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Mental Health and Social Inclusion
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.223
Number of Followers: 38  
 
Hybrid Journal Hybrid journal   * Containing 4 Open Access Open Access article(s) in this issue *
ISSN (Print) 2042-8308 - ISSN (Online) 2042-8316
Published by Emerald Homepage  [362 journals]
  • The death of migrant workers in India during the first wave of COVID-19
           pandemic

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      Authors: Sumant Kumar, Avanish Bhai Patel
      Abstract: COVID-19 lockdown imposed by the government in India affected markets, factories, industries, construction sites, restaurants, transport services, etc. in which migrant workers were engaged. Migrant workers expected that after the imposition of the lockdown government will facilitate transportation facilities to their hometowns as they lost their jobs. But due to negligence from both the central and the state governments, neither transportation was arranged nor food, shelter or health facilities were arranged. This paper aims to investigate the causes of the death of migrant workers under the theoretical framework of negligence theory. The authors have applied the content analysis method and collected 926 death cases of migrant workers from 28 Indian states. The researchers applied this technique as the newspapers in India are one of the largest and most useful sources to generate a report/record on migrant workers causes during the COVID-19 lockdown. During the lockdown period, due to lack of attention from the government, police atrocities, hunger and accidental cases increased which resulted in the death of migrant workers. The finding of the study proves that during the first phase of COVID-19 lockdown the death cases of migrant workers increased due to negligence by the governments. The number of death cases of migrant workers has been analysed through applying negligence theory which included duty, breach, cause, in fact, proximate cause and harm which increased the death cases. It has been noticed that the central government without any prior notice-imposed lockdown all over India, in which all the states were not received any guidelines or communication which indicate what they have to do or how to handle the Covid-19 situation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original work of researchers which is basically based on negligence theory.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-09-26
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-08-2023-0086
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Interprofessional education for mental health professions and peer support
           workers – to facilitate learning in teamwork

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      Authors: Tuija Viking, Julie Repper
      Abstract: In mental health care the peer support workers (PSWs) are, by their experience based expertise, supporting the recovery of people using services and have also been shown to stimulate interprofessional learning (IPL) but which, due to hierarchical teams, is challenged. Therefore, to prepare the teams for IPL that includes PSWs, this study aims to suggest an interprofessional education (IPE) for mental health professions and PSWs. What would such an education look like' The base, in the development of the IPE, is two earlier studies of teams’ inclusion of PSWs and the IPL. The present study suggests Knowledge base 1 with three categories: different roles, expertise and perspectives, and Knowledge base 2 with two categories: teamwork and IPL. The conclusion is that such online IPE offers a readiness for mental health professions and PSWs, in teamwork, to exchange their different expertise to facilitate IPL. This is important to improve the quality of mental health services. One limitation is that the empirical study, this paper is based on, is a small-scaled study. Nevertheless, the main results from this study and the other were considered useful as a ground for the development of the IPE. By suggesting an IPE for mental health professions and PSWs, this paper adds to the literature on peer support as well as IPL.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-09-19
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0028
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Child abuse and neglect and associated mental health outcomes: a large,
           population-based survey among children and adolescents from Jamaica and
           Uganda

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      Authors: Agata Debowska, Daniel Boduszek, Christine Fray-Aiken, Eric Awich Ochen, Karyl T. Powell-Booth, Esther Nanfuka Kalule, Roxanne Harvey, Florence Turyomurugyendo, Kenisha Nelson, Dominic Willmott, Samantha Mason
      Abstract: Few studies assess how child abuse and neglect (CAN) affects adolescents’ mental health. Further, the majority of studies conducted to date discount the individual CAN items and report overall prevalence rates for different types of abuse and neglect. The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of and gender differences in CAN subtypes, lifetime prevalence of individual CAN items and the contribution of different CAN subtypes for explaining depression, anxiety and irritability. The sample included Jamaican (n = 7,182, 60.8% female) and Ugandan (n = 11,518, 52.4% female) youths. The authors used a population-based cross-sectional study design. Youths completed an anonymous survey in school settings. The authors found gender differences in the levels of CAN subtypes. Maltreatment behaviors of lesser severity were more commonly endorsed by the youths than those of greater severity. Neglect and emotional abuse were the strongest correlates of depression (e.g. neglect: ß = 0.23, among Jamaican youths; emotional abuse outside-the-home: ß = 0.23, among Ugandan girls), anxiety (e.g. neglect: ß = 0.17, among Ugandan girls; emotional abuse outside-the-home: ß = 0.27, among Ugandan girls) and irritability (e.g. emotional abuse in-the-home: ß = 0.17, among Jamaican boys; emotional abuse outside-the-home: ß = 0.17, among Ugandan girls) in most samples. These findings will inform policymakers and professionals working with youths in Jamaica and Uganda, providing comprehensive contemporary insights beyond existing research in these regions.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-09-14
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-08-2023-0089
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • An autoethnography of alienation

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      Authors: Andrew Voyce
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to discuss alienation from a viewpoint of autoethnography. Literature since the 19th century has described the economic determinants of social relations. The proposition is that human beings are strangers in a world they have created. The author revisits this paradigm and aims to show the relevance of alienation in the 20th and 21st centuries. This paper uses the qualitative methodology of autoethnography with data from lived experience. The author relates the author’s personal experience to the meta-narrative of alienation. Autoethnography is an excellent tool for interpretation of the author’s experiences. The author’s work life correlates to models of alienation put forward by Marxist and Critical Theory thought. The author gave the surplus value of the author’s labour to others, and as such, the author’s autoethnography is an authentic statement. The author’s experiences of poor mental health are in the context of pathology residing in alienation. Findings reveal that alienation in work and in mental health is a plausible explanation for the way that social situations worked for the author. The author’s experiences support a model of alienation in 20th and 21st century economies. The author shows that the author’s experiences are shared by other vulnerable people.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-09-13
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-08-2023-0082
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The role of host national contact in the mental health of displaced
           Ukrainians in the Netherlands

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      Authors: Naome Al-Saqaff
      Abstract: The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to the displacement of many Ukrainians. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between their contact with Dutch society and their mental health. To this end, 136 adult, mostly female, displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands participated in an online survey to investigate the relationship between quality of host national contact and mental health, as moderated by quantity of host national contact. The survey had a Ukrainian, Russian and English version, and it consisted of single questions assessing various variables, including quality of host national contact, quantity of host national contact, amount of discrimination/prejudice as well as five questions assessing mental health (Mental Health Inventory 5 [MHI-5]; Berwick et al., 1991). Contrary to the hypotheses, no interaction was found between quality of host national contact and quantity of host national contact, and quality of host national contact did not have a significant main effect on mental health. However, there is a significant, yet nonlinear main effect of quantity of host national contact on mental health. Moreover, there is a significant correlation between quality of host national contact and quantity of host national contact. Finally, and interestingly, there is a positive relationship between the amount of discrimination/prejudice and mental health among people who chose to fill out the Ukrainian version of the survey. These results provide a nuanced view of the relationship between the host environment and mental health, and governmental policies should take into account the complexity of this relationship. A total of 161 displaced, mostly female (90.40%), Ukrainians in the Netherlands with the average age of 35 agreed to participate in this online survey. The main variables measured were mental health (dependent variable), quality of host national contact (independent variable 1) and quantity of host national contact (independent variable 2/moderator). Additional variables, such as the level of perceived discrimination/prejudice, have been included in the analyses. The survey was available in three different languages: Ukrainian, Russian and English. In this study, the role of host national contact in the mental health of displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands was investigated. The results showed that there was no interaction between quality of host national contact and quantity of host national contact in the prediction of mental health. Moreover, quality of host national contact did not predict mental health. Thus, both of the (preregistered) hypotheses of this study were refuted. However, the amount of perceived discrimination/prejudice turned out to be linked to mental health. Surprisingly, the amount of perceived discrimination/prejudice predicted higher mental health scores among participants who chose to fill out the survey in Ukrainian. Moreover, of the respondents included in the analysis, 94.85% gave reason for mental health concerns, as expressed by a converted MHI-5 score below 60. Even though this study does show a positive relationship between the level of discrimination/prejudice and mental health among displaced Ukrainians who filled out the Ukrainian version of the survey, it does not offer a definite explanation for why this seemingly unexpected result occurred. No causal conclusions can be drawn based on this study regarding the relationship between host national contact and mental health. The results of this study show that certain occurrences in the contact with host society members relate to mental health in unexpected and seemingly complex ways. This might mean that this study has potential for nuancing the current scientific knowledge regarding the relationship between host national contact and mental health. Such nuances might be quite important, as scientific research often forms the basis for governmental policies aimed at improving the mental health of displaced people. Therefore, governmental policymakers should be aware of the fact that there is no easy, clear-cut answer yet to the complex host society factors that play a role in the mental health of various displaced groups. Moreover, an investigation of the role of host national contact might lead to valuable knowledge about factors that contribute to the mental health of refugees. As has been said, refugees are at risk of developing various mental health issues, so they might need help managing their mental health. To this end, policymakers might need evidence-based information to develop interventions targeted at specific refugee groups. By investigating the mental health of displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands, new insights will be gained to optimize mental health care for this particular refugee group. This study yields important information regarding the degree of participation and inclusion of displaced Ukrainians in Dutch society, which can inform policies targeted at improving the experiences of this new displaced group. Because displaced Ukrainians have to deal with the mental health consequences of war and displacement, they might be particularly in need of a safe haven in which they feel included. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study in which the role of the host society context in the mental health of displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands is assessed. The results are quite unexpected and can nuance the current research on the link between discrimination and mental health. Moreover, this study can inspire future research to be conducted in the reasons behind this nuance, by researching the role of identity and uncertainty. Also, the author believes that this study is particularly suitable for this journal because it really looks at the link between social inclusion in the Dutch context and mental health outcomes.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-09-08
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0050
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The nexus between peace and mental well-being: contributions for public
           happiness

