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Authors:Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek Abstract: The scientific study of gender differences has a long history, spanning more than a century of research. However, the studies on participants from the third world, including Egypt, were few. This paper aims to explore the gender differences in the Big Five (BF) personality traits. A sample of 5,729 Egyptian university students took part in this study (2,787 men and 2,942 women). Their ages ranged from 18 to 31 years. They responded to the Arabic Big Five Personality Inventory. It has acceptable to good reliability and validity. Results indicated that men obtained a significantly higher mean total score than did women for extraversion, whereas women had significantly higher mean total scores than did men for neuroticism, agreeableness and openness. The effect sizes in the present study were smaller than that in previous Western findings. The sample in this study was convenience and nonprobability and drawn from one university. Because the majority of the effect sizes in this study was small, it was concluded that gender differences in personality factors are real but small. The studies on gender differences in BF in the third world, including the Arab countries, were few. Therefore, this study has importance. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-07-03 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2025-0161 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Martine Vallarino, Catherine Briand, Marie-Michèle Lord, Anick Sauvageau Abstract: Recovery colleges (RC) provide free courses on mental health, well-being and recovery. Training of RC trainers is a crucial aspect of ensuring fidelity to the RC, but to date, there are no documented experiences of train-the-trainer (TTT) programs and good practices for training RC trainers. This paper presents the logic model of the TTT program developed by the Health and Recovery Learning Center in Quebec. This paper aims to provide an example of how a TTT program can be designed. An RC in Quebec, Canada, has designed and implemented a TTT program in collaboration with several partners in the health and education sectors. A logic model was used to ensure explicit links between the program components (inputs, activities and tools) and the intended results (outputs, outcomes and impact). The TTT program is structured around a robust logic model in which all components are linked, ensuring alignment with RC principles and values framework. Three key stages are depicted: recruitment, training modules and continuous support for trainers. Specific tools were also developed to promote and support trainers’ competencies and courses co-design. This paper adds to the literature on RC by presenting the first documented TTT program designed for RC trainers. It provides an overview of co-production practices and intersectoral collaboration contributing to the understanding of key elements to be included in the implementation of an RC. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-06-24 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0057 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Madison Harding-White, Jerome Carson, Dara Mojtahedi Abstract: Preliminary research suggests that in addition to negative experiences, many individuals experienced positive outcomes connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most research has studied post-traumatic growth, which can only account for cognitive positive change, which is a limitation. Therefore, this study aims to explore experiences of benefit-finding, which includes both practical and cognitive positive changes, relating to living through the COVID-19 pandemic in England within a general population sample. Two hundred thirty participants were recruited via non-randomised convenience sampling. Experiences of benefit-finding were assessed by qualitative self-report via an online questionnaire distributed as part of a larger mixed-methods pandemic study. Results were analysed via inductive content analysis. Approximately 70% of participants reported perceiving at least one benefit because of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly reported perceived benefit was having more time to oneself, followed by having more time with family. Other benefits reported included changes to working and education styles, life slowing down and benefits of nature. Overall, the results presented that many individuals felt that the COVID-19 pandemic presented a greater opportunity to make decisions more in line with personal wants/goals. In this way, the COVID-19 pandemic may have presented a unique opportunity for life-crafting. This research provides unique evidence of both benefit-finding and life-crafting in the otherwise negative circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Such evidence presents use for understanding factors to support well-being in challenging circumstances and for the formulation of potential well-being interventions. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-06-24 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2025-0157 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Rebecca Barnes Abstract: This paper aims to explore how stand-up comedy can be used as an applied community-based intervention to promote mental health and social well-being. Drawing on the author’s dual role as a stand-up comic and academic, the paper reflects on practice-led workshops and lived experience to examine the therapeutic potential of performing comedy. Stand-up comedy offers a powerful medium for reframing traumatic experiences, fostering social connectedness and enhancing emotional resilience and enables performers, including those with neurodiverse traits, to reclaim personal narratives and engage in peer-supported communities of practice. Practitioners and policymakers should recognise the value of participatory arts, particularly comedy-based, in the recovery and resilience-oriented mental health frameworks. This paper contributes a unique perspective by framing stand-up comedy as both a creative and therapeutic tool for mental health intervention and advocacy. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-06-10 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2025-0138 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Briege Nugent, Zaki El-Salahi, Macrine Haruna, Kate Deacon Abstract: This paper aims to draw attention to the commonalities across countries and generations of the mental health impact of managing daily life in Scotland, either having come from or having immediate family still in a war-torn country. The research draws on testimonies over four years from an advisory group made up of people from a global majority background and people with experience of migration living in Edinburgh. The distance people feel from families, not being understood by wider society, unseen by an imperial media, and the loneliness this creates. In contrast, the importance of meeting others experiencing similar issues, to give voice to and affirm the pain that exists, and paradoxically the benefits of this awareness of the extreme needs of others and of being a global citizen. This paper adds to the dialogue promoting cultural literacy, closing the perceived distance between “them” and “us”. It also calls for the creation of spaces to promote cultural diversity and promote global citizenship. It seeks to challenge the narrative that people always want to come to the UK through choice and asks for a more considered understanding and recognition of the challenges that people arriving here may face daily. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-06-06 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2025-0131 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Maria Alejandra Leguizamon-Vasquez, Valeria Perez-Cuartas, Camilo Rodriguez-Fandiño Abstract: This study aims to explore the perspectives of mental health professionals in Colombia regarding the treatment and management of schizophrenia, with a particular focus on identifying barriers to effective treatment. The study emphasizes the need to understand the challenges faced by health-care providers to enhance the mental health system in Colombia, especially regarding schizophrenia care. A concurrent nested design with a mixed-methods approach was used, prioritizing qualitative data. A total of 25 interviews were conducted with mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and other health-care workers. The interviews were analyzed using open coding and triangulation to identify emerging themes and key insights regarding the treatment of schizophrenia and the barriers to accessing effective care. The findings revealed that while medication remains crucial in the treatment of schizophrenia, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective management. Professionals highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, financial resources and policies that prioritize reintegration into the workforce and community education. They also underscored the importance of psychoeducation in reducing social stigma surrounding the disorder. This study contributes original insights into the challenges of schizophrenia treatment in Colombia, particularly in terms of health-care infrastructure and professional collaboration. By focusing on the perspectives of mental health professionals, the study provides a unique understanding of the barriers to effective treatment and the necessity for a more integrated and accessible mental health system. The study also calls for further research into topics such as suicide and comorbid conditions in this population. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-27 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2025-0104 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Matt Broadway-Horner Abstract: The purpose of this paper provides theory and data triangulation leading to the creation of the Progress World View theory. The Progress World View involves a collection of published paper since 2017, presenting and all-encompassing purpose to reduce both individual and systemic barriers to mental health care for sexual minorities. Theory and data triangulation: The benefits of data and theory triangulation are significant. By incorporating multiple perspectives, it effectively reduces bias and provides a comprehensive view, which is often lacking in single-focus designs. This approach significantly enhances the credibility and validity of the commentary, ensuring that the data reflects a richness derived from multiple approaches and ideas. The formation of a new theory/lens to help clinicians in psychological therapies understands the sexual minorities problem in the shadows of decolonisation. Theory and data triangulation can be time-consuming; the process is not without its rewards. Juggling different datasets, methodologies and sources was a necessary step for this commentary. However, it was also an enjoyable process, representing many years of work dating back to 2015. It is important to note that inconsistencies may not always align initially to provide a clear picture. Superficial appearances may lead some to believe that the data is contradictory or even incoherent. However, by delving deeper to make sense of the work, new avenues for further thought and investigation may be revealed. By carrying out a data and theory triangulation incorporating a critical and queer theorist lens, the author offers practical insights that will equip and empower the audience, combined with the cultural psychiatric lens used to understand the intersections of sexual minorities. The purpose of this paper is to appraise and critically evaluate the author’s contribution of the Progress World View theory and its conceptualisation exercise to this body of work and how it links with SDG goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and goal 10: Reduced Inequality. The conclusion of this work introduces the author’s original contribution updating the knowledge covering a health-equity theory called Progress World View (Broadway-Horner, 2024) and its conceptualisation exercise for application in psychological therapy services. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-27 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2025-0141 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Asha PP, Aditi Arur Abstract: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL) in the relationships among depression, anxiety, stress (DAS) and quality of life (QOL) among transgender (Hijra) women in South India. The concept of QOL extends beyond the absence of negative mental states such as DAS; it includes overall mental health, well-being and personal evaluations of life circumstances. This study is based on a sample survey of 302 transgender women selected via convenience sampling from five states in South India. The MIL scale, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and QOL tools were culturally validated and tested, with reliability confirmed through a pilot study (n = 15). Correlation, regression and mediation analyses were conducted to explore the relationships. A strong positive correlation between MIL and QOL was found. The DAS score has a significant negative correlation with QOL. The Presence of Meaning (PoM) subscale emerged as a crucial predictor for overall QOL, whereas the Search for Meaning (SoM) subscale showed predictive value for psychological health. MIL negatively mediates the relationship between DAS, and QOL, suggesting that it buffers mental health risks. These findings reinforce the notion that meaning-making is an active life-affirming process, particularly for transgender women navigating adversity. The POM enriches the QOL and acts as a buffer against existential despair. This highlights the need for interventions that foster meaning-making as a pathway to resilience, emphasizing agency, authenticity and purpose pursuit in the face of existential anxiety. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-15 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0058 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Amelia Rizzo, Safaa Laachi, Driss Ait Ali, Hicham Khabbache, Gülçin Güler Öztekin, Şeyhmus Aksoy, Abdulmohsen Mohammed Abdullah Alkhulayfi, Murat Yıldırım, Francesco Chirico Abstract: Although emotional freedom techniques (EFT) have shown efficacy in treating various psychological conditions, their application to occupational stress remains underexplored. This paper aims to investigate the potential of EFT tapping as an intervention for managing job stress and preventing burnout in workplace environments. Traditional interventions often emphasize cognitive or organizational solutions, but EFT provides a novel approach by simultaneously addressing both emotional and physiological stress responses. This review scrutinized studies sourced from databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline and the CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that measure the impact of EFT on job stress and job burnout. Studies were selected based on their relevance to EFT applications in occupational settings, with a focus on research design, intervention protocols and outcome measures. Findings from studies conducted across health care, education and corporate settings demonstrated EFT’s capacity to alleviate job-related psychological distress and improve overall well-being. It was found that EFT’s dual mechanism, which combines cognitive reframing with somatic stimulation, acts as a more comprehensive framework for stress relief compared to conventional methods. This analysis identified key patterns and limitations in the existing body of research, such as small sample sizes, reliance on self-reported data and a lack of long-term follow-up assessments. These limitations highlight the need for more rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials and neurobiological investigations, to strengthen the evidence base and understand the mechanisms through which EFT exerts its effects. The effectiveness of the interventions supports the integration of EFT into broader organizational wellness programs. Findings suggest that combining EFT with initiatives like workload management and social support enhancements means creating holistic strategies that promote employee well-being and resilience. Future studies should consider the way for more effective, adaptable workplace interventions that support the mental and emotional health of diverse professional groups. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-09 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0078 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Jairo Stefano Dote Pardo Abstract: This systematic review aims to examine the developing academic dialogue about the connection between mental health and social inclusion, intending to identify significant impediments, treatments and outcomes that influence this relationship. It examines the evolution of the literature, identifies the journals that significantly contribute to the area and delineates the prevailing conceptual topics in the discourse. Research used the Web of Science database and implemented a focused search approach to locate relevant publications published till 2024. A total of 85 peer-reviewed papers were included after the application of PRISMA-based inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric and thematic analysis were performed to investigate publication trends, journal distribution, keyword co-occurrence and fundamental discoveries across several fields. Analysis indicates a growing academic focus on social inclusion as both a factor and result of mental health, especially after 2018. Prevalent obstacles include stigma, prejudice, poverty and structural injustices. Interventions include community-based programs, peer-led assistance, digital tools and social businesses, yielding claimed enhancements in self-esteem, community integration and mental well-being. Psychiatry, social work and public health journals predominate in the publishing scene, with keywords indicating a transition toward rights-based and holistic frameworks. This study provides a thorough, multidisciplinary synthesis of the intersection between mental health and social inclusion, highlighting the need for context-sensitive, multi-tiered interventions. It provides novel insights into how inclusion-oriented treatments might facilitate mental health recovery, while also underscoring enduring deficiencies – especially with intersectionality and systemic transformation. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-06 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2025-0125 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ryan M. Niemiec, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to meet psychologist, educator and scientist, Dr Ryan M. Niemiec, Chief Science and Education Officer of the VIA Institute on Character, a leading figure in positive psychology and authority on character strengths and mindfulness. A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used by Dr Niemiec to narrate his story and to later address topics within a Q and A format. The science of character strengths is highly relevant to mental health and life quality. The literature is prolific, with over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications. Niemiec has summarized it as a dual focus on well-being and adversity; in other words, “character strengths not only help us go from what’s wrong to what’s strong, they help us use what is strong to deal with what’s wrong.” We learn that all 24 character strengths can be used as inner tools to benefit mental health and well-being. As Niemiec guides us in acting with practical tools, readers learn how he has experienced, used and observed the benefits of mindfulness and character strengths throughout his life. The experiences, perspectives and insights of one person narrated in this case study cannot be generalized. Ryan Niemiec’s insights relate to his own life experience over decades, resulting in practical first-hand applications, the modeling of character strengths and mindfulness, creative advice and positive productivity. He explores rebellion from a lens of positive mental health and furthers this with discussions of growth in spirituality, mindfulness and character strengths. He shares why character strengths are important and the many ways they can be used practically and integrated with a wide range of disciplines. Niemiec advises us to “Believe in people and possibilities,” to answer, “What matters most'” followed by action; and to “Remember that character strengths are microcosms of humanity.” Readers learn about character strengths in the social context as rippling forward in impact and also in the concept of personally discovering a golden mean or optimal strength use that balances strengths overuse and underuse. Niemiec also draws attention to the dearth of research into the character strength of gentleness, new neuroscience and the substantial impact of mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP) over and above traditional mindfulness programs. Finally, it is not difficult for readers to see that the social implications of character strengths are profound for the science and practice of peace psychology, work/organizations, education/schools, health/medicine, nature connection and spirituality/meaning. Dr Niemiec is a positive psychologist and world authority on character strengths. Here readers find out that he is also a poet. His strongest signature strengths are hope, honesty and love. This original and valuable positive autoethnographic case study offers multiple insights including Niemiec’s vision as to how character strengths can benefit us all. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-05-06 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2025-0117 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Jairo Stefano Dote Pardo, Pedro Severino-González Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize existing empirical research on the psychological burden of financial obligations, specifically examining the impact of debt and financial stress on mental health (MH) across diverse populations and contexts. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, this paper analyzed 66 peer-reviewed articles from Web of Science (2003–2024) via bibliometric and theory-context-characteristics-methodology frameworks. The search equation combined terms like debt, indebtedness (ID) and mental health (MH). Debt consistently correlates with adverse MH outcomes (depression, anxiety, suicidality), mediated by factors like perceived control and social support. Longitudinal studies reveal enduring “scar effects” of financial crises (e.g. 2008 recession, COVID-19). Vulnerable groups (low-income families, minorities, youth) face heightened risks, while systemic factors (policy gaps, labor instability) exacerbate stress. Methodologies are predominantly quantitative (national surveys and longitudinal panels), with emerging use of big data (e.g. social media analysis). This review integrates fragmented literature, highlighting debt as a critical social determinant of MH. It calls for interdisciplinary frameworks linking individual coping with structural interventions (e.g. debt relief policies and community resilience programs). Gaps include limited low and middle income countries representation and policy evaluation studies. Future research should prioritize intersectional analyses and longitudinal designs to inform equitable mental health and economic policies. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-30 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2025-0112 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek Abstract: Many questionnaires have been developed to assess subjective well-being (SWB). The vast majority of these assessment tools consisted of many items. The purpose of this study was to develop a short battery of five self-rating scales using only five statements to assess SWB: happiness, life satisfaction, mental health, physical health and religiosity. A sample of Alexandria University students took part in this study (n = 11,468). They responded to the five self-rating scales. The test–retest reliabilities of the self-rating scales ranged from 0.76 to 0.87, and the criterion-related validities ranged between 0.57 and 0.78, indicating acceptable to good coefficients. These rating scales had good convergent and factorial validity in two studies against the Oxford Happiness Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Love of Life Scale, the Arabic Scale of Mental Health and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem. Furthermore, the rating scales had good divergent and factorial validity against neuroticism. Using five samples, a principal components analysis extracted a single and high loaded factor, which was labeled “SWB.” This study used non-probability sample from one university. The five self-rating scales are useful in positive psychology research when the available time for testing is short, as well as in epidemiological studies. