Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Humour-related interventions for people with mental illness: a randomised controlled pilot study
- Authors:
- RUDNICK Abraham, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 50(6), 2014, pp.737-742.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study explored the feasibility and effects of humour-related interventions for mentally ill adults. Twelve, randomly assigned, participated in each of 3 arms: stand up comedy training (the experimental arm), discussing comedy videos (the active control arm), and no humour-related intervention (the passive control arm). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at baseline, end of interventions (3 months) and follow up (after another 3 months). Scale comparisons were largely negative, although self-esteem marginally increased in the experimental arm. Interview responses indicated benefits for the interventions, including improved self-esteem in the experimental arm. These results, though mixed, justify further study. (Publisher abstract)
Influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of youth in residential care
- Authors:
- BALLUERKA Nekane, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 42, 2014, pp.103-109.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This study evaluates the influence of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on the attachment representations of a group of adolescents in residential care who suffered traumatic childhood experiences and exhibited mental health problems. The participants of this study were 46 teenagers (mean age = 15.41, SD = 1.65) divided into two groups: the intervention group of 21 youths (8 females and 13 males) (mean age = 15.19, SD = 1.69) and the control group of 25 (6 females and 19 males) (mean age = 15.60, SD = 1.63). The results of this research showed that the teenagers displayed a more secure attachment after undergoing AAT. Furthermore, in comparison with the control group, the intervention group showed higher scores in the secure attachment dimension and lower scores in the parental interference dimension, which is associated with preoccupied attachment. There were no differences in the other dimensions of attachment assessed. These results help to empirically validate AAT as an effective therapy for teenagers who have suffered childhood trauma and have mental health problems. (Publisher abstract)
Teachers as therapeutic agents: perceptions of a school-based mental health initiative
- Authors:
- LINDO Natalya A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 42(3), 2014, pp.284-296.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Teacher–child relationship building (TCRB) is a play-based professional development programme adapted from kinder training and filial therapy. Intended for early education teachers and students, TCRB is designed to strengthen the teacher–child relationship, improve student behaviour, enhance academic involvement and develop teachers' classroom management skills. In the current study, the authors utilised a phenomenological approach to examine teachers' perceptions of the initial implementation of TCRB through identifying individual and collective perspectives in the summation of themes. Findings indicated that the teachers perceived the TCRB model to be informative, well organised, appropriately structured and effective in enhancing teacher–child relationships, improving classroom management skills and reducing behavioural problems among child participants. Limitations of the study, implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Utilising a computer game as a therapeutic intervention for youth in residential care: Some preliminary findings on use and acceptability
- Authors:
- AVENTIN Aine, HOUSTON Stan, MACDONALD Geraldine
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 47(3), 2014, pp.362-369.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Mental illness is common amongst young people living in residential care, many of whom are reluctant to avail of therapeutic help. The potential value of computer games as therapeutic tools for these young people has received very little attention, despite indications of their potential for promoting engagement in therapeutic work and improving mental health outcomes. This study aimed to fill this research gap through the development, introduction, and preliminary evaluation of a therapeutic intervention in group care settings. The intervention incorporated a commercially available computer game (The SIMS Life Stories™) and emotion regulation skill coaching. Qualified residential social workers were trained to deliver it to young people in three children's homes in Northern Ireland, where therapeutic approaches to social work had been introduced. The research was framed as an exploratory case study which aimed to determine the acceptability and potential therapeutic value of this intervention. The evidence suggests that computer-game based interventions of this type may have value as therapeutic tools in group care settings and deserve further development and empirical investigation to determine their effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes (Publisher abstract)
Mental health recovery is social
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(3), 2014, pp.110-115.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarise two 2014 research papers that highlight the role of social interactions and the social world in recovery in the context of mental distress. Design/methodology/approach: The author summarise two papers: one is about two theories from social psychology that help us understand social identity – our sense of who we are. The other brings together and looks at the similarities and differences between ten different therapies that can be called resource-oriented – that is, they focus on people's strengths and resources rather than what is wrong with them. Findings: The paper on social identity gives a convincing case for incorporating teaching about social identity – and the social groups to which people belong – into the training of mental health professionals. The paper on resource-oriented therapies suggests that social relationships are a main component of all ten therapies examined. This second paper suggested a need for more research and theory relating to resource-oriented therapies. Social identity theory could help address this issue. Mental health services may be able to help people more by focusing on their established and desired social identities and group-belonging, and their strengths, than is usual. Originality/value: These two papers seem timely given the growing recognition of the role of social factors in the development and maintenance of mental distress. More attention to social factors in recovery could help make it more self-sustaining. (Publisher abstract)
The effects of social and therapeutic horticulture on aspects of social behaviour
- Authors:
- SEMPIK Joe, RICKHUSS Cathy, BEESTON Alex
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(6), 2014, pp.313-319.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Social and therapeutic horticulture has been shown to be a useful intervention for a wide range of vulnerable groups, including those with a mental health problem and/or learning or physical disabilities. However, there is still a need for additional research that examines evidence of its effectiveness. Method: This study analysed scores in four areas (social interaction, communication, motivation, and task engagement) collected as part of routine assessment during a programme of social and therapeutic horticulture. The sample comprised a heterogeneous group of participants and included a range of vulnerable people, predominantly those with a learning disability or a mental health problem. Findings: Scores for social interaction were significantly higher after 90 days of participation. This effect appeared to be most evident in participants with a learning disability. Conclusion: Social and therapeutic horticulture provides the opportunity for social interaction. Increased scores relating to social interaction suggest that the programme was effective in promoting such interaction and that it may, therefore, promote social inclusion among vulnerable and isolated groups. (Publisher abstract)