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      Authors: Helena Á Marujo
      Abstract: This underscores individual and social implications for how mental disorders and mental well-being are constructed, conceived of and treated. Further, this paper aims to examine positive psychology’s role in supporting the advancement of a broader systemic and contextual approach to mental health. With that aim, this paper connects data on mental health and well-being with peace studies to describe the systems of value and social ecologies underpinning mental disorders, using public happiness/Felicitas Publica as a possible framework to enhance public mental health while intervening at the local level (Bruni and Zamagni, 2007; Marujo and Neto, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2021; Marujo et al., 2019). Theoretical foundations and data on positive peace and mental well-being are described with the intention to propose a systemic, contextual, relational, communitarian, economic and sociopolitical perspective of well-being that goes beyond individual bodies and/or brains and, instead, views mental disorder and mental health as social currency (Beck, 2020). The interventions using dialogic, conversational and community approaches are a possible path to promote peace, mental health and public happiness. Examining the interplay between the fields of positive psychology, mental health and cultures of peace, this work contributes to the broadening of research and subsequent intervention topics through transdisciplinary approaches while reinforcing the role of systemic and social determinants and complementing the prevalent medical model and intraindividual perspective of mental health and well-being. Adopting positive psychology to address mental health through public happiness concepts and interventions opens opportunities to respond to the ebb and flow of social challenges and life-giving opportunities. Therefore, the paper intends to articulate actor-related, relational, structural and cultural dimensions while moving away from discrete technocratic and individual models and pays attention to the way their implementations are aligned with both individual and social needs. The work offers an inclusive, equalitarian, politically sensitive approach to positive mental health and positive psychology, bringing forward a structural transformation and human rights-based approach perspective while rethinking the type of social and political solutions to mental health issues. Creating a critically constructive debate vis-à-vis the fluidity and complexity of the social world, the paper examines mental health and positive psychology simultaneously from a “hardware” (institutions, infrastructures, services, systems, etc.) and a “software” (i.e. individuals and community/societal relations).
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-08-31
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-07-2023-0077
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The impact of job loss on mental health during the COVID-19 crisis in
           Tunisia: analysis based on counterfactual decomposition approach

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      Authors: Khaled Nasri, Mohamed Anis Ben Abdallah, Fethi Amri
      Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of job loss on the mental health of individuals in Tunisia during the COVID-19 crisis. In this research, the authors use the counterfactual decomposition technique and the potential outcome approach. In the first part, the authors calculated mental health indicators for all individuals included in the sample based on the World Health Organization-5 items. The individuals were then grouped into two subpopulations: the first group included those who had lost their jobs and the second group included individuals whose status in the labor market had remained unchanged. In the second part, the authors used the Blinder and Oaxaca decomposition to explain the mean difference in the mental health scores between the two groups and determine the factors contributing to this difference. The empirical results identified symptoms of depressed mood, decreased energy and loss of interest in several individuals. Based on these three symptoms, the authors were able to classify individuals into three types of depression: mild, moderate and severe. In addition, it appeared that job loss had significantly contributed to the worsening mental health of the individuals. Although the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak among health-care professionals has been the subject of other studies in health literature on Tunisia, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research has addressed the impact of job loss on the mental health of Tunisian workers. Thus, this study fills this gap in the literature.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-08-23
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-07-2023-0079
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Examining the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street
           harassment on women’s mental health

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      Authors: Georgina Thornton, Dominic Willmott, Emma Richardson, Lara Hudspith
      Abstract: Many women report experiences of street harassment during their lifetime. Previous quantitative survey research has shown the variety of ways in which this type of harassment can impact upon a victim’s life, including restricting their freedom of movement and fear of further victimisation. The purpose of this study is understand the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on female victim-survivors. The present study aims to explore, qualitatively, women’s experiences of street harassment through thematic analysis of on 35 online blog posts. Data were collected from the “Stop Street Harassment” website, where women are invited to share their experiences anonymously. Three main themes were generated from the data. First was the age at which women began to experience street harassment, with recurring early incidents during formative childhood years. Second was the impact that experiences had on their mental health and psychological well-being with feelings of shame, fear, self-loathing, as well as decreased self-esteem and confidence experienced in the immediate aftermath – though the longer-term negative emotions reported were enduring feelings of anger alongside a constant state of anxiety from feelings of vulnerability to further victimisation. The final theme was the modification of behaviour after experiencing street harassment where women choose to avoid walking alone on the streets or consciously changed their clothing choices, to avoid being harassed. This study offers a further qualitative insight into the real-life experience and psychological consequences of street harassment upon survivors’ mental health.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-08-15
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-07-2023-0080
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Patient-led co-production in community mental health nursing practice:
           part 1

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      Authors: Jo Mullen
      Abstract: This paper aims to provide an example of patient-led co-production. Using the six principles of co-production to frame the activities undertaken during the author’s relationship with a community mental health nurse. The paper describes the benefit of a collaborative support group for the three lived experienced participants and a mental health nurse. Small support groups like the one described in this paper can be established effectively through the process of co-production between people with lived experience and mental health professionals working in partnership. Co-production is usually used with groups of stakeholders working together in an equitable way to design or deliver a new service; this paper, however, seeks to demonstrate how the process can be effectively used when the project is patient-led within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-31
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0068
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and social determinants of mental
           health of Romani in Ukraine

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      Authors: Viktoriia Gorbunova, Vitalii Klymchuk, Olha Savychenko, Valeriia Palii, Zemfira Kondur, Viola Popenko, John Oates
      Abstract: This paper aims to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety symptoms and suicidal ideation among the Romani population in Ukraine and their connections with various social health determinants: age, gender, household characteristics, employment and living conditions. For measuring mental health conditions, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used. Individual interviews were conducted by trained volunteers of the International Charitable Organization “Roma Women’s Foundation Chirikli”. Data were gathered from January to March 2020. The overall level of depression found in the sample was 8.08, while the mean for anxiety was 7.22. In general, 32.7% of respondents scored positively for signs of depression and 29.6% for anxiety. The two-week prevalence of suicidal ideations was 26.9%. Compared to the general population, the prevalence of depression among the Romani research participants was twofold higher, and anxiety was 2.5-fold higher. Signs of depression and anxiety in women were significantly higher (36% vs 28.6% for depression and 33.9% vs 24.2% for anxiety) than in men. Signs of depression and anxiety were higher for people without education than for university students (9.32 vs 3.04 for depression and 8.26 vs 3.00 for anxiety). The lowest levels of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation were among officially married persons (6.61, 6.36 and 0.23, respectively). Significant small positive correlations were found between all measurements and the number of household members (0.149 for depression, 0.124 for suicidal ideation and 0.175 for anxiety; p < 0.001) and the number of children (0.303 for depression, 0.224 for suicidal ideation and 0.243 for anxiety; p < 0.001). In terms of employment, the highest scores for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation were found among those who are employed seasonally (9.06, 8.25 and 0.61) or irregularly (9.09, 8.12 and 0.57) in contrast with self-employed (4.88, 4.90 and 0.19) and full-time employees (5.86, 5.51 and 0.18). Living place (city, village or camp) showed no relation with mental health, except for suicidal ideation: those living in villages had higher levels of suicidal ideation than those living in cities (0.49 vs 0.31). The study has some limitations. Data were gathered from January to March 2020, and since then, the situation in Ukraine has drastically changed due to the full-scale Russian invasion. While this study’s data and conclusions might serve as a baseline for further research, they do not represent the real-time situation. While many social factors were analysed, the effects found for them do not necessarily represent causality, given the statistical methods used. Interactions among factors were not studied; therefore, no firm conclusions can be made about the effects of those interactions on mental health. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is original in terms of its topic, as the first-ever in Ukraine quantitative study of mental health and social determinants of mental health of the Romani population.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-24
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0070
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Mental health, art and creativity II: develop the child within

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      Authors: Mats Niklasson
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to elevate the importance of complementary views concerning the first years of life as important precursors for personal growth and sustainable mental health. Paper II is a follow up to Paper I. After a short overview, connecting to the previous paper, the focus is on infancy followed by a few overlooked aspects and then a short summary on childhood and adolescence. Finally, some concluding remarks have been provided to put the paper together. The main findings are connected to publications by other authors with insights which could be viewed as either “politically incorrect” or as simply overlooked in present research studies and discussions. The author presents his personal perspective on the aforementioned topics. There are contrasting ways to view them. A recognition of the importance for a child to experience a “good as possible” infancy and childhood, which could mean to grow up with less use of computers and less influences from social media. A recognition of the importance parents and other adults have for the socialization of infants, children and adolescents. This conceptual paper has compiled complementary views of infancy and childhood which are seldom heard about but are of importance for sustainable mental health.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-24
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-07-2023-0073
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Identity Structure Analysis: a potential framework for process and outcome
           evaluation in psychotherapy

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      Authors: Marta B. Erdos, Tamas Karpati, Robert Rozgonyi, Rebeka Jávor
      Abstract: This paper aims to explore the potential utility of Identity Structure Analysis (ISA) in single-case and group-level outcome and process evaluations. A study was conducted to evaluate mentalization-based therapy by using ISA and its linked framework software, Ipseus. Ten patients with borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder were involved in the study. ISA/Ipseus was administered prior to and at the completion of the treatment. Five-year follow-up data, comprising behavioural indicators, were also collected and compared to ISA/Ipseus results. Improvements occurred in the evaluation of stressful, demanding and emotionally burdening situations. Evaluations on concerned others also improved, together with progress in self-reflection. Changes in the evaluation of recovery-related themes were less salient. On a case level, changes in the self-states and role models were consistent with the results of the five-year-follow up data. An initial crisis state seems suggestive of progress, while initial defensive positions with high positive self-regard, of stagnation. ISA/Ipseus, integrating the benefits of qualitative and quantitative approaches in evaluation, is a potential method to explore the complexity of identity changes during therapy.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-20
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0071
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Alec Grant: a living tribute

