Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Child abuse in the context of intimate partner violence against women: the impact of women’s depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms on maternal behavior
- Authors:
- BOECKEL Mariana G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(7), 2014, pp.1201-1227.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Intimate male partner violence against women has been recognised as an important public health problem, with a high impact on women’s mental health, including depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, fathers who have been involved in intimate partner violence (IPV) have an increased probability of being violent toward their children. The study assesses the relation between the mental health status of abused women, their partner’s violence toward the children, and their maternal behaviour. (Edited publisher abstract)
Women's experiences of being in an acute psychiatric unit: an occupational perspective
- Authors:
- KENNEDY Jennifer, FORTUNE Tracy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(6), 2014, pp.296-303.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: The need to address gender sensitivity and implement strategies to improve the treatment of women within inpatient mental health facilities has gained international recognition. Ascertaining service users' perspectives is a critical prerequisite to ensure that potential strategies are appropriate. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the occupational engagement of women service users in an acute inpatient mental health unit in Melbourne, Australia. Method: In this phenomenological study, five women were interviewed about their experiences of occupational engagement. Data were analysed according to Colaizzi's (1978) procedure, to generate an 'essence statement'. Fieldnotes were kept and an audit trail of the analysis process was recorded. Findings: Three main themes emerged: (1) Living in hospital is difficult; (2) What we need from staff; and (3) More meaningful things to do, please. Conclusion: Study findings highlight a need for more empathetic communication with staff, more effective use of the physical environment to enable improved perceptions of safety, and more meaningful occupational opportunities. (Publisher abstract)
Predicting suicidal ideations in sexually abused female adolescents: a 12-month prospective study
- Authors:
- BRABANT Maria-Eve, HEBERT Martine, CHAGNON Francois
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 23(4), 2014, pp.387-397.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study investigates the contribution of posttraumatic stress symptoms to the prediction of suicidality among female adolescent survivors of sexual abuse. A one-year prospective study of 52 female survivors aged 12 to 18 years was conducted. A negative binomial regression analysis revealed that depressive symptoms as well as posttraumatic stress symptoms associated with the sexual trauma were significant predictors of suicidal ideations a year later. Posttraumatic stress symptoms remained a significant predictor of suicidal ideations even when controlling for depressive symptomatology and the presence of a past suicide attempt, thus emphasizing the relevance of posttraumatic stress symptoms in regard to suicidality in sexually abused youths. Results are discussed within the context of therapeutic modalities for survivors of a sexual trauma. (Publisher abstract)
‘My special time’: Australian women's experiences of accessing a specialist perinatal and infant mental health service
- Authors:
- MYORS Karen A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 22(3), 2014, pp.268-277.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Women who have few social supports, poor health and a history of stressful life events are at risk of poor mental health during the perinatal period. Infants of parents whose parenting capacity is compromised are also at risk of adverse outcomes. To identify women at risk of poor perinatal mental health, psychosocial assessment and depression screening in the antenatal and early postnatal periods are recommended. This qualitative study is part of a larger mixed methods study, which explored two specialist perinatal and infant mental health (PIMH) services in New South Wales (Australia). Eleven women who had accessed and been discharged from a PIMH service participated in either face-to-face or telephone interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. One overarching theme, ‘my special time’ and three sub-themes, ‘there is someone out there for me’, ‘it wasn't just a job’ and ‘swimming or stranded: feelings about leaving the service’, were identified. The themes describe the women's experiences of being a client of a PIMH service. Overall, women reported a positive experience of the service, their relationship with the clinician being a key component. Findings from this study highlight the importance of the relational aspect of care and support; however, women need self-determination in all therapeutic processes, including discharge, if recovery and self-efficacy as a mother are to be gained. Importantly, further research is needed about how clinicians model a secure base and how mothers emulate this for their infants. (Publisher abstract)
I was told it restarts your brain: knowledge, power, and women’s experiences of ECT
- Authors:
- EJAREDAR Maede, HAGEN Brad
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 23(1), 2014, pp.31-37.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: A discrepancy exists between clinician-led studies of people’s experience of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and consumer-led studies, with the former typically being much more positive about the efficacy and side effects of ECT compared with the latter. Qualitative in-depth explorations of people’s experiences of ECT are relatively rare, particularly those looking specifically at women’s experience of ECT. Aims: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore women’s experiences of ECT, particularly their experience of knowledge and power related to ECT. Results: Qualitative analysis of the interviews with nine women resulted in four main themes emerging from the interviews with the women: (i) “he really didn’t say much,” (ii) “I’m going to be very upset with you,” (iii) “I was just desperate,” and (iv) “it was like we were cattle.” Conclusions: Overall, participants found their experiences with ECT to be quite negative, and characterised by a lack of knowledge during the procedure, and a lack of power throughout the entire process. (Edited publisher abstract)
Addressing PTSD in low-income victims of intimate partner violence: moving toward a comprehensive intervention
- Author:
- SCHMIDT Ioana Dana
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work: A journal of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 59(3), 2014, pp.253-260.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Research indicates that female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other negative mental health outcomes. Low-income women of colour experience IPV at disproportionately high rates and may need a comprehensive array of resources to recover from victimisation. Although cognitive–behavioural therapy, a psychotherapeutic approach, has been established as the most effective treatment for PTSD in some populations, psychotherapy may not be sufficient for this population of survivors. This article reviews the relevant research and literature on treatment approaches for victims of IPV and provides an overview of studies investigating more holistic intervention approaches that feature components such as social support groups and advocacy, in addition to psychotherapy. Relying on conservation of resources theory, which posits a relationship between resources and psychological stress, and a relationship-oriented ecological framework, this article presents a model of a comprehensive intervention for disadvantaged minority victims of IPV that can help address issues related to PTSD and empower survivors to access necessary resources. (Edited publisher abstract)
Use of mental health screening instruments by non-medical helping professionals a needs assessment
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(11), 2014, pp.2068-2090.
