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Mental health and wellbeing among adolescents in Scotland: profile and trends
- Authors:
- BLACK Carolyn, MARTIN Chris
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 98
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This report explores trends in mental health and wellbeing among adolescents in Scotland and the factors which best predict higher and lower mental health and wellbeing. The data shows that in the last three years there has been a marked change in mental health and wellbeing among pupils. While some aspects have improved (conduct problems, pro-social behaviour) or remained largely the same over time (hyperactivity, mental wellbeing), others have worsened (emotional problems and peer problems). One of the starkest changes is the extent to which mental health and wellbeing has changed among 15 year old girls, particularly in terms of their emotional wellbeing. In 2010, 28 per cent of 15 year olds girls had a borderline or abnormal emotional problems score. This increased to 41 per cent in 2013. Physical wellbeing was linked to mental health and wellbeing – those who had a limiting illness or disability reported poorer mental health and wellbeing than those that did not – particularly in relation to emotional problems. A number of activities appeared to have a protective effect against poor mental health and wellbeing (although causal links are likely to be complex). Expecting to go to university, belonging to a group or club and seeing friends, doing a hobby, reading books or playing a sport at least weekly were associated with better mental health and wellbeing. For girls, in particular, playing sport on a weekly basis was strongly related to lower levels of emotional and behavioural problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
Young people's uses of music for well-being
- Author:
- PAPINCZAK Zoe E.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Youth Studies, 18(9), 2015, pp.1119-1134.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The period between 15 and 25 years is characterised by much personal change and is the peak age of onset of mental health problems. This prompts an interest in everyday strategies that young people might use to support their well-being. Music use is the preferred leisure activity among young people yet little is known about how music is linked to well-being in this population. This study aimed to develop and test a model of the relationships between young people's use of music and their well-being, drawing on theories from the music psychology and clinical psychology fields. A qualitative analysis of transcripts from focus groups with 11 participants aged 15–25 years revealed four ways in which music listening links with well-being: relationship building, modifying emotions, modifying cognitions and emotional immersion. These linking variables were operationalised using questionnaire scores and tested on a new sample of 107 young people. Results of a multiple mediation analysis revealed that music listening was significantly related to all four linking variables, but not directly related to well-being as measured by the Mental Health Continuum. Nevertheless, the four linking variables indirectly mediated the effect of music listening on social well-being. The findings are consistent with earlier research on the role of music in emotion regulation and social connection although there are clearly other factors involved in determining young peoples' well-being. These findings will help inform music-based interventions for young people. (Publisher abstract)
Comparing carer wellbeing: implications for eating disorders
- Authors:
- LINACRE Stephen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review Journal, 20(2), 2015, pp.105-118.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Around 50 per cent of carers of people with eating disorders (EDs) experience mental health difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate well-being of carers of people with ED and carers of people with severe and enduring eating disorders (SEEDs). Design/methodology/approach: Carers (n=104) were recruited from UK support groups and stratified using duration of the care recipient’s ED (0-2, 2-6, >6 years), with the >6 years category classified as SEED. Data were compared with existing carer well-being studies of other patient groups. Findings: Carers of people with SEED were not significantly different on reported well-being to carers of people with ED. However, carers of people with ED reported significantly less well-being than community norms, carers of people with brain injury and of people with dementia. Specifically, poorer social functioning was reported. Research limitations/implications: Further research on carers of people with SEED is warranted as carers of people with SEED were not equally balanced in gender. It would be beneficial if support groups and skill-based workshops were more available for carers. Originality/value: This is the first known study to compare carer well-being of people with SEED with carers of other clinical populations. Further research is required to identify the needs of carers. (Publisher abstract)
Identifying the facilitators and processes which influence recovery in individuals with schizophrenia: a systematic review and thematic synthesis
- Authors:
- SOUNDY Andrew, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 24(2), 2015, pp.103-110.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: Research is required to better understand the psychosocial factors that influence the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and thematic synthesis and identify the factors which influence recovery. Methods: Major electronic databases were searched from inception until February 2014. Qualitative articles were included that considered the concept of recovery from individuals with schizophrenia, their caregivers or health care professionals. Methodological quality was assessed and studies were thematically synthesised. Results: Twenty articles involving 585 individuals with schizophrenia, 298 primary care givers or close sources of support and 47 health care professionals were included. The results identified and detailed the psychosocial factors and processes that influenced recovery. The factors which promoted recovery included: (1) adjustment, coping and reappraisal (2) responding to the illness (3) social support, close relationships and belonging. The factors which challenged recovery included: (1) negative interactions and isolation (2) internal barriers (3) uncertainty and hopelessness. Conclusion: Health care professionals and researchers will benefit from a greater understanding of the psychosocial factors which influence recovery for individuals with schizophrenia. Implications are discussed within the text. (Publisher abstract)
What works in promoting social and emotional well-being and responding to mental health problems in schools?