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      Authors: Jerome Carson
      Abstract: This paper aims to provide a living tribute to the leading autoethnographer, Alec Grant. Alec provided Jerome with a list of names of people he might approach to write a tribute on his behalf. The accounts describe the influence that Alec has had both as an educator and as a trusted colleague for the people approached. While this is a living tribute, it is about one man and could, therefore, be described as a case study. Some people wonder what can be learned from a single case study. Read on and find out. Alec has carved out a path for himself. In many senses, he chose “The Road Less Travelled”. He has never shied away from challenging “The System” and defending the rights of the marginalized and socially excluded. It is not a road for the faint-hearted. For systems to change, radical thinkers need to show the way. “Change keeps us safe” (Stuart Bell). Alec was a well-known and highly respected cognitive behavioural academic practitioner and the author of key textbooks in the field. He then decided to reinvent himself as an autoethnographer. This has brought him into contact with a much more diverse group of people. It has also brought him home to himself.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-19
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-07-2023-0074
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Evaluation of the impact of a self-stigma reduction programme on
           psychosocial outcomes among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder

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      Authors: Abd Hasan, Anas Alsharawneh, Nofaa Alasamee
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-stigma reduction programme on self-stigma. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 to December 2018 with 278 people diagnosed with schizophrenia (PDwS). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a self-stigma reduction programme (psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy and social skills training) or treatment as usual. PDwS in the intervention group experienced a greater reduction in the level of self-stigma (20.19 vs −0.62; p < 0.001) at post-intervention and (37.35 vs −0.66; p < 0.001) at six-month follow-up. The first RCT examines the problem and implements intervention in middle east country. Also, the authors have conducted high-quality RCT.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-19
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2020-0083
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • How do we rage against the dying of the light' A trans-generational
           exploration of character strengths

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      Authors: Mahimna Vyas, Rudresh Vyas
      Abstract: This study aims to investigate character strengths, focussing on their development over time and application from a personal perspective. The research was conducted using an autoethnographic, semi-structured interview approach with two participants: the authors themselves. This study explored character strengths, their commonalities across generations and how personal experiences shape them. It also highlighted how to encourage others to recognise and use their strengths. This study also enriches character strengths theory by addressing cultural and generational differences, aligning with positive psychology 3.0 (Lomas et al., 2020). This study also introduces a unique methodological approach to explore character strengths. This study provides novel insights for personal growth, enhancing psychological evaluations and inter-generational discourse on knowledge transfer through the lens of character strengths. These can be used to develop interventions for a range of populations. Through this personalised and culturally relevant approach, novel insights into the longitudinal effects of interactions between individual experiences and character strengths were gained. This study emphasised the dynamic nature of strengths and drew parallels to the tenets of Indian psychology, thereby underscoring the significance of strengths as a pivotal next step in the understanding of a person.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-17
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0072
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Homelessness: measuring need to design more inclusive services

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      Authors: Angela Woods, Rebecca Lace, Joanne Dickinson, Ben Hughes
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper – the second of three – is to report the findings from a service user needs assessment in those who have contact with a local homelessness service in the North-West of England. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included a section exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences. Aggregated data from a total of 100 completed questionnaires were analysed to understand the nature and scope of those accessing the Homelessness and Vulnerable Adults Service (HVAS). Homeless people accessing HVAS face a number of challenges, which reflect their upbringing and chaotic and complex lifestyles. Reports of multiple disadvantage, social isolation, physical and mental health problems were common among the cohort. This was a small cohort study, and the authors accept that this may potentially limit the scope of the findings. Themes identified are, however, reflected in wider research and official data collection sources. Future research may seek to widen the data collection methods to offer a more representative cohort. The provision of co-ordinated multi-agency support is essential to tackle health inequalities experienced by those who are homeless. The complex issues often experienced by those who are homeless can further compound the impact of social exclusion on health and well-being. The reduction of statutory support and increased emphasis on self-reliance can further impact those people on the margins of society. This study identifies how multiple deprivations and social isolation impacts upon health and well-being, further compounding a person’s ability and willingness to engage with services. It raises the question of the systems failure to respond effectively.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-14
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0065
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Perspectives on cannabis risks and harm reduction among youth in Early
           Psychosis Intervention programs: a qualitative study

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      Authors: Amar Ghelani
      Abstract: The Canadian government legalized cannabis in 2018 and funded harm reduction campaigns to educate youth about the risks. Cannabis can contribute to psychosis in vulnerable populations, and consumption is common among youth in Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) programs. The purpose of this study is to understand the views of youth in EPI programs on the risks related to cannabis and methods to reduce those risks. A qualitative design and thematic analysis were used to understand the perspectives of youth in EPI programs (n = 15) towards cannabis risks and harm reduction. Participants associated Δ−9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with problems related to cognition, psychosis, respiration, addiction, motivation, finances, relationships and anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) was believed to be safe and risk-free. To reduce the risks associated with THC, participants suggested using in moderation, delaying use, using CBD over THC, accessing legal sources, avoiding high THC dosages and using non-combustible methods. Participants self-selected to participate, were psychiatrically stable and may not represent youth in EPI programs with more severe psychotic symptoms. Assessing risk perceptions, motives for use and perspectives towards the cannabis and psychosis connection can reveal educational needs. CBD may offer a harm reduction option for EPI clients wanting to decrease THC intake, though more research is needed and adverse effects should be explained. Educational campaigns should disseminate the connection between cannabis and psychosis to facilitate early intervention. This study adds to the literature by highlighting knowledge of harm reduction methods and gaps in risk awareness among EPI program youth.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-13
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0064
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Attachment, trauma and homelessness

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      Authors: Peter Cockersell, Elias Barreto
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe research into attachment styles of rough sleepers and considersthe implications for practice. The research was structured interviews with a cohort of rough sleepers analysed through evidence-based techniques, and the implications were drawn out with reference to current best practice. The rough sleepers in the cohort had a very different pattern of attachment styles to the housed population, with 100% insecure vs c35%, and 50% insecure disorganised vs>15%. The limitation is that the cohort was relatively small, n = 22 and was a sample of convenience. The implications are that homelessness services working with rough sleepers need to be attachment-informed as much as trauma-informed. Practical implications are that homelessness services need to have a more rounded psychological perspective such as psychologically informed environments rather than just a trauma-informed approach. Rough sleepers suffer from deeply pervasive and severe attachment disorders, and this may be causal to their becoming rough sleepers and is certainly a factor in whether or not they are successfully rehoused. There is almost no other original research published into the attachment styles of rough sleepers or homeless people. The current trend is for trauma-informed services: the call for attachment-informed ones is original.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-12
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-0066
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • First-hand reports of prolonged social withdrawal: contributing factors,
           experiences, and change processes

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      Authors: Or Hareven, Tamar Kron, David Roe, Danny Koren
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to gain deeper understanding of the experience of PSW and pathways to recover. Prolonged social withdrawal (PSW) among young people has been widely reported; however, the voice of those who withdraw is rarely heard. Illuminating these firsthand experiences is important as the phenomenon becomes widespread, calling for increased attention and creative solutions to promote recovery processes and re-inclusion in society. This study conducted nine in-depth semi-structured interviews with young people who have been reclusive for 2–19 years and inquired about their perspectives and experiences around times of PSW and beyond. These data were analyzed and categorized according to three main areas: factors contributing to PSW, subjective experiences and general functioning during PSW and processes involved in coming out of PSW. This study presents the main findings and illustrates them using a case of a young man in PSW for 19 years. The findings reveal that young people may turn to social withdrawal in response to varied personal and familial challenges, and often experience intense loneliness and psychic pain. Attempts to cope and recover from withdrawal involve inner motivation combined with support from significant others and a strong therapeutic alliance with professionals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report findings from in-depth interviews with people who spent very long periods in PSW, and accordingly it contributes to the growing body of knowledge on this phenomenon. Based on this unique firsthand perspective, the authors propose potential guidelines for caregivers and mental health professionals trying to help people in PSW to reintegrate into society.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-04
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0055
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • A brief report on student gambling and how UK universities can support
           students

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      Authors: Paul McGivern, Mark Mierzwinski, Edward Stupple
      Abstract: An estimated 1.2 million students gamble, equating to approximately two in every three students. In the UK, university students have reached the legal age to gamble; many have received significant sums of financial support and will be responsible for managing their own finances. Some UK universities have acknowledged that students engage in gambling activity and the need to provide gambling-related support. However, more research is needed to better understand student gambling activities and how universities can optimise provision of support. The purpose of this study was to enhance this understanding. A total of 210 university students completed an online survey to provide details of their gambling behaviour and views on the types of support that they felt would best support students. Both gambling and non-gambling students reported a preference for specialised gambling-related support within student services without the requirement for gambling-focused workshops (p < 0.01). Follow-up analysis revealed a significantly greater proportion of females did not gamble (p < 0.01), that males spent more money when gambling (p < 0.01) and were higher risk gamblers than females (p < 0.01). These results provide evidence for gambling support to feature overtly as part of university support and well-being services.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-06-15
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0061
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Effects of long-term Ashtanga Yoga practice on psychological well-being

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      Authors: Ben Morris, James Jackson, Anthony Roberts III
      Abstract: In recent years, Yoga practice has seen a rapid rise in popularity with many positive consequences, both physical and mental attributed to its practice. Ashtanga Yoga has been less well researched in this area and is the specific focus on this work. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible positive impact of long-term Ashtanga Yoga on psychological well-being. In total, 213 long-term Ashtanga Yoga practitioners were asked to complete the positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment (PERMA) 23 scale (Butler and Kern, 2016) which measures psychological well-being. The values given by these individuals were then compared against a larger sample of 31,966 representative of the general population. Scores were then compared with a PERMA data set representative of the general population (see Butler and Kern, 2016), primarily using a test of difference to compare samples. Secondly, the causal relationship between time spent in practice upon well-being scores. Findings indicated that those individuals engaged in long-term Ashtanga Yoga practice significantly outperformed the control group on all dimensions of psychological well-being. This work has demonstrated specific benefits to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga on psychological well-being. Yoga is a form of exercise that is now widely available across the globe, and as such, represents an accessible form of physical practice, which has important psychological benefits. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work investigating differences in psychological well-being profiles using PERMA, as a function of Yoga practice.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-06-13
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0033
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Does perpetrator gender influence attitudes towards intimate partner
           violence (IPV)' Examining the relationship between male-perpetrated and
           female-perpetrated IPV attitudes among a sample of UK young adults