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-29 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2025-0095 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Antoni Brosa-Rodríguez Abstract: This study aims to examine how mental health is represented in European parliamentary discourse by analyzing patterns, frequencies and variations in mental health terminology across multiple European parliaments, providing insights into political attention to mental health issues over time and across different contexts. The research uses corpus linguistics methods to analyze mental health references in parliamentary debates from 24 European languages using the ParlaMint corpus (1996–2024). A glossary of mental health terminology derived from Bupa (2025) was used to identify relevant terms across languages. The analysis examines variations by country, time period or gender while acknowledging methodological limitations in corpora regarding demographic representation for political parties, for example. Results reveal significant geographic variations, with Northern and Western European parliaments showing higher frequencies of mental health references. A clear upward trajectory in mental health discourse was observed over time, with substantial increases between 2014 and 2015 and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), when references peaked. Female parliamentarians appear to place relatively greater emphasis on mental health issues compared to their overall representation. This study provides an interesting and updated large-scale, cross-national analysis of parliamentary discourse on mental health using comparable parliamentary corpora across multiple languages. It contributes methodologically through the creation of an open-access derived corpus specifically focused on mental health discourse in European parliaments. The findings offer novel insights into how mental health is conceptualized and prioritized in different political contexts with implications for mental health advocacy and policy development across Europe. A multilingual mental health discourse in the Parliaments corpus has been created. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-25 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2025-0086 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ambreen Wani Abstract: This study aims to investigate how group dynamics, particularly groupthink, affect students’ reluctance to seek mental health services despite rising mental health issues. Through focus groups and interviews at University of Kashmir – North Campus, it identifies factors like strong group cohesion and directive leadership contributing to stigma. Understanding these dynamics aims to enhance mental health service accessibility and reduce therapy stigma, fostering a healthier student community. The approach used in this study involves conducting semi-structured focus groups and interviews with students at the University of Kashmir – North Campus. Through thematic analysis of the gathered data, the study aims to explore the role of group dynamics, specifically groupthink, in influencing students’ utilization of mental health services. This qualitative methodology allows for an in-depth examination of factors contributing to stigma and barriers to seeking help, ultimately informing strategies to improve mental health service accessibility and reduce therapy stigma within the student community. The findings of the study revealed three key aspects of groupthink among students at the University of Kashmir – North Campus: strong group cohesion, stressful environments and following orders from directive leadership. These factors were identified as contributing to the reluctance of students to seek mental health services despite the prevalence of mental health issues. The study suggests that group dynamics play a significant role in perpetuating stigma and barriers to seeking help. Understanding these dynamics can inform strategies to enhance the accessibility and utilization of mental health services and reduce therapy stigma, thereby promoting a mentally healthier student community. This study investigates factors contributing to stigma and barriers hindering mental health service utilization among students, focusing on group dynamics. Through eight semi-structured focus groups and two interviews with students at University of Kashmir – North Campus, thematic coding of participant voices (n = 35) revealed three aspects of groupthink: strong group cohesion, stressful and low-self-esteem environments and following orders from directive leadership. These pressures discourage help-seeking behaviors despite available services. Insights on group interactions can improve mental health programs and accessibility, reducing therapy stigma and promoting a healthier student community. This study offers novel insights into groupthink’s impact on mental health service utilization. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-21 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0004 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Jairo Stefano Dote Pardo, Javier Parra-Domínguez Abstract: This work aims to examine the bidirectional relationship between mental health and personal finance, synthesizing empirical evidence to identify trends, characteristics and future directions for research. Using PRISMA Framework guidelines, 32 articles published between 2002 and 2024 from Web of Science were analyzed. Bibliometric tools (Microsoft Excel and R Studio) mapped research evolution, country collaborations and keyword co-occurrence. Thematic analysis clustered findings into mental health, financial capability and financial literacy perspectives. The interplay between mental health and personal finance creates a self-perpetuating cycle, wherein structural elements like debt and income instability disproportionately impact marginalized populations, including women, autistic individuals and low-income families. Financial literacy, while important, cannot stand alone; it necessitates accompanying structural support such as debt relief and cash transfers. Central facilitators encompass fiscal assurance and personal efficacy. Advancements like artificial intelligence and longitudinal designs are propelling development in this domain; however, discrepancies in measurement continue to exist. This review synthesizes a diverse array of literature, underscoring the imperative for integrated mental and financial health interventions. It offers a critical examination of the excessive dependence on solutions focused solely on the individual, advocating for comprehensive policies that tackle financial instability as a matter of public health significance. Future inquiries should aim to establish uniform metrics, investigate the ramifications of digital finance and emphasize the importance of cross-cultural causal analyses. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2025-0101 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Calli Tzani, Maria Ioannou, John Synnott, Thomas James Vaughan Williams, Vasiliki Artinopoulou, Lamprini Ntountoumi, Arta Dodaj, Kristina Sesar, Greta Darmanin Kissaun, Elena Cattelino, Antonio Chirumbolo, Roberto Baiocco, Maria Rosaria Nappa, Mara Morelli, Bethany Vaughan Abstract: This study investigates the effects of online dating platforms on users’ wellbeing and the success rates of forming relationships through these services. Given the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of online dating, this study aims to provide empirical insights into its outcomes. This study used a sample of 618 participants from four countries (Croatia, Greece, Italy and Malta) to gain a comprehensive perspective on online dating experiences. Data was collected to assess both the impact on wellbeing and the likelihood of forming relationships through these platforms. The results indicated that using online dating platforms did not significantly affect users’ wellbeing, either positively or negatively. In addition, most users were unable to establish committed or casual relationships through these platforms, suggesting limited success in achieving romantic or personal connections. These findings highlight potential inefficiencies in online dating platforms in facilitating meaningful relationships or personal benefits for users. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of such services and provides a foundation for future research on their impact and potential improvements. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-15 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2025-0089 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Gillian Kirkman, Dominic Willmott, Daniel Boduszek Abstract: Adolescent dating violence and abuse (ADVA) can have severe and long-lasting implications for the mental health, cognitive development, and overall wellbeing of young people at a complex developmental stage. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinise current literature and consider the impact of early intimate dating abuse, exploring how factors such as the quality and influence of peer relationships can be critical foundations to young people’s vulnerability or resilience. The significance of certain childhood adversities as predictors of increased risk of future ADVA perpetration and victimisation will be considered. In this article, the authors examine the impact of ADVA on victim-survivors focusing on mental distress, including self-harm, depression and anxiety, continuous traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. The authors also examine the pervasive influence of ADVA on victims’ social isolation and exclusion from networks of social support. ADVA often causes victims to be fearful, entrapped, isolated and controlled. Societal normalisation of dating abuse and rape myths can exacerbate a victim’s feelings of self-blame and shame, severely impairing young people’s ability to disclose and seek external support, perpetuating feelings of helplessness. In integrating recent research, legislation and government reports, the authors demonstrate the necessity of addressing ADVA through a whole school approach, trauma-informed interventions and authentic educational programmes. This article contributes to the growing body of literature, emphasising both the mental health impact and urgent need to change attitudes and behaviours underlying ADVA. The authors offer recommendations for policy and practice such that the needs of victims can be better met whilst perpetrators are offered support and held to account. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0051 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Raneesha De Silva, Sören Henrich, B.G. Ransirini de Silva, Matthew Maycock, Chithranga Edirisooriya, Kushlani Nagahawatta, Warsha Medawatta Abstract: This study aims to explore minority resilience of trans and gender non-confirming individuals within a non-Western, collectivist society in Sri Lanka. In total, 15 interviews were analyzed with the multi-method qualitative text and discourse analysis framework; by incorporating the depth of discourse analysis with the breadth of thematic analysis. Four narratives emerged (jealousy and competition; authentic expression; othered or shunned; and conditional acceptance), located at the convergence of the two interview foci, “group membership” and “level of support”. Study findings strengthen the Transgender Resilience Intervention Model with evidence from a non-Western context, highlighting unique findings from Sri Lanka. The sample size, focus on one nationality, exclusion of minors and recruitment of participants with access to digital devices may limit generalizability of study findings. Some responses on autobiographical data required prompting by the researcher, and retrospective recollections may not be reliable. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the first studies in South Asia to explore minority resilience with trans and gender non-conforming individuals. The findings add to the growing body of South Asian scholarship and further expand the predominantly Global North literature by providing a collectivist perspective. