANKE Derrick, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Mental Health, 10(1), January 2012, pp.53-71.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Stigma greatly impacts African Americans’ underutilisation of mental health treatment. Stigmatising attitudes are attributed to racial mistrust and familial, religious, and cultural beliefs. However, most research on influences of these attitudes has been conducted with adults. Origins among adolescents may be unique because they have different competing influences relative to development. Identifying these influences is crucial to promoting utilization of psychiatric services as well as positive mental health outcomes among youth. This study explored the origin of stigmatising attitudes among 17 African American adolescents, average age 14, with psychiatric disorders. Adolescents reported similar origins of stigmatising attitudes toward mental illness as adults, and also identified peer perceptions and media messages as influences. The authors concluded that the findings highlight the need to develop family psychoeducation programmes that account for familial, racial, cultural, community, and religious influences.
Neighborhood environment and internalizing problems in African American children
- Authors:
- MILAM Adam J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 48(1), February 2012, pp.39-44.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Gender differences in the association between environment and internalizing problems were examined in a sample of predominately African American schoolchildren. Internalizing problems was assessed using the Youth Self Report. Violence and alcohol and other drug (AOD) exposure subscales were created using observational assessments of neighbourhood blocks. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between neighbourhood environment and internalizing problems. For each AOD item present on the block the odds of internalizing problems among girls increased by 17%. The relationship was not significant among boys. Violence exposure did not predict internalizing problems in boys or girls. These preliminary findings suggest that primary school-aged girls’ emotional well-being is more negatively impacted by deleterious environments. Future investigations will examine the relationship between deleterious neighbourhood environments and internalizing problems as the children age into adolescence.
Health-related quality of life and health-promoting behaviors in black men
- Authors:
- CALVERT Wilma J., ISAAC E. Paulette, JOHNSON Sharon
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 37(1), February 2012, pp.19-27.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This qualitative study examined the health-related quality of life and health-promoting behaviours in a sample of 54 low-income black men from the United States. Participants ranged in age between 16 and 64 years. Findings revealed that almost 75% reported their overall health as good or better. However, the mean number of recent mentally unhealthy days was 13, and more than half reported frequent mentally unhealthy days. There were strong correlations between mentally unhealthy days and various health-promoting behaviours. The authors concluded that the contrast between participants' overall health and mental health was disturbing. Implications for social work practice with low-income black men designed to improve health promotion in this group are discussed.
Latent class analysis: a method for capturing heterogeneity
- Authors:
- ROSATO Nancy Scotto, BAER Judith C.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Research, 36(1), March 2012, pp.61-69.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Attention to the variability of human experience is fundamental to social work research and practice. Traditionally, much social work research has been based on variable-oriented methods, such as regression and factor analysis, which do not capture important aspects of relationships that are often imbedded in the heterogeneity of samples. Latent class analysis (LCA) is one of several person-centred approaches that can capture heterogeneity within and between groups. This study illustrates the utility and applicability of LCA. LCA was used to explicate differences in internalising and externalising symptomatology in a nonclinical, national representative sample of youths. Data was drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health for a sample of 14,738 youths. The data were analysed using externalising and internalising behavioural constructs and then validated against a number of sociodemographic characteristics and behaviour outcomes typically associated with type and severity of symptomatology. The findings revealed important differences within the externalising symptomatology construct and class differences across racial and ethnic groups, gender, age categories, and several behaviour outcomes. Research and clinical implications on the importance of modelling heterogeneity using a person-centred approach are discussed.
A little soul
- Author:
- SCOTT Paula
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, July 2012, pp.12-13.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
The annual free Happy Soul Festival in 6 London boroughs celebrates black and minority ethnic (BME) film, music and art. For the past 5 years, mental health services provider Certitude has supported the Happy Soul Festival as a way to engage people from BME backgrounds. This article describes some of the events supported by Certitude at this year’s Happy Soul Festival. This included film screenings, sports and activity sessions, and the ‘Creative Ways to Wellbeing’ event which included dancing and artwork. The events were underpinned by the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’: connect, take notice, be active, keep learning, and give. Certitude’s involvement with Happy Soul demonstrates that, even when mental health services are under pressure, a creative approach can deliver value for money.