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      Authors: Ethan Conroy, Dominic Willmott, Anthony Murphy, B. Kennath Widanaralalage
      Abstract: Understanding of the role that attitudes and beliefs may play on the judgments people make about intimate partner violence (IPV) is becoming increasingly important, notably in the context of the criminal justice process and in recognising IPV as a public health issue. This study aims to investigate the importance of several established factors predictive of attitudes towards male-perpetrated IPV, which have never previously been explored in relation to female-perpetrated IPV. In total, 295 young adults (18–28) from across the UK completed an online survey (M Age = 23.82) comprised of four established psychometric inventories; the Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, Satisfaction with Life scale, Attitudes Towards Female Dating Violence scale and newly developed Modern Adolescent Dating Violence Attitudes (MADVA) scale, alongside a suite of associated demographic factors. Results derived from a multiple linear regression indicates that three types of attitudes towards male-perpetrated violence against women (physical, sexual, and psychological abuse offline), were significant predictors of attitudes towards female-perpetrated IPV, along with gender and ethnicity. Self-esteem, satisfaction with life, age and education among those surveyed were not associated with attitudes towards female-perpetrated IPV. The results have important implications in developing educational programmes for those who have committed IPV offences, as well as teaching young people about the nature of partner abuse. The results suggest that those who endorse attitudes supportive of male-perpetrated IPV in offline environments, also endorse violence-supportive beliefs towards female-perpetrated IPV. In effect, violence-supportive attitudes are held irrespective of the sex of the perpetrator. However, this may differ in terms of how individuals view online types of abuse, where these attitudes appear to be processed differentially to offline attitudes.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-06-08
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0057
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The ripple effects of suicide: a personal account of dealing with the
           death of an adult sibling

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      Authors: Angela Woods
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to offer an opinion piece that documents the experience of losing an adult sibling to suicide and explores the experience of personal and family grief. This narrative is written from an autoethnographic perspective and uses the current evidence base to support a personal reflection. This paper identifies the complex nature of bereavement following death from suicide and considers those factors that support more positive outcomes for those grieving. This piece focuses on autoethnographic data but is supported by findings from the wider evidence base. The importance of seeking positives as part of the healing process when processing complex grief. Disclosure has been identified as an important part of processing complex grief associated with suicide bereavement and yet suicide remains a taboo subject for many. This autoethnographic piece details the experience of dealing with a sibling suicide and the importance of creating the opportunity for positive reflection to process complex grief.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-06-07
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0059
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Mental health and homelessness in the social service providers' outlook
           (Luxembourg case)

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      Authors: Céline Dujardin, Vitalii Klymchuk, Viktoriia Gorbunova
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of the mental health problems of the homeless population in a high-income country (Luxembourg) by social service providers and to develop proposals for better inclusion of homeless people into the mental health services and homeless people with mental health issues into society. The study was of qualitative design and conducted using a semi-structured interview method (in person). The semi-structured interviews (seven participants) were conducted to analyse the challenges, practice approaches and prospects of stakeholders or decision-makers working in housing exclusion and homelessness. A secondary thematic analysis of this content regarding mental health issues was performed. Three main themes in the social providers’ perception were identified related to mental health and homelessness: the general view on the mental health problems of homeless people (accent on substance use disorders [SUDs], overshadowing of other mental health conditions by the SUDs); the positive impact of housing and social services on the mental health of the homeless per se (role of social rhythms, social connectedness and multidisciplinary approach are emphasised); and the need for improvement of mental health services in the country (need for the long-term timely continuing mental health support and recognition of the importance of complex intersectional and multidisciplinary solutions). Mental health themes were not the primary focus while research was planned and conducted. They were revealed as results of secondary qualitative data analysis. Therefore, additional mental health-focused mixed methods research is needed to verify the conclusions. The paper is written on the results of the research project “Social Housing and Homelessness” (SOHOME), implemented at the University of Luxembourg with the financial support of the Fonds National de la Recherche of Luxembourg (FNR12626464). The sponsor had no involvement in the study design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data or the preparation of the paper. The study brings together different perspectives from social workers, stakeholders and decision-makers. The results show that there are cross-field connections between homelessness and mental health that require specialised and coordinated services. The first existing approaches seem to be promising in their continuation but need to be promoted by social policy. To promote social cohesion in the Luxembourgish society and also to include one of the most vulnerable people, the study points to the importance of the link between homelessness and compromised mental health. Appropriate support and service provision as well as social and affordable housing play a central role. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind, revealing several social work stakeholders’ perspective on the mental health of homeless people in Luxembourg.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-06-02
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0018
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The relationship between perception of well-being and depression among
           adolescents in Jordan: using PERMA model as a theoretical framework

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      Authors: Bushra Ghannam, Husam Al Khatib, Abeer Alzayyat, Ayman Hamdan Mansour
      Abstract: Adolescence is a developmental stage of transition that is marked by multiple biopsychosocial changes that affect their well- and ill-being. This study aims to examine the multidimensional of well- and ill-being among adolescents, and to understand the relationship between well-being and depression using the PERMA model among school-age adolescents. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to recruit 625 school-age adolescents (343 males and 282 females), using convenience sampling technique from the central district of Jordan. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data in relation to depression and well-being. The analysis revealed that 32% had a well-being score below the median and 19% had severe depressive symptoms. Depression and well-being were moderately correlated, with the connectedness dimension being the most correlated to depression, whereas the engagement dimension was the least correlated. Females had higher scores on all subscales of depression and a significantly higher score on depression than males, whereas males had higher scores on all well-being dimensions and significantly higher scores on overall well-being than females. Adolescents’ mental health is compromised and affected by their perception of well-being, and a comprehensive psychoeducation for adolescents on how to enhance well-being might combat development of depressive symptoms. This study used all PERMA model components to provide an in-depth description of adolescents’ well-being, which is a crucial initial phase in better understanding how this age group experiences well-being and how it connects to their ill-being, as indicated by their depressive symptoms. The in-depth description of adolescents’ well-being will aid in planning early intervention and prevention programs for mental illness.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-26
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0047
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Decent work, capabilities and flourishing at work
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Suzette Cora Ragadu, Sebastiaan Rothmann
      Abstract: This study aims to investigate the associations among decent work (DW), capabilities and the flourishing of employees in a South African context. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample (N = 436) of early childhood development practitioners from two South African provinces. A demographic questionnaire, the Decent Work Scale, the Capability Set for Work Questionnaire and the Flourishing-at-Work Scale were administered. Latent class analysis showed four capability sets: robust, relational, knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. Employees with a robust capability set were more inclined to report DW than those with knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. Employees with a weak capability set were significantly less inclined to report organisational values that complement family and social values than the other three capability sets. Employees with a robust capability set reported significantly higher emotional well-being (EWB), psychological well-being (PWB) and social well-being (SWB) levels than those with relational, knowledge/skills and weak capability sets. DW was significantly related to EWB, PWB and SWB. This study contributes to the literature regarding DW, capabilities and flourishing of employees in a non-western, educated, industrialized, rich and democratic and non-POSH context. The study highlights the need for well-being policies that focus on DW and the capabilities of people in disadvantaged positions. These together would strengthen their agency for converting capabilities into well-being.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-26
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-05-2023-0054
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Andrew Voyce: a living tribute. “You can end up in a happy
           place.”

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      Authors: Jerome Carson
      Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to provide a living tribute of lived expert by experience and researcher Andrew Voyce. Andrew provided the author with a list of names of people he might approach to write a tribute on his behalf. The accounts describe the influence that Andrew has had both as an educator and as a trusted colleague for the people approached. In many ways, the voices of people with mental health problems have been marginalised. Few mental health journals, with only some exceptions, encourage lived experience contributions. The mental health agenda continues to be dominated by professional groups. The remarkable individuals who continually battle with serious mental illness are often lost in official discourses. Despite the fact that the topic of mental health is now much more in the public domain, research tells us that the most effective anti-stigma strategy is contact with sufferers. The archivist Dr Anna Sexton co-produced one of the few mental health archives that only featured people with lived experience. Andrew was one of the four people featured in it. This account “showcases” the work of this remarkable man.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-19
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0046
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Commentary on promoting the mental health and wellbeing benefits of using
           student response systems (SRS) in higher education: more than just a
           learning device

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      Authors: Paul McGivern
      Abstract: This commentary discusses the broader potential of student response systems (SRS) regarding their positive impact on student mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this paper is to draw on relevant literature to illustrate the wider social and intrapersonal benefits of SRS beyond its use as an educational tool. Tenets of social information processing theory are used in conjunction with the literature from health, sociological and psychological disciplines to explicate the mental health benefits of SRS. SRS can make a positive contribution students’ mental health and wellbeing, thus assisting the broader pastoral support and employability frameworks of higher education institutions. An original perspective on the use of SRS in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of university students
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-19
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0048
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The way you make me feel: a network analysis of social ties that could
           exacerbate compulsive exercise among a sample of sorority women

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      Authors: Megan S. Patterson, Mandy N. Spadine, Allison N. Francis, Tyler Prochnow
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess factors related to sorority women connecting with people who exacerbate feelings of exercise guilt and body dissatisfaction (BD), both of which preclude compulsive exercise. In all, 207 sorority women (egos) completed online surveys measuring physical activity, BD, compulsive exercise and egocentric networks (n = 1,105 social ties/alters). Two random coefficient multilevel models assessed factors related to an ego connecting to someone who makes her feel: guilty about her exercise habits and good about her looks. Exercise patterns within networks related to how often an alter made ego feel guilty about her exercise habits; alter gender and communication frequency related to how often an alter made ego feel good about her looks; and ego’s BD score was related to both feelings of guilt and body satisfaction. The findings of this study support and extend literature highlighting the importance of someone’s immediate social network on their body image and related behaviors.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-16
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0004
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Mental health of Indian LGBT+ community: role of coping self-efficacy and
           social inclusion