Research Watch: talking therapy for anxiety and social difficulties may improve social inclusion after diagnosis with schizophrenia
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(1), 2014, pp.7-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to summarize two 2013 papers on psychological therapies for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Design/methodology/approach: The first paper is a report of a small study of cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia attending an early intervention service. The second paper is a review of several studies looking at therapies to help people understand what others are feeling and thinking, and so cope better in social situations. Findings: Out of 11 people referred to the anxiety group, seven stayed until the end. Their self-rated anxiety and depression decreased significantly. The review of therapies for social situations suggests that there is a need for more than just training in understanding other people. It is probably necessary to offer a package of therapy that involves role-play and practising skills in actual situations, and possibly involving friends or family members. Originality/value: These papers report on therapies that have only recently begun to be considered for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. It seems much more attention needs to be paid to helping people with anxiety when they have this diagnosis, and also to helping people cope in social situations so that they can participate in important social activities and work. (Publisher abstract)
A review of the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy in the treatment of major depression: implications for mental health social work practice
- Authors:
- O'NEAL Paul D., JACKSON Alun, MCDERMOTT Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Australian Social Work, 67(2), 2014, pp.197-213.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A systematic review of the literature regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy in the treatment of major depression in adults was conducted. This search of electronic databases (PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts and PsycLIT) was conducted between August and October 2011 and resulted in full text review of 13 publications. On balance the evidence, largely derived from randomised controlled trials, supported cognitive-behaviour therapy as the more efficacious treatment. The evidence for the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic therapy was somewhat fragmented due to the paucity of controlled studies, with the evidence base for short-term psychodynamic therapy relying heavily upon meta-analyses. There was comparable evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy on the basis of standardised clinical outcome measures. More high-quality randomised controlled trials are required to assess the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic therapy for treating major depression, while the methodological challenges of meta-analyses need to be acknowledged where this methodology forms the primary evidence base for efficacy studies. (Publisher abstract)
The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review
- Authors:
- JAMES Chris W., STACEY James M.
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 19(1), 2014, pp.17-24.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Recent governmental policy has emphasised the need for greater choice and inclusion for people with learning disabilities. Accordingly, learning disabilities services are increasingly offering a greater choice of psychological interventions to people with learning disabilities. A growing body of research has examined the use of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities. The purpose of the this paper is to identify, outline, and evaluate research on the efficacy of psychodynamic approaches with people with learning disabilities and to consider the implications for clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic search identified 13 relevant studies. A qualitative review of these studies was carried out. Findings: Overall, the reviewed studies offer some preliminary support for the use of psychodynamic approaches with people with learning disabilities. Research limitations/implications – A number of methodological issues are identified (particularly concerning the influence of extraneous variables and the generalisability of findings) and further, larger scale and more robust, research is required. Practical implications: Learning disabilities services should consider providing psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with a mild learning disability experiencing mental health, behavioural, and/or offending problems. Originality/value: This paper provides an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the literature on the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with a learning disability that will be of use to services providing therapeutic support to people with a learning disability and to people commissioning those services. (Publisher abstract)
Commentary on “The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review”
- Author:
- BROWN Hilary
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 19(1), 2014, pp.25-28.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper is a commentary on “The effectiveness of psychodynamic interventions for people with learning disabilities: a systematic review” by Chris James and James Stacey. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the thesis that standardised ways of evaluating health care interventions may have the inadvertent effect of undermining the case that people with intellectual disabilities should be offered the same opportunities to address their emotional and mental health difficulties as other citizens. Design/methodology/approach: The commentary argues that while the evidence base focuses on the outcomes of orthodox one-to-one interventions, sometimes broader “contextual reformulation” and systemic interventions are called for. However, family- or service-based interventions tend not to feature in studies. Findings: The commentary illustrates these issues by discussing two case studies, which demonstrate how relational issues tend to be unhelpfully focused on the person with intellectual disabilities to the detriment of family members or direct care staff, who may be struggling to make sense of the person's behaviour or distress. Originality/value: The commentary supports the argument put forward in the longer paper and also argues for mental health services to be offered on a non-discriminatory basis to people with intellectual disabilities and to their family members. But it also suggests that one of the additional impacts of service level psychotherapeutic interventions is to re-establish respect for the work of direct care staff whose work is often presented as if it is little more than domestic drudgery when in fact it involves negotiating and responding to people and their issues with great sensitivity and balance. (Publisher abstract)