- Publisher:
- Sage
When screening women intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors for mental health concerns, helping professionals must balance the very real concerns that arise with diagnostic labels with the equally real difficulties related to mental health problems. To better understand whether and how mental health screening tools can be more useful in this process, the current study reports findings from an online needs assessment. The nationally representative sample included 325 professionals who work with IPV survivors in United States. Overall, participants have a positive attitude about assessing mental health concerns even though most do not conduct such assessments. From this, the following four areas are highlighted: (a) a need for training, (b) the appropriateness of screening, (c) factors that limit use, and (d) assessment tools. Findings also suggest it may be beneficial to develop instruments and/or protocols that are tailored to the unique needs/experiences of IPV survivors. (Publisher abstract)
Mental health of women detained by the criminal courts: visit and monitoring report
- Author:
- MENTAL WELFARE COMMISSION FOR SCOTLAND
- Publisher:
- Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 52
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This report details findings from themed visits on the care and treatment women with mental health problems receive when imprisoned or detained by the criminal courts in Scotland. Visits took place between May and September 2013 and a total of 51 women were interviewed (30 women across five prisons and 21 women in eight hospital). Issues examined included use of drugs and alcohol; children and family contact; and domestic violence and abuse. The experiences of women varied considerably. The report also highlights the different experiences that women receive once they are in the hospital system and the need for better community support to prevent the need for detention. Recommendations include: improved mental health assessment for those charged with violent and disruptive behaviour; better coordination between addition and mental health services; supporting mothers in prison to maintain contact with their children, and improving community support for women experiencing mental health problems. (Original abstract)
Transgender women of color: discrimination and depression symptoms
- Authors:
- JEFFERSON Kevin, NEILANDS Torsten B., SEVELIUS Jae
- Journal article citation:
- Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 6(4), 2014, pp.121-136.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Trans women of colour contend with multiple marginalisations; the purpose of this study is to examine associations between experiencing discriminatory (racist/transphobic) events and depression symptoms. It uses a categorical measure of combined discrimination, and examines a protective association of transgender identity on depression symptoms. Design/methodology/approach: Data from a subset of trans women of color participants in the Sheroes study were analysed with linear and logistic regression. Associations of depression symptoms with racist and transphobic events, combined discrimination, coping self-efficacy, and transgender identity were assessed with odds ratios. Findings: Exposure to discriminatory events and combined discrimination positively associated with depression symptom odds. Increased transgender identity associated with increased coping self-efficacy, which negatively associated with depression symptom odds. Research limitations/implications: Cross-sectional study data prohibits inferring causality; results support conducting longitudinal research on discrimination's health effects, and research on transgender identity. Results also support operationalising intersectionality in health research. The study's categorical approach to combined discrimination may be replicable in studies with hard to reach populations and small sample sizes. Practical implications: Health programmes could pursue psychosocial interventions and anti-discrimination campaigns. Interventions might advocate increasing participants’ coping self-efficacy while providing space to explore and develop social identity. Social implications: There is a need for policy and health programmes to centre trans women of color concerns. Originality/value: This study examines combined discrimination and identity in relation to depression symptoms among trans women of colour, an underserved population. (Edited publisher abstract)
Access to specialised victim support services for women with disabilities who have experienced violence. Comparative Research Report: Austria, Germany, Iceland and United Kingdom
- Authors:
- WOODIN Sarah, SHAH Sonali
- Publisher:
- University of Leeds. Centre for Disability Studies
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 59
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This comparative report presents the results of research into violence against women with disabilities for the project 'Access to specialised victim support services for women with disabilities who have experienced violence', which was funded by the EU Daphne III programme. It is based on research which took place in Austria, Germany, Iceland and United Kingdom between 2013 and 2014 and involved 187 women with disabilities (106 women in focus groups and 81 women in individual interviews). The research included women with mobility and sensory impairments, women with intellectual impairments, women with mental health conditions and women with multiple impairments. Specialised service providers assisting women who have experienced violence also took part in this study (602 responses to an online survey and 54 individual interviews with representatives from services). Research findings are discussed in the following areas: perceptions and understanding of violence; experiences of violence and support over the life course; women's knowledge about their rights; knowledge about use of services; experience of barriers; helpful aspects of support. Suggestions for improvement and good practice are also included. The report highlights the need for support services that recognise the type and extent of violence against disabled women need to be developed, and for both mainstream and specialised strategies to be pursued. (Edited publisher abstract)