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      Authors: Sanjana Parwani, Asim Kumar Talukdar
      Abstract: The sexual minority groups in India seem to be suffering from continued social exclusion affecting their mental health. This study aims to investigate the effect of the hostile attitude of society and lack of social support on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ members. Hypotheses were developed by drawing theories and concepts from the literature and were tested using the partial least square–structural equation model with a sample size of 151 of the Indian LGBT+ community. The findings showed a strong negative effect of the hostile attitude of society on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ community. The findings further showed that weak problem-focused and emotion-focused coping self-efficacy negatively mediated the relationship between the hostile attitude of society and mental health, while lack of social support negatively moderated the relationship between the hostile attitude of society and both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping self-efficacy of the Indian LGBT+ community. This study makes a novel and significant theoretical contribution by investigating the effect of the hostile attitude of society and the lack of social support on the mental health of the Indian LGBT+ community members. This study also makes a significant practical contribution in underpinning the urgent need for social inclusion and support to improve the mental health of Indian LGBT+ community members, which is currently in dire condition.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-10
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0003
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Bringing recovery to the youth – a review of discovery colleges

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      Authors: Aleisha Fitzgerald, Tom Moberg, Phelim Quinlisk, Chloe Costello
      Abstract: While the research literature on Recovery Colleges is relatively well-established, comprehensive research concerning Recovery Education for young people is currently scarce. The purpose of paper is to provide an overview of determinants of, and barriers to, the successful implementation of youth-adapted Recovery Colleges, known as Discovery Colleges, and to explore the wider impact of Discovery Colleges and Recovery Colleges. In consultation with a Recovery College Peer Educator, three undergraduate applied psychology students conducted a literature review with no date limits on publications in the Google Scholar and PubMed electronic databases. A total of 15 publications were included. Determinants for successful implementation included the importance of previously established Recovery College foundations, service and content accessibility and evaluative feedback. Barriers were primarily related to differences in how development, identity and environment between adults and young people impact positive educational outcomes. The wider impact of Discovery Colleges highlighted an improvement in relationships between service users and health-care professionals, an improved attitude towards education; improvements in well-being, self-worth and social connection; and promotion of transformative learning and personal autonomy. Through this, Discovery Colleges also continue to challenge the contemporary medical model of mental health. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first literature review conducted specifically focussing on important factors in establishing Discovery Colleges. This literature review provides an important overview for both service users and staff members in how the development and implementation of this exciting and relatively new initiative can be further explored and enhanced going forward.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-09
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0041
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Compare social support in patients with schizophrenia or methamphetamine
           dependency with healthy individuals

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      Authors: Fatemeh Amini, Seyyed Mohammad Mousavi, Jamshid Yazdani Charati
      Abstract: This study aims to compare the social support among patients with schizophrenia or methamphetamine dependency with healthy individuals. Using convince sampling, the authors recruited 80 patients (schizophrenia, n = 40; methamphetamine dependency, n = 40) and their companions (healthy individuals, n = 40) who were referred to a psychiatric hospital in a cross-sectional study in Sari, Iran. In in-person interviews, the authors collected data on demographic characteristics and measured social support using a standardized questionnaire. The three groups were similar regarding age and marital status, but different in gender distribution (p = 0.001). The average social support score was 58.0 in the schizophrenia group and 42.3 in the methamphetamine-dependent group, both significantly lower than 63.6 in the healthy group (p = 0.001). The social support scores in schizophrenia and methamphetamine-dependent groups were significantly lower than those in the healthy group across all subgroups of gender (p < 0.04), age (p < 0.05) and marital status (p < 0.001). The methamphetamine-dependent group had the lowest score overall and across all demographic groups and social support subdomains. This study had two main limitations. First, the study samples were from one city and one hospital in the north of Iran and so may not be generalizable to other population and settings. Second, the authors did not study the causes or predictors of low social support like social stigma which should be studied in future studies. Despite the limitations, this study found low social support for people diagnosed with schizophrenia or methamphetamine dependency. Intervention to increase social support for them, especially for those with substance use, is required.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-05
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0019
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Social network use and life satisfaction: a systematic review

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      Authors: Cemil Akkaş, Aykut Hamit Turan
      Abstract: As our time spent on social networking sites (SNS) is increasing, more people are facing the psychological and mental consequences of SNS use. Given the growing body of research on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction, this study aims to provide an overview of empirical studies through a systematic literature review. As a result of the screening process, 43 articles were included in the review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. First, the characteristics of the studies included in the review, such as sample country, data collection method and data analysis method, are presented. Then, the findings on the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction are outlined. Based on the results, it is seen that the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction varies considerably with the sample and platforms studied. Theoretically, this systematic review provides a comprehensive picture of the relationship between SNS use and life satisfaction and encourages researchers to study the topic further. There are reviews on the relationship between SNS use and psychological factors such as self-esteem, loneliness or depression. In the reviews, limited variables such as problematic social network use, adolescents’ social network use and social network addiction have been examined instead of general social network use. However, the number of reviews on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction is quite limited. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this systematic review is both a comprehensive literature review and one of the first studies to provide a broad perspective on the relationship between social network use and life satisfaction.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-05
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0037
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Peter Bullimore: a living tribute

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      Authors: Jerome Carson
      Abstract: This paper aims to provide a living tribute to the mental health activist and international trainer Peter Bullimore. Peter provided a list of people to who he wanted to provide tributes. Jerome approached all these people. All agreed. Several people from around the world attest to the influence that Peter’s teaching and personality have had on their clinical practice and on their lives. The disappearance of an Open Mind has left a shortage of journals, which welcome the user perspective. Mental Health and Social Inclusion have always championed the voice of people with lived experience. These are selected tributes to one man’s work in the field of mental health. These accounts provide insights into the work of a remarkable individual. Students of the mental health professions are mainly exposed to work produced by their peers. The history of mental health is filled with the stories of professionals, not the people who have used services. Historically accounts of psychiatry are written by mental health professionals. Service user or lived experience accounts are often written from the perspective of the person’s story of illness and recovery. There are comparatively few, which celebrate the additional achievements of specific individuals with lived experience.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-05
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0038
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The experience of launching a psychological hotline across 21 countries to
           support Ukrainians in wartime

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      Authors: Valeriia Palii, Mariana Velykodna, Marcio Pereira, Rosaleen McElvaney, Sam Bernard, Vitalii Klymchuk, Oleg Burlachuk, Alexander A. Lupis, Nadiia Diatel, Jane L. Ireland, Kimberley McNeill, Janina L. Scarlet, Ana L. Jaramillo-Sierra, Bassam Khoury, Diana Rocio Sánchez Munar, Sarah L. Hedlund, Tara Flanagan, Jeanne LeBlanc, Diana Maria Agudelo Velez, Yvonne Gómez-Maquet
      Abstract: This paper aims to discuss current work and further steps of the psychological hotline launched by the National Psychological Association of Ukraine (NPA), along with a call for action to mental health professionals worldwide. This paper describes the training and support of the NPA’s hotline staff as well as reflections on the hotline’s work from June 2022 to April 2023. With broad international support, the NPA’s psychological hotline currently operates in 21 countries providing psychological assistance and referrals to other service providers within Ukraine and abroad. The authors propose further steps of its work, including international collaboration. Providing citizens of Ukraine with broad public access to evidence-based remote psychological support through NPA’s hotlines is a high priority considering the war’s negative impact on mental health diverse and the limited capacity of the state mental health system.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-04
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0040
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Meaning in challenging times: how we might respond to the global COVID-19
           pandemic'

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      Authors: Michael F. Steger, Angelina Sung, Truc Anh L. Dao, Trudy M. Tompkins
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine meaning in life as an important resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper summarized key research establishing links between meaning in life and mental health and well-being variables, reviewed the literature on meaning as a protective factor and meaning-making as a coping mechanism amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as provided focal points in cultivating meaning in life. Studies strongly support the notion that meaning in life is essential for health and well-being. Research also suggests that meaning protects against worsening mental health, and that engaging in meaning-making is a coping process that ultimately leads to improved adjustment despite the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight themes are also identified in cultivating skills to build meaning during adverse times. Integrating what research has found about meaning, resilience and coping can help individuals develop practical strategies to cultivate meaning in their lives to support themselves and their communities during stressful times. Understanding the ways in which meaning can support individuals’ health and well-being is critical during a global upheaval such as that of the COVID-19 pandemic.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-05-02
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-04-2023-0039
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Humor, laughter and mental health: a case study of Mary Kay Morrison

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      Authors: Mary Kay Morrison, Ros Ben-Moshe, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH). This case study is presented in two sections: an autobiography of Mary Kay Morrison, followed by a ten-question interview. Mary Kay recommends exploration of the benefits of humor and laughter for mental health professionals. In recognition of the need for clarifying terminology, she coined the terms Humergy, which is joyful, optimistic, healthy energy and Humordoomer, which denotes a person who zaps that energy from us. Her work includes exploring the five stages of Humor Development as a significant factor in understanding cognitive development. This is a personal narrative, albeit from an educator who has been active in the field of applied and therapeutic humor for over 30 years. Humor and laughter research is recommended to explore their use in optimizing mental health. Mary Kay endorses expanding pioneering work in therapeutic humor as a treatment for anxiety and depression. She shares recommendations for humor practice in both prevention of mental health challenges and as a viable treatment for anxiety and depression. Three humor benefits with particular social applications are highlighted. Humor facilitates communication, creates an optimal learning environment and supports change. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study about Mary Kay Morrison, Past President of the AATH and founder of the AATH Certified Humor Professional program.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-28
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0036
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • “No country for old men”: the Lawnmower Maintenance Society