DSM-5 research: assessing the mental health needs of older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds
- Authors:
- ROSE Alexis Lee, CHEUNG Monit
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 21(2), April 2012, pp.144-167.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is being updated and expanded by the American Psychiatric Association, based on scientific criteria for developing comprehensive assessments and culturally appropriate interventions to meet the psychological and behavioural needs of individuals. As a clinical manual, it identifies appropriate care through diagnoses and classifications of mental and behavioural health needs. This article analyses current trends and limitations in the design of the DSM, focusing particularly on its application to older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds. It is based on a literature review which identified 54 articles published between 2001 and 2011 discussing DSM and its applicability to assessing ethnically diverse older adults' mental health. 5 themes emerged from qualitative analysis of the material: assessment issues related to acculturation, limitations with culture elements, health disparities, evidence-based practice with dementia, and prevalence of anxiety and depression. The article discusses incorporation of additional considerations into the DSM in the light of the literature review findings.
Not just black and white
- Author:
- FRANCIS Joy
- Journal article citation:
- Open Mind, 171, March 2012, pp.18-19.
- Publisher:
- MIND
Media coverage of mental health, particularly of black mental health issues, has a chequered history. This article discusses media reporting of black mental issues from the 1990s, with the case of Christopher Clunis, to the ongoing case of Kingsley Burrell. It shows that there has been an increase in the visibility of black and minority ethnic (BME) people and mental health in the media, and a more informed shift has been reflected in the media coverage of Kingsley Burrell. The article argues that, while there have been a positive shift, the media has a long way to go to abandon racialised representations. One of the biggest catalysts for positive change has been the growth of online and social media. Specialist publications have blog or community sections that allow both professionals and service users to give their perspective on adult services and possible solutions. Voluntary and community organisations are generating their own media online to inform and influence debate. Today, therefore, the debate on mental health is no longer one-sided.
Influence of caregiver network support and caregiver psychopathology on child mental health need and service use in the LONGSCAN study
- Authors:
- LINDSEY Michael A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 34(5), May 2012, pp.924-932.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of caregiver factors (network support and mental health problems) in relation to child need for mental health services and child service use among maltreated children and children at-risk for maltreatment. Data for this study came from children and their caregivers participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) study. The sample analysed for this study was 1075 8-year-old children, who were African American or Caucasian and had been reported to Child Protective Services, and their primary caregivers. Analysis showed that caregiver and child mental health needs were positively related. Caregiver network support exerted a protective effect, with greater levels of caregiver network support predictive of lower caregiver and child need. Contrary to prediction, however, caregiver network support was not directly related to child service use. Higher child need was directly related to child service use, especially among children whose caregivers had mental health problems. The findings appear to indicate that lower levels of caregiver network support may exert its impact on child service use indirectly by increasing caregiver and child need, rather than by directly increasing the likelihood of receiving services, especially for African American children.
Reducing the barriers to accessing psychological therapies for Bengali, Urdu, Tamil and Somali communities in the UK: some implications for training, policy and practice
- Authors:
- LOEWENTHAL Del, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 40(1), February 2012, pp.43-66.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Those from minority groups are generally under-represented in mental health services. This study examined the feasibility of achieving Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities living in the UK. There was with specific reference to Bengali, Urdu, Tamil and Somali speaking communities. Focus groups were carried out with each of the communities to investigate how they conceptualise and experience mental health issues and what they do when faced with what they regard as these issues. Participants recruited through Bengali, Urdu, Tamil and Somali community groups. Focus groups were held with 14 Bengali speakers, 21 Urdu, 18 Tamil, 24 Somali, and interviews were held separately with 6 people from each group. Findings revealed that the participants did not fully understand common conceptualisations about mental health issues, nor did they know how to seek mental health support. Implications of cultural barriers and recommendations for IAPT outcomes are presented.
Social work with older people: approaches to person-centred practice
- Authors:
- HALL Barbara, SCRAGG Terry
- Publisher:
- Open University
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 256p.
- Place of publication:
- Maidenhead
This book takes a person-centred approach to working with older people and provides an introduction to the legislation, policy, theory and research needed by social workers. It explores the experience of being an older person and how practitioners can work to make positive differences to older people's lives. It goes beyond the mechanistic care management approaches to social work and encourages the reader to see older people holistically. The book is separated into 3 parts: setting the context and the importance of values; equality and diversity in working with older people; and enhancing the well-being of older people and safeguarding issues. It examines a range of contexts and perspectives, including sexuality, spirituality, learning disabilities, ethnicity, and mental health needs. Case studies and exercises are included to assist readers in reflecting on their practice. The book aims to encourage wider reflection on the constraints posed by organisations employing social workers and the impact on their practice. It is likely to be of interest for students on placement in adult services or voluntary organisations and social work practitioners working with older people.