- Author:
- WEARE Katherine
- Publisher:
- National Children's Bureau
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 15
- Place of publication:
- London
This advice covers two overlapping areas of school practice: promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing for all in schools, and tackling the mental health problems of pupils in more serious difficulty. Based on evidence from systematic reviews, this guidance sets out a framework of effective approaches, which include: adopting whole school thinking; engaging the whole community; prioritising professional learning and staff development; implementing targeted programmes and interventions (including curriculum); developing supportive policy; connecting appropriately with approaches to behaviour management; and implementing targeted responses and identifying specialist pathways. The study concludes that a focus on wellbeing and mental health directly supports the promotion of effective learning. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health as perceived by persons with mental disorders – an interpretative phenomenological analysis study
- Authors:
- MJOSUND Nina Helen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 17(4), 2015, pp.215-233.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In this interpretative phenomenological analysis study, the author's explored how persons with mental disorders perceive mental health. Adapting a salutogenic theoretical framework, 12 former inpatients were interviewed. The analysis revealed experiences of mental health as a movement, like walking up and down a staircase. Perceived mental health is expressed both verbally in an everyday language and through body language. Mental health is an aspect of being that is always present and which is nourished by four domains of life: the emotional; physical; social and spiritual domains. Mental health is experienced in everyday life as a sense of energy, and as more or less wellbeing. Exploring persons' meanings of mental health from a subjective perspective can extend the knowledge base that can be used in mental health promotion strategies. (Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluation of the Group Work Psychological Wellbeing and Work feasibility pilot
- Author:
- NATCEN SOCIAL RESEARCH
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Work and Pensions
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 105
- Place of publication:
- London
Reports on an evaluation of a group based intervention to improve the employment and health prospects for people with common mental health conditions by enhancing the self-esteem of participants and providing them with the social skills to job search effectively. The intervention was proposed by RAND Europe as a potentially effective early intervention and was based on the JOBS II model developed by the University of Michigan. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight Jobcentre Plus staff, eight provider staff and 32 claimants who participated in the intervention. Observations of six Group Work sessions were carried out and analysis of Management Information (MI) was undertaken to provide insights into pilot take-up, retention and outcomes. Of 461 claimants that were referred to the intervention, 236 (51 per cent) went on to attend the first day of the intervention. Of these, 194 (40 per cent of referrals) went on to complete the week-long course. Facilitators delivering the intervention felt it benefited claimants who needed to refresh their work search skills and those with mild psychological wellbeing needs related to their job search, such as low self-esteem and low confidence. Facilitators felt that the intervention was less suitable for those more severe psychological wellbeing needs, such as clinical depression, and those who had been very long-term unemployed and were lacking in motivation. A total of 194 of the 236 participants (82 per cent) completed the intervention. The evaluaion concludes that that the intervention would benefit from a clear definition of who it is aimed at and who it is suitable for. Careful consideration should be given to how the intervention is marketed, avoiding references to ‘psychological’ support. (Edited publisher abstract)
The effect of physical activity on mental health among adolescents with and without self-reported visual impairment: the Young-HUNT Study, Norway
- Authors:
- BRUNES Audun, FLANDERS W. Dana, AUGESTAD Liv Berit
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Visual Impairment, 33(3), 2015, pp.183-199.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This study was conducted in Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, during the period 1995–1997, with a follow-up 4 years later, to examine the effect of physical activity (PA) on mental health according to self-reported vision categories among adolescents. Self-reported measurements were used to assess PA and vision at baseline, and mental health problems and well-being at follow-up. The main linear regression analyses included 1417 adolescents between the age of 12 and 17 years, of which 46 had reported visual impairment. Among those reporting no impairment, conducting <1 day per week of PA was significantly associated with having lower levels of well-being at follow-up compared to those conducting ⩾1 day of PA. Among those reporting visual impairment, the mental health benefits of conducting weekly PA compared with conducting non-weekly PA were observed only among those who were more emotionally unstable or introvert at baseline. In conclusion, further longitudinal studies are warranted to examine whether the mental health responses of PA may be dependent on the adolescent’s vision status. (Edited publisher abstract)
“How can I take a break?” coping strategies and support needs of mental health carers
- Authors:
- BROADY Timothy R., STONE Katherine
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Mental Health, 13(4), 2015, pp.318-335.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Caring for a family member or friend can have major impacts on the personal life and wellbeing of carers. Identifying those who experience poor subjective wellbeing, factors that contribute to this, and ways in which services can be more effectively provided is essential in supporting carers in their role. This study surveyed carers from across New South Wales and found that carers of people with mental health issues reported poorer health and mental health themselves than any other group of carers, despite being more likely to access supportive services. The effectiveness of personal coping strategies employed by mental health carers is also discussed. Survey results raise implications regarding the support of mental health carers and their subjective wellbeing. (Publisher abstract)
Mental distress and human rights of asylum seekers
- Authors:
- CAMPBELL Emma Jean, STEEL Emily Jean
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 14(2), 2015, pp.43-55.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper studies the experiences of asylum seekers in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between mental wellbeing, living conditions, and Australia’s detention policies in light of human rights. Design/methodology/approach: Using grounded theory, data were collected via observations, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and document analysis. Participants included seven asylum seekers and three professionals working with them. Findings: In light of a human rights framework, this paper reports on the mental distress suffered by asylum seekers in detention, the environments of constraint in which they live, and aspects of detention centre policy that contribute to these environments. The findings highlight a discrepancy between asylum seekers’ experiences under immigration detention policy and Australia’s human rights obligations. Research limitations/implications: This research indicates human rights violations for asylum seekers in detention in Australia. This research project involved a small number of participants and recommends systemic review of the policy and practices that affect asylum seekers’ mental health including larger numbers of participants. Consideration is made of alternatives to detention as well as improving detention centre conditions. The World Health Organization’s Quality Rights Tool Kit might provide the basis for a framework to review Australia’s immigration detention system with particular focus on the poor mental wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention. Originality/value: This study links international human rights law and Australian immigration detention policies and practices with daily life experiences of suffering mental distress within environments of constraint and isolation. It identifies asylum seekers as a vulnerable population with respect to human rights and mental wellbeing. Of particular value is the inclusion of asylum seekers themselves in interviews. (Publisher abstract)