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      Authors: Barrie Green
      Abstract: This paper aims to describe a link between and benefits of two initiatives targeted at mental health and social inclusion. One being informal, the sport of walking football; the other a formal self-help well-being group. This reflective commentary describes two group activities which are aimed at addressing physical and mental health challenges of older adults. These are described by the author to highlight the benefits that they provide for some of the challenges faced by men in particular in later life. Using a narrative approach to describe a synergy between the two initiatives created by the link between the activities, and the participants. The Lawnmower Maintenance Society has proved to be a successful model for promoting and supporting the participant’s mental health and well-being. As we emerge from the trauma of COVID-19 and the isolation of lockdown, such initiatives may help redress the imbalance in health which resulted. Although there are several similar groups, there seems to be a positive link between the physical and mental health benefits of using Walking Football as a shared interest of the attendees. Feedback from participants and interest from the wider community suggest the positive impact of such groups, particularly as National Health Service resources are stretched beyond capacity. Although this study reports on one new group for men, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first to bring together the areas of Walking Football and a men’s support group. This type of support group could easily be extended if the footballing authorities wish to replicate it in other parts of the country. It is well known that men are very reluctant to talk about personal problems. Other workers have also tried innovative solutions to this problem, such as Men in Sheds. This case study offers a further contribution to this area. There are several academic papers, as well as information on well-being groups in both the print and social media. This commentary outlines a small, but contemporary, description of one such initiative.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-26
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0035
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Laughter and mental health: a case study of Dr Madan Kataria

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      Authors: Madan Kataria, Ros Ben-Moshe, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him. The popularity of Laughter Yoga (LY) has spread from a handful of people since 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it. This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for 30 years. LY promotes an array of physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups, including people experiencing depression or anxiety. The LY methodology is suited to people of all ages and abilities, enhancing mental health, decreasing stress levels and growing social connections and community through the universal language of laughter. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with Dr Kataria that delves into his personal background, outlining his motivation and experience behind founding LY internationally.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-11
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0032
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The Multi-Modality Practitioner (MMP) approach: a technically eclectic,
           multimodal workforce innovation in the provision of support for
           individuals and families with multiple needs
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Nicky Lidbetter, Emma Eaton, Paul Cookson, Moira Bell
      Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe and detail a new workforce initiative developed by a third sector organisation: the Multi-Modality Practitioner (MMP) approach, in the provision of support for individuals and families presenting in the community with multiple and varied needs. This paper presents a case study on a third sector organisation’s pioneering workforce initiative – the MMP approach. The MMP approach has been developed as an alternative to existing approaches designed to address “single issues”, providing those working in the fields of health and social care and beyond, with a range of technically eclectic interventions from different modalities and approaches, to enable them to appropriately meet the needs of individuals and families presenting with multiple needs. This case study is limited to providing a rationale for the development of the MMP approach and a description. It does not include any formal analysis as a future evaluative paper will report on an independent theory-based examination of the MMP approach via Theory of Change and Contribution Analysis methodologies. This case study describes the innovative role that the MMP approach as a workforce innovation plays in meeting multiple needs in the community when deployed as either a stand-alone approach, or one that can be integrated with existing community-based services including, but not limited to, mental health, employability, addiction, housing, homelessness, public health and child and family services. The MMP approach constitutes a disruptive, pionneering, client-centred, workplace innovation that is trauma-informed, relational, strengths-based and continuity of care focused, capable of supporting individuals and families with multiple needs, negating onward referral and with potential to reduce demand on public services. It also provides those working in a range of health and social care roles with the opportunity to expand their therapeutic repertoire through high-quality, multi-skilled training in evidence-based and societally important, technically eclectic interventions drawn from a range of modalities. Pluralistic practice and multimodal theories have been in existence for over two decades, the MMP approach however, whilst sharing some of these concepts and philosophies, differs in that it provides those trained in the approach with a ‘toolkit’ of interventions that are technically eclectic, drawn from a range of modalities and approaches and aimed at meeting multiple needs in a pragmatic and accessible manner. Furthermore, the Diploma in Multi-Modality Practice is the first training course of its kind available at postgraduate level.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-07
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0010
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Trafficking trauma: a review on the psychological effects of human
           trafficking

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      Authors: Raluca Ioana Pascale, Calli Tzani, Maria Ioannou, Thomas James Vaughan Williams, Daniel Hunt
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological consequences of human trafficking and to reveal the importance of appropriate post-trafficking psychological interventions. Specifically, this study provides a detailed analysis of human trafficking categories, as well as the characteristics of victims and traffickers’ motives. More recent data in the literature show that trauma-coerced attachments and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are also observed among trafficking survivors. Each of the mentioned mental disorders is presented separately, and results are discussed throughout this study. Consequently, psychological interventions are proposed in accordance with the human trafficking category, survivors’ characteristics and needs and with the relevant personal risk factors determined among victims. Sex trafficking can have a severe effect on a victim’s mental health, and mental health disorders are substantially higher in human trafficking victims compared to non-trafficked victims or general psychiatric population. Limitations, implications and future recommendations are discussed. A limited number of past studies evaluated the mental health consequences and identified that survivors have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-07
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0026
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Remarkable lives – Danielle Jeffries in conversation with Robert
           Hurst

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      Authors: Danielle Jeffries, Robert Hurst
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to share Danielle Jeffries’ story. Danielle wrote a biography of her experiences. Robert then asked a series of questions from the perspective of a mental health academic. Danielle shared stories from her life, and how her experiences have shaped her, including being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Recovery narratives such as this give us an overview of only a single person’s experiences. However, they allow the person with lived experience to explore their story in depth. What Danielle has written is very powerful. Her story will give readers an insight into her life and experiences. There is so much to learn from stories such as Danielle’s. In particular, the way that she speaks about the impact of a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. This is the first time that Danielle has chosen to share her unique story. The value of Danielle sharing her story is apparent upon reading it.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-07
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-03-2023-0031
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • “Understanding the journey from A to Z”: centering peer support
           perspectives to unveil the mechanisms and power of peer support

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      Authors: Sandy Rao, Gina Dimitropoulos
      Abstract: This study aims to gain insights from peer support workers (PSWs) on the unseen mechanisms of peer support work that may be applied to implementing a child and youth mental health peer support program in a children’s hospital emergency department (ED). This study used a critical realist perspective with a qualitative research design. Eight participants, all PSWs in health, community and social services working with adults, adolescents and children, were recruited from Alberta, Canada. Data were collected through in-person semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. The results generated interrelated patterns of meaning among PSWs that were grouped into three main themes: inside out and outside in, no one leaves empty-handed and sculpting health system softness. All participants were trained by the same organization and may have similar understandings and approaches to the peer support role. Participants were predominantly of a similar demographic; thus, participants with minoritized identities may have challenges not represented. Using nontraditional staffing models in an acute center may facilitate a shift to meet the chronic and complex issues of the 21st century. Youth peer support roles may reduce stigma by challenging stereotypes and myths, reduce social isolation and improve meaning, connection and belonging for individuals with mental illness who are often dislocated and disconnected from society. This study exemplified the positive impacts peer support could make by improving child, youth and family experiences; reducing stigma; providing hope and help; and embedding the recovery model directly into the ED.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-04-04
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0016
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The aftermath of the Syrian crisis: a glimpse of the challenging life of
           widowed and divorced refugee women in Jordan

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      Authors: Ayat J. Nashwan, Lina Alzouabi
      Abstract: This study aims to address the social, cultural, financial and psychological obstacles these women face in preserving their living arrangements and in parenting as well as the coping mechanisms women adopt to overcome everyday challenges. Researchers used qualitative methodology and interviews to fulfill the aims. Researchers used qualitative methodology and interviews to fulfill the aims. The sample consists of 20 Syrians living in Jordan’s Amman, Irbid and Al Ramtha in specially designed compounds for them (14 widows and 6 divorcees). This study’s findings demonstrate that social and cultural norms existing in Jordan and Syria are generally similar, in which women view the males in the family as a source of socioeconomic and emotional stability for them. Widows and divorcees face serious sociocultural, financial and psychological challenges in maintaining their living conditions and the integration process as well as performing single parenting. Faith and social connections represent an important part of coping with the situation in the short term; nevertheless, financial and psychological support seems a vital component in the long term. Research on the conditions of widows and divorcees provides evidence to comprehensively approach the issue of “vulnerabilities” in the humanitarian-policy programming targeting refugees. Theoretically, the findings may provide empirical insights for discussions around women’s changing identities through displacement, agency and empowerment in relation to parenting experiences. The lived experience of widowhood and divorce among Syrian is understudied, while their resilience strategies are less known. To fill these gaps, this study focuses on Syrian refugee widows and divorcees who are raising their children in specially designated compounds in Jordan and the difficulties they face on social, economic and emotional levels. Besides its originality in providing empirical material about challenges Syrian women faced, our study contributes to better understand women's claims for agency and empowerment as a part of identity changes.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-27
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0007
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • “You can end up in a happy place” (Voyce): a role for positive
           autoethnography

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      Authors: Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky, Mark Weeks, Jerome Carson
      Abstract: The purpose of this opinion piece is to present a case for the potential of positive autoethnography (PosAE) as a new autoethnographic approach. This work resulted from on-going discussions between the authors as to the practicalities and benefits of associating the qualitative approach of autoethnography with the field of positive psychology. PosAE is proposed to encourage writers to actively reflect on the importance for themselves, and their readers, of including positive narrative elements, prospective visions and exploratory trajectories in their work. This research builds on existing research that has included positive psychology in autoethnography. As positive psychology is grounded in empirical research, the authors are suggesting that PosAE is allied to pragmatic autoethnography. PosAE offers to facilitate positive thought, affect and strategies that could improve well-being. For example, some people struggling with serious health issues, and those helping them, may find it useful for articulating conditions and envisioning, even experiencing, positive change. With so many lives impacted by mental health issues globally, and with rapidly changing societies struggling to provide stability and purpose, an autoethnography that provides tools such as PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments/Achievements) to communicate the positive seems timely. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the creation of an autoethnographic approach explicitly linked to positive psychology has been proposed.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-22
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0021
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Mental health and character strengths: the dual role of boosting
           well-being and reducing suffering