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-08 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0036 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Aneri Shah, Vijay Devanhalli, Chirag Desai, Ritu Sharma, Tanay Shah, Ruchika Sarpotdar Abstract: Cancer treatments can impact various aspects of quality of life of patients. This study aims to determine number of women who report changes in appearance due to cancer treatment and if they related it to their confidence and impact on sexual relationships with partners. For current study, responses from women with cancer, inquiring about their experiences pertaining to appearance, confidence and sexual intimacy with partner in context of cancer diagnosis and treatment, were recorded and statistically analysed. It was compared with same for patients with other sites of cancer. In total, 113 women with breast cancer and 84 women with other types of cancers were included. Chi-square test was used to calculate the statistical significance. The analysis indicated significant difference in confidence level reported by women with breast cancer compared to women with other sites of cancer also affecting their approaching partner for a physical relationship (p-value = 0.001, significance level = 0.05). These results suggest that perceived changes in appearance and sexual relationships are reported more among women treated with breast cancer compared to other cancer sites. Findings highlight significance of perceived changes in appearance due to breast cancer treatment on women’s confidence levels and in approaching their partner for a physical relationship. In comparison to other cancer sites, breast cancer patients experience distinct challenges in terms of body image and sexual concerns. Health-care professionals must prioritise vulnerable populations and provide appropriate support to enhance quality of life of women undergoing breast cancer treatment to improve their overall quality of life and psychological well-being. Mental health of cancer patients is a very under-addressed area in India; also, the trained resource to meet with these challenges is limited. This study will facilitate understanding to improve on the same. There are not many studies that are conducted to study these aspects of mental health of cancer patients in India. It thereby adds to the literature to understand the underlying factors of these aspects related to cancer. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-04-02 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2024-0210 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Andrew Voyce Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the motion picture and the print book form of the seminal work “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. The approach is autoethnographic and discursive. The film version and the book differ in some major respects, which can be related to the life events of the author Ken Kesey. The implications from this review are that a critical view of mental health care emerges through ridicule. The critical view of mental health is highlighted, as from the work of contemporary sources. There is consideration of the purpose of psychiatric institutions and in whose interests they operate. Scrutiny of the storyline in the book and the movie reveals differences, and this paper offers an insight from the lifestyle of Ken Kesey, who wrote the book. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-25 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0007 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Andrew Voyce Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide an autoethnographic account of a survivor of poor mental health and how his illness coincided with the UK national economic crisis of the 1970s. Using an autoethnographic approach, the author provides a perspective on the Keynesian post-Second World War full employment consensus and mental health. This paper reflects on the author’s experience of UK economics in the 1970s and illustrates a lack of dialogue around full employment in influential places with the demise of the Keynesian full employment consensus. This is one account among many and draws on contemporary commentaries. A central theme is the stagflation of the 1970s. The author’s studies in economics did not prepare him for the understanding of stagflation and that the author’s personal life became chaotic at the same time. There is a revisiting of the national political and economic narrative of the early 1970s, with an emphasis on full employment. This account is personally cathartic and reflective. The paper raises questions of social justice through full employment from an historic era which resonates in 2024. The author has waited since the 1970s to write this paper. An era is revisited, about which not a lot is mentioned in current dialogues. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-20 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2024-0204 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Mansift Kaur, Neha Narula Abstract: This study aims to examine regional disparities in the distribution of social action facilities for vulnerable populations in France, including disabled individuals, the elderly and those with mental illness. It highlights inequalities in facility availability and their impact on social inclusion, aiming to inform policy measures for equitable resource allocation. The Theil entropy index to quantify inequality across France’s 18 administrative regions using data from the Permanent Database of Facilities (BPE, 2021) has been used in this study. The findings indicate notable regional disparities. Mayotte exhibits the most equitable access, whereas French Guiana, Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur experience the highest levels of inequality. Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine display moderate disparities. These results underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance access to essential services. This study presents a novel analysis of social action facility disparities in France, offering empirical insights for policymakers and service planners. By highlighting structural gaps, it supports the development of targeted strategies to promote social inclusion and ensure fair service distribution for vulnerable populations. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0054 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Remya Lathabhavan, Smita Mehendale Abstract: The unprecedented changes during the pandemic to work from home (WFH) and back to office or hybrid during the post-pandemic scenario witnessed resistance to such changes among the employees. This study aims to analyse the effect of the resistance to change from WFH among the employees from a psychological perspective. Also, study analyses the mindfulness effects on manging the psychological distress and envisioning positive outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 employees in India, and data was analysed using structural equation modelling. The study found significant relationships of resistance to change from WFH with psychological distress, life and job satisfaction. The study also found that mindfulness dampens the negative effects of psychological distress with both life and job satisfaction. Future studies may focus on longitudinal studies to explore more effects on this aspect. The study stands among the pioneers that discuss the hybrid work scenario during the post pandemic situation, considering employee’s resistance to change, associated psychological distress and role of mindfulness to cope with this. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0216 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the love of life associations with scales of positive affect (self-efficacy, life satisfaction, happiness, self-esteem, mental health, religiosity, well-being and optimism) and scales of negative affect (suicidality, obsession, pessimism, anxiety, neuroticism and depression). A sample of Alexandria University undergraduates took part in the study (N = 480). They responded to the Love of Life (LOL) Scale as well as to 14 short scales of positive and negative affect. Men obtained significantly higher mean total scores than did women for self-efficacy and well-being. Women had significantly higher mean total scores than did men for satisfaction, obsession, anxiety and neuroticism. Pearson correlations of love of life and positive affect scales were positive and higher than that with negative affect scales (negative). Principal components analysis extracted three components that were labeled as “positive affect” and “negative affect”, as well as a residual component. Regression analysis indicated that the predictors of love of life were satisfaction, lack of anxiety, mental health, lack of depression (men), optimism, lack of suicidality, happiness, religiosity, mental health and well-being (women). Love of life is associated more with positive affect scales than negative affect scales, indicating good convergent validity of the LOL Scale. Love of life is considered as a good addition to the subjective well-being domain in positive psychology. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0025 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ahmed M. Abdel-Khalek Abstract: Most studies on the association between the Big Five (BF) personality traits and religiosity have been conducted on western samples. This study aims to explore this association using Egyptian university students. A sample of Alexandria University undergraduates (n = 1,579) responded to the Arabic Big Five Personality Inventory and a self-rating scale of religiosity. Men obtained significantly higher mean total scores than did women for extraversion, openness and conscientiousness, whereas women had a significantly higher mean total score than did men for neuroticism. All the correlations between BF and religiosity in men were statistically significant and positive, except for neuroticism and religiosity (non-significant). Among women, all these correlations were statistically significant and positive, except with neuroticism (negative). Principal components analysis extracted two components, which were labeled “Positive personality traits and religiosity” and “Neuroticism versus extraversion” in both sexes. Regression analysis indicated that the predictors of religiosity were conscientiousness and agreeableness among men. For women, the predictors of religiosity were conscientiousness, agreeableness and low neuroticism. The results in the present Egyptian sample reflect the general pattern observed in the international studies. A potential clinical implication may be to integrate Islamic beliefs and practices in psychotherapeutic procedures among university students. The next step would be to conduct a longitudinal study using a general population sample with a large age range. Furthermore, the reasons for the importance of religiosity in the life of Muslim participants is a suggested topic for a deep study. On the basis of the importance of religion among Arab participants, a potential clinical implication may be to integrate Islamic beliefs and practices in psychotherapeutic procedures among university students. The selection of this sample makes the cross-cultural comparison viable. Notwithstanding these sharp differences, the result’s similarities overshadow differences. The studies on the present subject using Egyptian participants are few, notwithstanding the high mean score of religiosity among them. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0030 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Hasan Batmaz, Abdulmohsen Mohammed Abdullah Alkhulayfi, Murat Yıldırım Abstract: Although the effect of religiosity on psychological health has been a topic of debate for a long time, the mechanisms underlying this relationship still need to be sufficiently elucidated. This study aims to examine the sequential mediating roles of social media addiction and loneliness in the relationship between religiosity and psychological adjustment. Data were collected from 309 participants (60.2 % females; Mean age = 25.53 ± 7.74) through an online survey using a convenience sampling method. The findings revealed negative relationships between religiosity and psychological adjustment, social media addiction and loneliness. Social media addiction and loneliness were found to mediate the association between religiosity and psychological adjustment. A chain mediation model showed that loneliness increased psychological adjustment via social media addiction. These results highlight the influence of religiosity on psychological adjustment while illustrating how loneliness, through social media addiction, diminishes this effect. This study presents important evidence about the role of religiosity in psychological adjustment and informs interventions aimed at enhancing religiosity’s positive impacts while mitigating loneliness and social media addiction. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0067 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Antony Sigalas Abstract: This paper aims to reflect on the culturally appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions applied to the Greek-speaking minorities of Enfield within a third sector organisation. The integrative model of work applied psychoanalytic, systemic and relational theory to individuals, couples and families of first, second and third generation migrants. Identified access barriers to mental health services for ethnic minorities; challenges of clinical engagement; and the need for culturally competent practice that addresses difference, worldviews, power issues, prejudices, discrimination, subjugation and deprivation are the predominant themes in the paper, which also includes three clinical examples. The paper addresses the clinical work applied only to the culturally specific populations within the locality of Enfield. The emphasis on culturally competent psychotherapeutic interventions and on multidisciplinary collaboration highlights effectiveness and quality of health care in the context of clinical engagement and of tackling inequalities along with the stigma attached to mental health within the cultural groups. The work reflects on the clinical work over 25 years with the specific cultural communities in their cross-generational adjustments. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-10 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0029 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Victoria Claire Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a sensory learning approach designed to enhance embodied cognition and creative engagement among students, particularly in the Fine Arts. Drawing from the lived experience of progressive sight loss, the author conceptualizes “A Sixth Sense” – a deeper awareness of the self achieved through sensory and introspective practices. The sensory learning methodology presented here aims to help students overcome ocular-centric perspectives, fostering mindfulness, creativity and self-awareness through an experimental workshop. Outcomes indicate the potential for this approach to contribute broadly to personal growth, creative processes and the understanding of blindness as an asset rather than a limitation. This is a brief study, which has scope for being developed by further research. The work has artistic and psychological implications – what happens the occular-centric creativity of participants is challenged' Challenging narratives around art and creativity as purely visual disciplines is important for inclusion. This is the first study of its kind, based on the authors lived experience as an artist with progressive sight loss. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-03-04 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0042 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Ruchika Ranwa, Richa Arora Abstract: This paper aims to explore the experiences of mental health-related stigma among youth in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, particularly emerging in the context of families through parental attitudes. Although the existing research has focused on families as victim or recipient of stigma related to mental health, the role of families in perpetuating this stigma remains under-researched. This study investigates origins of such stigma operating within families and its impact on youth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 youth participants in Dubai. Thematic analysis was used as method of analysis. Findings show that parental attitudes or beliefs towards mental health are predominantly stigmatizing in nature that discourages disclosure and open dialogue among youth and renders them vulnerable to self-stigmatization. Stigma internalized by the youth manifests in the form of their low self-worth, negative self-perception and worsening their mental health challenges. This paper contributes to nuanced understanding of stigma operating in informal settings such as families and establishes family as a site of intervention to mitigate stigma towards mental health of youth in early stages. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0023 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:René Proyer, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to invite Professor René Proyer, a leading positive psychologist and authority on play, to tell his story, share highlights from his research and insights into playfulness, mental health and positive psychology. A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used to enable Professor Proyer to narrate his story while also addressing topics within a Q&A format. Play is important for childhood, adolescent and adult mental health and well-being. Although distinct from one another, humor, laughter, creativity and playfulness exhibit overlap. Proyer’s research has even shown that just reflecting on playful moments can increase happiness and alleviate depression. The experiences, perspectives and insight of one person are narrated in this case study and these cannot be generalized. Play can be widely defined, and there are many ways to enjoy it freely and at no cost, making it highly accessible and practical to support mental health and well-being. By seeking out and creating playful situations, we can embrace playfulness as adults. As Proyer relays by quoting Christopher Peterson, one definition of positive psychology is “Other people matter”. By finding ways to playfully interact with others, we can find immediate enjoyment but also build and strengthen relationships and support our health and well-being, and that of others too. Professor Proyer is a positive psychologist and authority on playfulness. Here, he shares with us multiple insights in the areas of mental health and play. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-28 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2025-0044 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Steven Hall Abstract: The term transgenerational trauma describes a process whereby trauma responses may be transmitted through a number of generations. This paper aims to increase understanding of the mechanisms behind transgenerational trauma by tracing the transmission of the effects of the author’s grandfather’s post-traumatic stress disorder, arising from his involvement in some of the worst actions of WWI, through his mother to himself. The approach uses the autoethnographic paradigm to elucidate some of the mechanisms involved in the transmission of trauma responses from one generation to the next. The paper demonstrates how upsetting childhood experiences of the author had their origin in his mother’s wartime experience a decade earlier, which themselves were influenced by his grandfather’s wartime experience 30 years before that. The originality of the research rests on the fact that it is a study of three generations of one particular family. However, its value lies in the applicability of its results in a wider context. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-25 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0024 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Tyler Prochnow, Megan S. Patterson Abstract: This study aims to examine how mental health symptoms and social support predict changes in online and in-person social networks among gamers over time. Although research has explored how social networks influence mental health, less is known about how mental health shapes the evolution of social connections in gaming contexts where relationships can form and dissolve fluidly. Adult gamers (n = 236) completed surveys at two time points approximately six months apart measuring mental health symptoms (depressive symptoms, anxiety), perceived social support and characteristics of both their in-person and gaming-based social networks. Partial least squares regression models examined how Time 1 mental health and support measures predicted changes in network characteristics while controlling for baseline network measures. Results revealed distinct patterns of network evolution across contexts. Higher initial depressive symptoms predicted strengthening of in-person relationships but decreases in online relationship quality over time. Anxiety emerged as a particularly influential predictor of online network development, with higher baseline anxiety associated with decreased closeness, confiding behavior and positive interactions in gaming relationships. Strong initial gaming community integration predicted decreased quality of in-person relationships, suggesting potential competition between virtual and physical social spheres. This study provides longitudinal examination of how mental health symptoms distinctly influence the evolution of social networks across online and offline contexts among gamers. The findings demonstrate that different symptoms show unique patterns of association with network development over time, challenging assumptions about gaming spaces serving as universally accessible social environments. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-12 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0225 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Komal Dayani, Waliyah Mughis, Uswa Ali, Shahzor Hashim, Beenish Nafees, Taha Sabri Abstract: Pakistan faces a high burden of mental illness, yet mental health care remains underprioritized. This paper aims to examine key challenges within Pakistan’s mental health-care system, such as inadequate infrastructure, stigma and limited access to mental health care. It highlights how a nonprofit organization addresses these issues using a multifaceted approach. This perspective explores a comprehensive strategy that includes public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, telephonic mental health services to enhance accessibility to mental health care and advocacy efforts to promote systemic change. The integration of these approaches has the potential to improve mental health awareness, increase accessibility through a national helpline and develop community programs offering both digital and in-person support. These efforts demonstrate the promise of synchronous interventions to address mental health challenges effectively. This paper provides a unique perspective on addressing mental health challenges in low-resource settings like Pakistan. It emphasizes the synergy of combining awareness, direct mental health support and advocacy efforts to create a scalable and sustainable mental health ecosystem while highlighting lessons applicable to other low-resource settings globally. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0012 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Syahrul Anuar Ali, Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri, Mohd Hafiz Mohd Dasar, Muhammad Farhan Nordin Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the associations between financial debt burden and suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, death by suicide and attempts or death by suicide). In addition to this, this study considers various influential factors, including cultural distinctions (comparing Western and non-Western countries), work-related stressors (such as the weekly working hours and the percentage of individuals with more than 49 working hours a week), income disparities (evaluating gross domestic product [GDP] and the differences between developed and developing nations) and the potential impact of lifestyle changes (considering the year of data collection). This meta-analysis synthesizes findings from 15 studies published from 2010 to 2023 and indexed in the Web of Science’s social sciences citation index and science citation index expanded databases to illuminate these dynamics. This study reveals that roughly 12 out of every 100 debtors had suicidal ideation. At the same time, approximately 13 out of every 100 attempted suicides and about 21 out of every 100 individuals burdened by debt died from suicides. A deeper dive into cultural contexts shows that non-Western cultures exhibit higher rates of suicidal behaviours than Western cultures. Notwithstanding, the comparison between developed and developing countries shows no significant differences in suicide behaviour rates. The data is derived from a single database (Web of Science). This study used meta-analysis as a method to investigate the associations between financial debt burden and suicidal behaviours. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0019 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Dawid Storman, Pawel Jemiolo, Mateusz Swierz, Zuzanna Sawiec, Ewa Antonowicz, Malgorzata M. Bala, Anna Prokop-Dorner Abstract: This study aims to determine whether individuals’ needs related to psychopharmacotherapy are revealed in peer-to-peer interactions on web-based forums dedicated to people with depression and anxiety disorders. On July 18, 2021, the authors searched for Polish-language forums focusing on depression and anxiety. From the 10 identified forums, the authors selected two with the highest users’ activity: depresja.ws (depression) and nerwica.com (anxiety disorders). A total of 160 posts from the depression forum and 122 posts from the anxiety forum, covering the period between 2006 and 2020, were collected using automated web scraping. The authors performed mixed-methods analysis of the posts including content analysis for the qualitative part and the Pearson’s'2 test for the quantitative part. The total number of units of coding expressing needs was 494 for the depression forum and 360 for anxiety disorders. The most frequently identified needs were the same for depression and anxiety forums and involved informational, social life and emotional. The qualitative analysis revealed three main needs. First, users primarily sought and shared information about pharmacotherapy, focusing on symptoms and drug side effects. Then, requests for sharing experiences, offering hope and building community and emotional expression, especially the release of negative emotions. The study identified limitations primarily related to the data source and analysis methods. These included the inability to verify user identities or collect demographic details due to the anonymity of forums, potential underrepresentation of needs not explicitly expressed and the subjectivity inherent in qualitative analysis, despite efforts to standardize coding and ensure reliability. Additionally, the findings are context-specific to Poland’s unique socio-historical background, and the analysis excluded individuals without computer access, limiting the generalizability of results to other populations and settings. Mental health professionals can use insights from web-based forums to better understand and address the needs of patients with depression and anxiety, tailoring treatment plans to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Building trust through patient-centered care and addressing barriers such as misconceptions or fears can enhance therapeutic relationships and encourage treatment engagement. Additionally, improving health literacy with clear communication and reliable information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. This study uniquely examines the specific needs of Polish users on medication-related forums, addressing not only informational needs but also emotional support, practical advice and social connection. By comparing forums for depression and anxiety, it highlights key differences in how these groups seek and use support. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0026 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Md Asadul Islam, Baogui Xin Abstract: This study aims to explore emerging trends in mental health and work performance research, identifying key themes and future research directions. This study analyzed 743 relevant documents downloaded from Scopus database published between 2014 and 2024 using VOSviewer software for co-citation and co-occurrence analyses. Findings reveal significant growth in research focusing mental health and work performance research. The western countries, such as USA, United Kingdom and Australia, emerge as leading contributors to the field, with medicine and psychology dominating the subject areas. The analysis highlights a complex interplay between employee mental health and work performance, underscoring the need for more interdisciplinary research. The results emphasize the necessity for customized interventions, long-term impact studies, cross-cultural research, technological innovations and policy advocacy to effectively address mental health issues in the workplace. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of current research trends on mental health and work performance for the first time in the literature and provides a foundation for future investigations. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance employee well-being and optimize work performance in contemporary organizational settings. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2024-0201 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Lénia Carvalhais, Laura Alho, Mauro Paulino, Paula Vagos Abstract: Social support has been suggested to reduce psychological symptomatology, especially when facing stressful events. However, less is known about the underlying mechanisms through each social support from different sources may interact with parental stress in protecting parents’ symptomatology. A cross-sectional study was conducted online using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, the Parental Stress Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support with 108 Portuguese parents of children attending Grades 1–9. Using a path analysis approach, we explored a mediating model with perceived social support as a factor that could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression directly, and indirectly by lessening perceived parental stress. Social support, particularly from family, was the only significant predictor of lower levels of stress and depression. Alternatively, social support from family had only an indirect effect on anxiety connected with parental stress, particularly in the areas of fear and anguish. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between perceived social support, parental stress, and psychological symptomatology. They can also be used to develop relevant psychological intervention actions and to reinforce ways of strengthening social support—particularly from family—to make it continuously available to parents managing stressful situations. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-02-05 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0009 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Benjamin Thomas Gray, Matthew Sisto, Renee Conley, India Sisto Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the bias of psychiatrists and other healthcare staff’s perception of “presenting psychosis”. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to suggest that psychosis, rather than residing in the individual, can be triggered by a hostile ward environment (e.g. very loud emergency alarms) as well as the negative attitudes of staff and friction with other service users; second, to argue that psychosis is not just in the person’s mind but interpreted and negatively labelled by psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals. This paper is based on the lived experience of Ben, who was first diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2003 (when he spent two years in and out of a mental health unit). Ben had a relapse in 2013 and spent six full months in the same unit. Ben has been working as a peer worker on the same ward he was on as a patient for the last 17 months. This paper is informed by participant observation as a patient and peer worker, particularly reflecting on the general ward environment, ward reviews and punitive action faced by Ben and other service users. The title of this paper is based on occasions when Ben has been told that he cannot interact or take service users on leave off the ward, because they were “presenting psychosis”. Ways of judging whether someone is presenting psychotic behaviour sounds straightforward enough but in fact can be quite complex. Whether someone is presenting psychotic behaviour is open to interpretation. Psychotic behaviour is perceived as latent or inherent within the individual by psychiatry. This paper makes the case that presenting psychotic behaviour is in fact a construct or interpretation by psychiatrists that works to limit people’s freedom, coerce them, take away their leave off the ward and voice, and which expresses power imbalances between staff and service users. The impact for service users of psychiatrists and staff’s decision-making can lead to service users being angry and upset, a negative ward environment and feelings of unfreedom. A good example is that service users present psychotic behaviour due to a hostile and frightening ward environment, with loud emergency alarms (like sirens) and the threat of restraint, restrictive practice and seclusion in de-escalation rooms being used as a threat. People with mental illness, particularly schizophrenia like Ben, can be stereotyped as psychotic, aggressive and dangerous or a risk to themselves and others. While this can sometimes be the case the majority of people with mental illness that Ben has interacted with for over 20 years could be described as “broken” and in need of care, fixing and giving them hope in their recovery. This paper is of value because it draws on over twenty years of experience of the lived experience of Ben and his diagnosis of the harmful label of schizophrenia. It describes the added value of peer work in an in-patient mental health unit. It also introduces the new idea of “clemency”. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-30 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0016 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:David Lester Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to try and understand why our knowledge of why people take their own lives is so limited. Methodological problems that have hindered our efforts to understand why people die by suicide are reviewed. Two solutions are proposed. The first describes a way of extrapolating from research on attempted suicides to those who die by suicide. The second solution is to develop a sound typology of suicides and search for causes for each type. The piece provides a selective review of the literature on suicide. This opinion piece is written by a researcher who has spent his entire career and much of his retirement studying the causes of suicide (Ed). Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-30 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0022 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Yuan-Rung Li, Robin Bailey, Wan-Lin Lee Abstract: Health anxiety is a multidimensional trait characterized by a predominant fear of having a serious illness. This study aims to examine the impact of somatosensory amplification on health anxiety and explores the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs. Participants (n = 307) were recruited online from university students to complete the measures of health anxiety (C-HAQ), metacognitive beliefs (MCQ-HA) and somatosensory amplification (SSAS). The results suggest that somatosensory amplification is a significant predictor of health anxiety. Each of the three dimensions of metacognition partially mediated the effect of somatosensory amplification on health anxiety. In the parallel mediation model, two metacognitive beliefs partially mediated the relationship between somatosensory amplification and health anxiety, while the mediation effect of biased thinking beliefs did not reach significance. In summary, individuals with a higher tendency toward somatosensory amplification exhibit more health anxiety-related metacognitions and subsequently experience higher levels of health anxiety, supporting the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model. This study validates the importance of metacognition in the maintenance and development of health anxiety, demonstrating the utility of metacognitive therapy for individuals experiencing health anxiety. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-29 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0013 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Leila Jasmine Dizon, Liezel Moises Abrea, Angelia Eunice Cruzada, Simon Ledz Erguiza, Alvin Ralphe Grape, Geo Dela Roca Abstract: This study aims to explore the relationship between utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and perceived academic pressure from parents, as well as the mental health status of college students. This study uses a descriptive correlational design to investigate the relationship between three primary variables: utang na loob (debt of gratitude), perceived parental academic pressure and the mental health status (e.g. state and trait anxiety) of Filipino college students. The goal of the analysis is to explore how these factors are related, without implying direct causality. Data were gathered among 557 college students using the Utang na Loob Scale, the Perceived Parental Academic Pressure Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and analyzed with Spearman’s rho. The results indicated a significant correlation between utang na loob and perceived parental academic pressure (p = 0.006) and also a significant correlation between utang na loob and state and trait anxiety (p < 0.001). The findings of this study shed light on how contextual family systems relate to the overall well-being of students. A key research implication of this study is that it highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how cultural values, such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude), interact with psychological and familial dynamics in shaping students’ mental health and academic experiences. The significant correlations found between utang na loob, perceived parental academic pressure and anxiety suggest that family-related factors, particularly the sense of indebtedness students feel toward their parents, may be related to their emotional well-being and academic performance. Future research could explore how these relationships unfold over time and whether interventions aimed at reducing perceived parental pressure could also alleviate anxiety and improve students’ overall mental health. In addition, this study suggests the importance of considering cultural values in psychological and educational interventions, as Filipino cultural frameworks, like utang na loob, may play a distinct role in shaping students’ experiences in ways that differ from Western-centric models of family dynamics and mental health. Further studies could also investigate how utang na loob might manifest differently across various family structures or regions within the Philippines and whether the sense of indebtedness is linked to different types of parental involvement, such as emotional support versus academic pressure. This could help tailor more culturally relevant approaches to supporting students’ well-being. One limitation of the study is that it relies on self-reported data from college students, which may introduce response biases such as social desirability or the tendency to underreport or overreport certain behaviors or emotions. Because the study uses scales like the Utang na Loob Scale, Perceived Parental Academic Pressure Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the accuracy of the results may be influenced by how participants interpret and respond to these questionnaires, potentially affecting the validity of the findings. In addition, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits the ability to establish causal relationships between the variables, meaning that while significant correlations were found, it is not clear whether utang na loob leads to heightened parental pressure or anxiety or whether these feelings contribute to the development of a sense of indebtedness. Future studies could benefit from longitudinal designs or experimental methods to better understand the directionality and causality of these relationships. A practical implication of this study is that it can inform the development of student support programs in educational settings, particularly in Filipino or culturally similar communities. Given the significant relationship between utang na loob, perceived parental academic pressure and anxiety, educators and counselors can use this information to create more holistic support systems for students. For instance, schools and universities could implement workshops or counseling services that focus on managing familial expectations and reducing the negative effects of academic pressure. These programs could also help students navigate cultural values like utang na loob in healthy ways, encouraging them to express gratitude and indebtedness without allowing it to contribute to undue stress or anxiety. Moreover, teachers and academic advisors can be trained to recognize signs of heightened pressure or anxiety linked to family dynamics, enabling them to offer more empathetic and culturally sensitive support to students. By fostering open communication between students, their families and educators, institutions can work toward creating a more supportive environment that addresses both academic success and mental health. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of considering cultural and familial contexts when developing strategies for improving student well-being, offering a more personalized approach to mental health that acknowledges the complex role of family in Filipino students’ lives. A social implication of this study is that it underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the cultural and familial pressures that may explain the mental health and well-being of students, particularly within Filipino and similar communities. The findings suggest that the cultural value of utang na loob – a deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness – may have both positive and negative social implications. On the one hand, it fosters strong family bonds and a sense of mutual responsibility; on the other hand, it may be related to heightened anxiety and high perceived parental academic pressure among college students. This relationship calls for broader societal conversations about balancing respect for cultural values with the mental and emotional health of... Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2024-0206 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Daryl Mahon Abstract: The purpose of this umbrella review is to synthesise existing evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of peer support in substance use settings, providing insights into its benefits, challenges and implications for practice and research. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used to guide an umbrella review. Three databases were searched: Academic Search Complete, Scopus and the Web of Science, supplemented with bibliography searches. Articles were included if they were peer reviewed in the English language from inception to 2024 and reported on peer support in substance use contexts. The Joanne Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses was used to assess the quality of the included reviews. Findings are reported using a narrative synthesis. The search yielded 4,062 articles, of which 8 systematic reviews were included, encompassing 177 (N = 177) primary studies with a combined sample size of 38,659 (N = 38,659) participants. Peer support in substance use settings was linked to improved outcomes, including reduced substance use severity, enhanced treatment engagement and better social supports. Challenges identified included inconsistent training, role definitions and organisational barriers, such as stigmatising attitudes and limited structural support. Most reviews used a narrative synthesis to report results, with no meta-analyses. Critical appraisal categorised the reviews as 25% high quality, 25% moderate quality, 25% low quality and 25% critically low quality. The findings further highlighted the need for clearer implementation strategies, standardised training and recovery-oriented care models to optimise peer support effectiveness. In addition, the role of the randomised control trial as a method for evaluating peer support is considered. This umbrella review uniquely synthesises evidence from diverse systematic reviews on peer support in substance use settings, highlighting the multidimensional benefits and challenges while addressing critical gaps in implementation strategies and methodological approaches. It offers a novel perspective on optimising peer roles within recovery-oriented care models. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0002 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Bonnie Teague, Louise Crouch-Read, Emma Haley Abstract: The purpose of this case study is to undertake a public involvement consultation with members of a rural and agricultural mental health support organisation to explore mental health research priorities and factors relating to research study design that may support or prevent participation. A multi-methods approach was used for data collection for this case study: an online survey (n = 29) and qualitative community group discussions (n = 10). Findings are presented descriptively and analysed with content analysis to generate indicative research priorities and recommendations for future mental health research study design. Three research priority themes were identified: improving rural health service provision; understanding the impact of rural living and working on mental health; improving community connections. Research design recommendations involve where to promote studies to increase engagement in rural and farming communities, communicating clarity over time and place and clear involvement of farmers and rural community members as part of the research team. This is the first reported mental health research consultation case study exploring the views of rural and agricultural community members about aspects of research study design and local research priorities. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0003 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Muamar O. Aldalaeen, Rabia H. Haddad, Talal Bani Ahmad, Noreen Dao-ayen Abstract: This study aims to discuss the mental health in the Philippines and the existing laws and health policies governing mental health care among Filipino older adults with serious mental illnesses. The study used health policy research to understand the issues and gaps in the Philippine mental health-care system among older adults. The study used deductive methods (based on testing specific hypotheses) and inductive methods of inquiry (based on the formation of general inferences), which are necessary but insufficient for theory development without retroductive reasoning. The researcher believes that critical realism provides a philosophically grounded theoretical framework that can be used to underpin research into causal mechanisms such as in health policy analysis. Mental health is integral to holistic health. The commitment to improve mental health services is highlighted in the recent legislative actions of policymakers. Mental health professionals and experts suggest that failure to address mental health and psycho-social problems in a population will hinder attempts to increase social capital, promote human development and reduce poverty. A disregard for mental health is still apparent. The norm in the Philippines continues to include a chronic shortage of mental health professionals, an inadequate number of mental health facilities and hospitals, a lack of accessible and equitable mental health-care services and treatment, especially for marginalized sectors, and stigma, discrimination and social exclusion against people with mental health conditions are still very widespread. Some people refuse even to get help and treatment for their mental disorders not because of the high cost of treatment but because of the stigma attached to mental disorders. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2025-0008 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Eleanor Manhong Li, Dominic Willmott, Neema Trivedi-Bateman Abstract: Sexual violence has a profound impact on victim-survivors across the world, and these consequences extend beyond cultural boundaries. While the mental health consequences are well established across the Western world, less is known about the impact on victims in China. This is somewhat surprising given the size of the population. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to provide a rapid review of existing studies that have investigated mental health outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual violence in China. In this brief review paper, the authors conduct and provide a thematic synthesis and scrutiny of evidence surrounding two rarely reported yet common types of sexual violence experienced by victim-survivors in China, intimate partner sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse, examining the impact on survivor mental health. Taken together, studies show wide-ranging and severe psychological consequences, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality and identity difficulties and suicidal attempts and ideations. The unique cultural traditions that appear to exacerbate victim-survivor abuse experiences, non-disclosure practices and mental health outcomes are also identified and considered with future interventions in mind. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-22 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0219 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Goran Lukic, Sharon Galliford Abstract: Service-User and Carer (SUC) involvement in health care education is becoming the norm. Simultaneously, voices highlighting the risks of tokenism continue. The authors critique dominant frameworks for SUC involvement and present a case study of teaching collaboration between a lecturer and SUC Advisory Group in Clinical Psychology training. The authors argue that epistemic justice gives a constructive lens for making SUC participation meaningful. Members of the University of Surrey SUC Advisory Group and a lecturer delivered a learning session, themed around barriers to accessing mental health services. In the first academic cycle, SUC members remotely facilitated group discussion around a core barrier, e.g. social class. Following feedback, the same session in the next cycle consisted of Trainee debate stimulated by SUC videos that foregrounded intersectionality in considering barriers and solutions. In critically evaluating our collaboration, processes fostering epistemic justice included ring-fenced time for planning, leadership by SUC members, creating governance mechanisms on use of videos and SUC receiving payment. To deepen epistemically just practice, SUC teaching input should be invited routinely and SUC identity explicitly contrasted to academic staff. The authors provide a framework for evaluating the richness of SUC involvement on a post-graduate training programme. This focus on epistemic justice allowed more nuanced reflections on equitability than current SUC involvement models allow for. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-20 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0227 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Nigel MacLennan Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the concept “the social creation of mental illness”, consider whether there is enough research evidence to support the thesis that mental illness can be socially caused, compare the social model to the medical model of the creation of mental illness and explore what may be necessary for the social causation model of mental health to be widely adopted and acted upon. This study conducts a literature review seeking to identify the likely candidates for socially caused mental illness and explores whether there was research or other evidence for “the social creation of mental illness”. Each area that was examined, from the literature, supported the notion of social factors being linked to, and predictive of, the social creation of mental illness; there appears to be a prima facie case for mental illness being predominantly socially created. It is one thing to identify risk factors, links with and predictors of mental ill health. It is quite another to prove the chain of causality between particular types of social trauma and the emergence specific mental dysfunctions. In the same way that tobacco was widely known to be dangerous to physical health, yet it took decades to collate enough evidence to persuade physicians and politicians to act, it is likely that it will be some time before the causal link between social factors and emerging mental dysfunction can be demonstrated with enough rigour to encourage politicians and mental health professionals to act. This paper seeks to make a contribution to that process. If social factors are found to be the primary creators of mental illness, then more appropriate methods of helping those afflicted can be developed. Currently, the mental health system is based on the medical model. Vast and increasing resources are being allocated to mental health, yet the numbers of people disabled by mental health problems continues to increase. It appears that the medical model is false and failing. If the most common causes of mental ill health are social, then more appropriate help can be provided, and preventative measures can be developed. By laying out some of the evidence that social factors are a primary predictor or cause of mental illness, it is hoped that future researchers can devise mechanisms to identify the causal route between various forms of social harm and the development of mental illness. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-17 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0217 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Neha Narula Abstract: As population aging accelerates globally, understanding the multifaceted needs of elderly individuals has become increasingly crucial. This paper aims to bridge significant research gaps in elderly well-being, particularly in the Indian context, by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. While existing studies on aging primarily emphasize financial aspects like pensions and health insurance, this review identifies other essential yet underexplored dimensions impacting elderly well-being, such as emotional support, social connections, financial security beyond traditional income sources and spiritual well-being. The data methodology for this paper involves a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The authors identified recurring themes, research gaps and emerging areas within the literature through thematic analysis. The combined insights from the bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review inform the development of a research agenda. The findings of this study suggest that family and social support play an integral role in reducing loneliness, anxiety and depression among the elderly. However, urbanization and migration trends are diminishing traditional support structures. Financial security remains a concern, as many elderly individuals lack access to financial literacy resources and emergency funds, impacting their confidence and autonomy. Additionally, spiritual practices, which have shown positive correlations with mental health and cognitive function, are rarely incorporated into existing health-care programs for the elderly. This paper provides several policy recommendations, advocating for integrating community-based social programs, financial literacy initiatives and culturally sensitive spiritual support in elderly care frameworks. These measures foster the aging population’s emotional resilience, financial independence and holistic health. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of future research focusing on specific subgroups within the elderly population, including differences by geographic location, educational background and socio-economic status. Ultimately, this research supports the development of inclusive and sustainable policies that promote health, independence and quality of life for the aging population. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0224 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Grant J. Rich, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to invite Dr. Grant J. Rich, a positive psychologist influenced by humanistic and existential psychology, to tell his story and to share his research in the field including his insight on mental health and peace. A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used to enable Dr. Rich to narrate his story while also addressing topics within a Q and A format. Dr. Rich narrates how his life and work has been enriched by intercultural, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. Mental health and peace can be closely related, and Rich narrates a range of ways he honed his peacemaking skills which he views as requiring a kind and gentle approach, but also courage. This case study narrates the experiences, perspectives and insight of one person, and these cannot be generalized. As Dr. Rich states, “the world aches for peace now”. Peace psychology can enable us to understand how to induce inner and inter-relational peace, and reduce conflict and violence, for better mental health. This involves a practitioner/activist approach, albeit the authors have much to explore and investigate as to how best to do this. Social needs and outcomes are fundamental to advancing peace psychology’s insights. A focus on multi-disciplinary collaborations, including with educators, social psychologists and sociologists, and the public is recommended. Dr. Rich is a psychologist with a positive psychology orientation who has called for more qualitative and mixed-methods research in positive psychology. Here, he shares with us multiple insights and his research including in the areas of mental health and peace. Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-14 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0226 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Benjamin Thomas Gray, Matthew Sisto Abstract: The purpose of this viewpoint article is to describe the experience of recovery houses and peer work from the perspective of a service user (Ben). The current profile and visibility of recovery houses on mental health wards is low. Indeed, since Ben’s first diagnosis in 2003 and during the last 17 months as a peer worker the importance of recovery houses has not even been mentioned once by staff or service users. It should be noted that this article expresses the view of the first author (Ben) and not the co-author (Matthew). This is also a service user narrative by Ben. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2003 and spent two years in and out of the mental health unit where he is now a peer worker. Ben had a relapse in 2013 for about six months and then attended Ron Coleman’s and Karen Taylor’s Recovery Champions course and their recovery house on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, where he first heard of the recovery approach and which improved Ben’s mental health. Ron and Karen’s organisation is called Working to Recovery. Ben is currently a peer worker on the same unit where he was once a patient and working with the Director of Patient Experience, Matthew Sisto. This article is based on lived experience as a service user and peer worker. This article makes a case for and a case against the proposal to incorporate recovery houses more into the fabric of NHS mental health care as well as a possible alternative to psychiatric units. The main argument in this article is to suggest making recovery houses more mainstream, more of them and more accessible to those currently in traditional mental health units. Currently there are no formal mechanisms of discharge from hospital to recovery houses. Not one person on the wards where I was a patient since 2003 or peer worker in the last 17 months has been discharged to a recovery house. Recovery houses are a therapeutic alternative or complement to traditional psychiatric care. They could also have other potential benefits, such as decreasing bed blocking on psychiatric wards (service users who are well and waiting for accommodation), reducing risk of relapse and remedying the loneliness and isolation that is often faced by service users on discharge to the community (changing from being around a lot of people on the ward to no one and isolation at home). Recovery houses are in short supply and in need of scaling up (more of them). There is the need to increase the referral and accessibility of recovery houses for service users on mental health wards. Currently recovery houses offer short-term support, only a matter of weeks or months. They would be better if they offered longer periods and also ongoing support. Recovery houses would also benefit people with mental illness, their carers and others if they incorporated elements of peer support. Recovery houses and peer support are relatively new approaches in the mental health journeys of people with mental illness. This article is important because it makes a case for/ case against and addresses the feasibility of incorporating the recovery approach and recovery houses into the quite antiquated and slow to change fabric of the conventional NHS. It considers traditional and alternative pathways of care and steps for change to make recovery houses more mainstream and accessible to NHS psychiatric patients (and even perhaps to replace conventional psychiatric care in the long run). Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion PubDate: 2025-01-09 DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2024-0220 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