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      Authors: Ryan M. Niemiec
      Abstract: This paper aims to examine how character strengths have an important dual role in mental health in both promoting well-being and mental wellness and also in reducing symptoms and suffering. While there are many studies that have touched upon variables that character strengths can enhance for mental well-being or reduce for suffering, the author actually knows very little about how character strengths might relate to or impact mental health. A large-scale study of 12,050 individuals was conducted to explore the self-perceived character strengths that are most helpful for mental health, for handling physical adversity, for handling social adversity and for fostering psychological well-being. Some character strengths showed a general effect – showing a strong perceived impact across multiple domains – such as love, perspective, kindness, hope, humor and curiosity. Other character strengths showed a specific effect in that there was a strong perceived impact in one domain, such as perseverance and self-regulation for physical health, spirituality and social intelligence for social health and creativity for mental health. A strength-based approach to understanding and managing emotions was substantially more preferred than cognitive or behavioral approaches. Other findings examined the character strengths most desired to be improved upon for mental health. The research strategy was cross-sectional, thereby causality cannot be determined. Because of the large sample size, researchers are encouraged to consider examining the findings in intervention studies. This study indicates that character strengths are highly relevant for mental health, all 24 character strengths are possible pathways to impact mental health (some more than others) and individuals can readily connect ways they can use their character strengths to positively improve their well-being and manage their suffering. Character strengths and their substantial positive potential provide an avenue for public impact on a large scale. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first known study to directly examine multiple intersections among mental health and character strengths in a large sample.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-13
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0012
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • “My words matter”: perspectives on evaluation from people who access
           and work in recovery colleges
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Sophie Soklaridis, Rowen Shier, Georgia Black, Gail Bellissimo, Anna Di Giandomenico, Sam Gruszecki, Elizabeth Lin, Jordana Rovet, Holly Harris
      Abstract: The purpose of this co-produced research project was to conduct interviews with people working in, volunteering with and accessing Canadian recovery colleges (RCs) to explore their perspectives on what an evaluation strategy for RCs could look like. This study used a participatory action research approach and involved semistructured interviews with 29 people involved with RCs across Canada. In this paper, the authors share insights from participants about the purposes of RC evaluation; key elements of evaluation; and the most applicable and effective approaches to evaluation. Participants indicated that RC evaluations should use a personalized, humanistic and accessible approach. The findings suggest that evaluations can serve multiple purposes and have the potential to support both organizational and personal-recovery goals if they are developed with meaningful input from people who access and work in RCs. The findings can be used to guide evaluations in which aspects that are most important to those involved in RCs could inform choices, decisions, priorities, developments and adaptations in RC evaluation processes and, ultimately, in programming. A recent scoping review revealed that although coproduction is a central feature of the RC model, coproduction principles are rarely acknowledged in descriptions of how RC evaluation strategies are developed. Exploring coproduction processes in all aspects of the RC model, including evaluation, can further the mission of RCs, which is to create spaces where people can come together and engage in mutual capacity-building and collaboration.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-07
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0002
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Irish transgender voices on mental health and mental health care
         This is an Open Access Article Open Access Article

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      Authors: Jan de Vries, Carmel Downes, Danika Sharek, Louise Doyle, Rebecca Murphy, Thelma Begley, Edward McCann, Fintan Sheerin, Siobhan Smyth, Agnes Higgins
      Abstract: People who identify as transgender face stigma, isolation and harassment while often struggling to come to terms with their gender identity. They also disproportionately experience mental health difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to present the voices of transgender people in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) in regard to the issues they are facing, improvements they would like to see made to schools, workplaces, services and society in general and whether mental health supports fulfil their needs. Ten open questions were embedded within a quantitative online survey (LGBTIreland study) on factors impacting social inclusion, mental health and care. These open questions were re-analysed with exclusive focus on the transgender participants (n = 279) using content/thematic analysis. The participants in this study reported significant signs of mental distress. The following themes emerged: impact of stigma, deficiencies in mental health services, need for education on transgender identity, importance of peer support, achieving self-acceptance and societal inclusion questioned. Efforts to recruit young participants have led to a possible over-representation in this study. The findings suggest the need for improvement in mental health support services, including further education in how to meet the needs of transgender individuals. Transgender people in Ireland experience social exclusion. The need for more inclusivity was emphasised most in secondary schools. Education on transgender identities in all contexts of society is recommended by the participants. This study reports on the largest group of transgender participants to date in RoI. Their voices will affect perceptions on social inclusion and mental health care.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-03
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0085
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The role of music in social projects: an introduction to its well-being
           benefits

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      Authors: Oscar Odena
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the role of music in social projects. This paper introduces the reader to the field of social music projects and why it is important. Ongoing conflicts, inequalities and the use of orchestras and choirs for other-than-musical purposes, have all contributed to an increasing interest and adoption of music practices in social projects to support people’s inclusion and well-being, from both service providers and service users. This paper will look at research into music for social inclusion, with particular attention on benefits related to well-being and methodological innovations in this field. The research examples will also consider the implications of various social music projects for the support of well-being of diverse groups of people. Different approaches and points of view will be considered in relation to their impact on inclusion and well-being. Over the past 17 years, the author has developed an interest in the use of music and musical creativity for social purposes. The author has recently edited a book, published by Routledge, on music and social inclusion and feels it is an important topic for the Journal of Mental Health and Social Inclusion.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-01
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0013
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Contributions of eudaimonic well-being to mental health practice

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      Authors: Carol D. Ryff
      Abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine synergies between a eudaimonic model of psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989) and mental health practice. The model grew out of clinical, developmental, existential and humanistic perspectives that emphasized psychological strengths and capacities, in contrast to the focus on emotional distress and dysfunction in clinical psychology. Conceptual foundations of the eudaimonic approach are described, along with the six components positive functioning that are used to measure well-being. These qualities may be important in facilitating the recovery experiences, which are of interest in Mental Health and Social Inclusion. Four categories of empirical evidence about eudaimonia are reviewed: how it changes with aging, how it matters for health, what are its biological and neurological underpinnings and whether it can be promoted. Major contemporary forces against eudaimonia are also considered, including ever-widening inequality, the enduring pandemic and world-wide strife. In contrast, encounters with the arts and nature are put forth as forces for eudaimonia. The relevance of these ideas for mental health research and practice is considered. Enormous suffering defines our contemporary world. Such realities call for greater attention to factors that undermine as well as nurture the realization of human potential, the core of eudaimonic well-being. Mental health is often defined as the absence of mental illness. The novelty of the eudaimonic approach is to define mental health as the presence of well-being, assessed with different components of positive functioning.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-03-01
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0091
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Is this the real life' Or just a fantasy' A closer look at
           maladaptive daydreaming

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      Authors: Mahimna Vyas, Mehatab Shaikh, Shubh Rana, Anjana Gauri Pendyala
      Abstract: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) has yet to be recognized as a formal condition. This paper aims to shed light on the phenomenon of daydreaming, its potential maladaptive nature and the characteristics of MD, as well as potential interventions that may be implemented to address it. The present paper is a general conceptual review of the condition of MD. It provides a historical overview of the phenomenon and attempts to draw meaningful inferences from the scientific work pertaining to the development of diagnostic criteria, the assessment and interventions developed to treat MD. Studies have shown that MD can cause distress and impair an individual's typical functioning, and specific diagnostic criteria and symptoms have been identified. Scheduled clinical interviews, self-report measures and derivative treatment modules are currently utilized to understand, assess and treat the symptoms related to MD. Formal recognition of the condition ensures that the individuals receiving treatment for the condition are provided with insurance coverage and reimbursement for treatment.
      Authors also hope for MD recognition, awareness, reduced stigma and acceptance. This review offers a fair overview of the recent scientific findings pertaining to MD and attempts to open a channel of discourse to enhance the inclusivity of relevant psychopathological conditions in the existing classifications.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-28
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0014
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Factors contributing suicide in India

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      Authors: Avanish Bhai Patel
      Abstract: The death of a person caused by suicide is a matter of grave concern in contemporary society. Today, a number of people in society are taking their own lives because of many reasons. This study aims to examine the causes of suicide in Indian society using anomie theory. The author has applied the content analysis method. The researcher has collated 210 occurrences of suicide from newspapers of Uttar Pradesh between 1 October 2020 and 30 April 2021. The author has recognised the type, patterns and causes of suicide in society by analysing and observing daily news items. The result demonstrates that most suicides (16.67%) have been caused by frustration/mental illness, followed by several other causes of suicide such as family problems (13.81%), love affairs (10.00%), poverty (9.05%), harassment (8.57%) and sexual harassment (7.62%). The data shows a major gap in the number of suicide deaths between the genders. This is an original work of researcher which is basically based on anomie theory.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-17
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0011
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Reflections on Sixth form education: a weight worth bearing'

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      Authors: Lewis Coates
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to share experiences of attending Sixth Form (SF) and to provide reflections on coping, stress management and support for an underresearched cohort of students in Britain. This will be the first in several papers dedicated to the experiences of Sixth Form (SF) students and the need for more research into this area as well as the exploration of the sources of stress that SF students may face. Reflective, narrative first-person approach with supporting literature and own research over the master’s thesis of the author and current PhD research. Key reflections are SF education lacks support for students who may feel undersupported. Many things other than academics are occurring in this time of life and can become problematic to the students if not supported. Students experience a myriad of changes across this time period but are left behind the author’s support and revision systems that cater to General Certificate of Secondary Education students but are unable to provide support for SF students. Social implications are focussed on building awareness and research into the support needs and sources of stress for SF students. This paper is one person’s experience with the institution of SF and the expectations, challenges and sources of stress that the author experienced. This paper contributes to the exploration of this underresearched cohort of students.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-15
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0006
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Crafting and recognising good enough autoethnographies: a practical guide
           and checklist

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      Authors: Alec John Grant
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide a practical guide and checklist for newcomers to autoethnography. The approach is grounded in autoethnographic methodology, functioning as a comprehensive teaching resource. When used as a learning resource, this study will enhance the work of beginning autoethnographers. As an arts and humanities and social science-based research approach, autoethnography is a vital, creative methodology in advancing social justice in mental health. This study, written by an experienced teacher, mentor and supervisor of the approach with an international reputation, is original in its provision of a comprehensive teaching resource in article form to assist the development of beginning autoethnographers.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-10
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-01-2023-0009
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • An exploration of the implementation of peer work across multiple fields
           in Ireland

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      Authors: Daryl Mahon, Danika Sharek
      Abstract: Peer support work is increasingly becoming part of the delivery of health and social care services. However, in an Irish context, there is a paucity of research in this area. This study aims to investigate the experiences of peers and other key stakeholders across four sectors in Ireland. Qualitative interviews (N = 35) were conducted with key respondents in mental health, substance use, migrant health and homelessness sectors. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and reported using an ecological framework. Peer work is a slowly emerging area of practice, although mental health is further ahead in this journey. Findings suggest that peers are important additions to service delivery but also have various support and development needs. Organisations can encourage and support peers into employment through enacting human resource policy and practices, effective supervision, management and maintaining a positive working culture. Helping other professionals to understand the peer role and how it can function within the wider team is highlighted. National policy and governance structures can also support the emergence of the peer role, which exists in a highly complex arena. Peers can play a meaningful role in supporting service users in four sectors of health and social care in Ireland. Structures and processes to help embed these roles into systems are encouraged across micro, meso and macro levels. Implications and limitations are discussed for moving forward with peer work. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to include these four areas of practice simultaneously.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-03
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0082
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • (Re)-constructing patients’ post-treatment identities through a gender
           lens: a case among psychiatric patients in Malaysia

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      Authors: Nur Zafifa Kamarunzaman
      Abstract: Psychiatric patients’ post-treatment identities are one of the potent indicators reflecting the efficacy of the medical intervention. This study aims to explore how psychiatric patients construct their post-treatment social identities through a gender lens. This study used a descriptive phenomenological approach, and in-depth interviews were undertaken on 29 informants with experience of psychiatric treatment for at least one year and who are in the remission stage. The lived experience of each informant was scrutinised, which covered how psychiatric post-treatment affects and alters their personal life, work and social relationships. Data collected were then analysed using thematic analysis. The result found two mutually reinforced identities, namely, self-empowerment and resilience emerged from their experience with psychiatric post-treatment. Firstly, self-empowerment themes include acceptance of the disorders, meaningful choices, assertiveness and helping others. Such self-empowerment attributes enabled them to negotiate with the doctors during the treatment and also with their family members and partners. Secondly, psychiatric post-treatment allows them to be resilient; their good feeling of being liberated from the symptoms while allowing them to partake in a normal lifestyle. Meanwhile, gender differences were found to have diverse meaning-making that positively impacted their lives, particularly among female informants. Firstly, the data collection was only made in two states in North Peninsular Malaysia; hence, it would be biased in this sense to generalize to a larger population. At the same time, a prevalent study could be undertaken to view the pervasiveness of mental illness among Malaysians. Secondly, the study did not investigate the social institutions that are linked to the relief of psychiatric patients in the country. Thus, there is a grey area on how at the systemic level aid is given to the patients and the impact of such action. A rigour campaign on promoting mental health should be undertaken to create an inclusive environment for the patients. This is consistent with the aspiration of deinstitutionalization and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 agenda by the Malaysian government. This is a call for an allotment in special education, training, and funding, employment, housing and other aspects that are significant for their livelihood. The findings discovered that their social environment primarily caused the depression suffered by the patients. The remark is particularly true for female informants who had very little control over their lives and bodies. Hence, health professionals should consider practicing cultural and gender-sensitive treatment for these patients. Such treatments are to avoid re-discriminating, or re-victimisation feelings to occur during the treatment. Patients’ post-treatment social identity construction is seldom reported systematically through a gender lens. This study is one of the early efforts on gender lens that allow one to understand how it influences social structures and institutions, especially in the Malaysian realm.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-02
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-08-2022-0056
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Literacy and mental health across the globe: a systematic review

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      Authors: Lucy Hunn, Bonnie Teague, Paul Fisher
      Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess if there is a relationship between literacy abilities and mental health outcomes as reported in global literature. Fourteen percent of the global population has little or no literacy. Literacy skills impact on daily functioning and have been shown to impact on social outcomes. Whilst there has been research examining the potential association between literacy and mental health outcomes in specific populations, there has been no systematic review of this literature to date. A systematic review was carried out using Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed to identify relevant papers that measured both literacy and mental health. Data relating to the association between literacy and mental health were extracted. The papers included were assessed for quality using a bespoke quality rating tool. A narrative synthesis describes the findings. Nineteen studies from across nine countries were included in the analysis. Seventeen studies showed a significant association between literacy and mental health, those with lower literacy had greater mental health difficulties. Some papers reported factors that interacted with this association, such as age, gender, poverty and years of education. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review to look at the global picture of literacy and mental health. It suggests there is a relationship between literacy abilities and mental health outcomes, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals and services including identification of literacy needs within routine mental health practice.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-02
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-09-2022-0064
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Coffee as an axis of recovery: cooperativism and mental health

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      Authors: Andrés Felipe Agudelo Hernández, Ana Belén Giraldo Alvarez
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand the functioning of a mutual aid group for mental health in rural area and analyze their own strategies for the recovery of mental health, especially those focused on cooperation, social innovation and the strengthening of their own culture through coffee. The qualitative approach was addressed through the thematic analysis, method to identify, analyze and report patterns within the data. For the selection of participants, the members of a mutual aid group called “Cooperativa de Mujeres' was selected. This group functions as an autonomous business organization in Risaralda, Colombia. They have accompanied people diagnosed with anxiety, depression and domestic violence. Six women were interviewed, between the ages of 18 and 62. Two thematic nuclei are described: “One for all” made up of categories such as identification with the other, need for the other, being able to communicate, contributing to the group involuntarily and actions to help others. “All for one”, made up of categories such as growing together, welcoming individuals in their individuality from group dynamics, strengthening the relationship of the person with reality, strengthen from the experiences of others. Mutual Aid Groups in mental health propose associative structures that they seek to oppose the barriers of historical exclusion in the labor field and in this way contribute to the fact that the models, although they have a long history, have been little studied with a view to their implementation by health systems. Current research in the field of health should focus on recognizing the flaws of the current mental health model focused on medicalization, psychologization and institutionalization, and point to a greater commitment to intersectoral support for initiatives and scenarios that promote links, networks, autonomy and care for each other and the environment, where sustainability and social and economic growth are fundamental. The transformative actions of cooperatives are configured with a fundamental element when it comes to generating spaces for the rehabilitation of mental health. Components of a mutual aid group in rural areas are explored, which could serve to replicate said structures in similar scenarios, especially in territories where social inequities make recovery difficult, such as Colombia.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-02-02
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0087
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Laughter, mental health and cancer: a case study of Ros Ben-Moshe

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      Authors: Ros Ben-Moshe, Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
      Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to meet Ros Ben-Moshe, a cancer survivor – or rather thriver – and lecturer in positive psychology at La Trobe University, describes how she uses laughter to boost levity and mental health. This case study is divided into two parts: an autoethnographic life story of Ros Ben-Moshe, followed by 10 questions and answers. Regular laughter is an enjoyable way to stimulate the feel-good chemicals dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. A laughter mindset is an important tool for overall wellbeing. It can help build connections and re-frame negative situations. This is a personal narrative and gives the perspective of one person who harnessed the benefits of laughter following a cancer diagnosis. Laughter can be used strategically to reset our internal mindset and prime ourselves towards optimal mental health and wellbeing, even while struggling with serious health issues. Research into how and when to prescribe laughter for mental health and overall wellbeing is therefore of interest. Social laughter is important and rewarding. For those anxious about social laughter, finding people to laugh with who do not judge you is recommended, as are affirmations to lessen anxiety. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with a cancer survivor on the topic of laughter, cancer and mental health.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-01-26
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2022-0071
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Suicide attempts as turning points

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      Authors: David Lester
      Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine why an attempt at suicide does not always indicate the beginning of a life with poor mental health. Case studies, supplemented by follow-up studies of attempted suicides. One of the strongest predictors of a healthy life after the suicide attempt was found to be improvement in the appropriateness of behavior toward others and improved adult functioning. The results suggest that behavioral coaching, in addition to traditional psychiatric treatment, could help attempted suicides move on with their lives productively.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-01-25
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0092
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • The career of a suicidologist

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      Authors: David Lester
      Abstract: This essay aims to describe how the author began his career as a suicidologist and his style that made him so productive. The author used autobiographical details to illustrate the elements of his career. Childhood experiences include sleeping in air raid shelter from 1942 to 1945 in London (UK), while his style includes obsessiveness in reading everything on suicide, applying ideas from other fields (such as economics) to the study of suicide and obtaining academic freedom early in his career. The essay offers guidelines for others who are in the early stages of a career as a researcher.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-01-20
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-12-2022-0084
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Homelessness: partnerships and approaches to tackling complex needs

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      Authors: Angela Woods, Ben Hughes, Rebecca Lace, Joanne Dickinson
      Abstract: This paper – the first of three – aims to explore some of the complex physical and mental health needs of those experiencing homelessness. It will act as a leader to the other articles by establishing the nature of the problem and offer a rationale for carrying out a service user needs assessment as part of a review of local service provision in the North West of England against the backdrop of the current COVID-19 epidemic. There are a number of complex social and health inequalities often experienced by those who are homeless. Effectively tackling these requires a co-ordinated multi-agency response to both prevent and tackle the harms associated with being and becoming homeless. Partnership working offers the best opportunity to meet the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness. The current delivery model being actioned in the North West of England highlights the importance of the links between statutory and non-statutory services. An ongoing service user needs assessment will further help to highlight contemporary issues faced by those experiencing homelessness and those providing services in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. Future papers as part of this series of three will consider the implications of social exclusion and barriers to accessing services faced on a day-to-day basis by those experiencing homelessness. The opportunity to reflect on established views in relation to the nature and scope of homelessness. It will consider the implications exclusion from society and service provision that this group face on a day-to-day basis. The paper will describe a contemporary approach to tackling current issues faced by those experiencing homelessness in the current context of the COVID-19 epidemic.
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-01-16
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-11-2022-0081
      Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
       
  • Editorial

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      Authors: Jerome Carson
      Abstract: Editorial
      Citation: Mental Health and Social Inclusion
      PubDate: 2023-07-11
      DOI: 10.1108/MHSI-06-2023-103
      Issue No: Vol. 27, No. 3 (2023)
       
 
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