Hybrid journal * Containing 2 Open Access article(s) in this issue * ISSN (Print) 1361-9322 - ISSN (Online) 2042-8758 Published by Emerald[362 journals]
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Authors:Chris Griffiths, Ksenija da Silva, Harmony Jiang, Kate Walker, David Smart, Azhar Zafar, Sarah Deeks, Sinead Galvin, Taz Shah Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Alpha-Stim Anxiety, Insomnia and Depression (AID) cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) on anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life for primary care social prescribing service patients with anxiety symptoms. Open-label patient cohort design with no control group. A total of 33 adult patients (average age 42 years) completed six weeks of Alpha-Stim AID use. Pre- and post-intervention assessment with participant self-report measures: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and European Quality of Life Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L). Reliable improvement and remission rates, respectively, were 53.39% and 33.3% for GAD-7; 46.7% and 29.5% for PHQ-9. There was a significant improvement in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 with large effect sizes. EQ-5D-5L results showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life. Perceived quality of life increased by 0.17 on the health index score, with the intervention adding 1.68 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Alpha-Stim AID can be delivered through a primary health-care social prescribing service and most patients will use as prescribed and complete treatment course. Alpha-Stim AID CES may be an effective anxiety and depression treatment for people with anxiety symptoms. The widespread roll-out of Alpha-Stim AID in health-care systems should be considered. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to respond to the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) request for the collection of real-world data to understand better Alpha-Stim AID in relation to people’s treatment uptake, response rates and treatment completion rates (NICE, 2021). Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-05-25 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-11-2022-0068 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:John Goodwin, Laura Behan Abstract: People who experience mental illness often demonstrate limited help-seeking behaviours. There is evidence to suggest that media content can influence negative attitudes towards mental illness; less is known about how media impacts help-seeking behaviours. The purpose of this study is to identify if media plays a role in people’s decisions to seek help for their mental health. The databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text [H.W. Wilson] and Soc Index were systemically searched for papers in the English language that investigated the link between media and help-seeking for mental illness. Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria. There was some evidence to suggest that various forms of media – including video and online resources – can positively influence help-seeking for mental health. Print media had some limited effect on help-seeking behaviours but was weaker in comparison to other forms of media. There was no evidence to suggest that media discourages people from seeking help. This review identified that, given the heterogeneity of the included papers, and the limited evidence available, there is a need for more focused research to determine how media impacts mental health-related help-seeking behaviours. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-05-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-06-2022-0038 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Fiammetta Rocca, Thomas Schröder, Stephen Regel Abstract: Lengthy and complex routes to specialist care may negatively affect clinical profiles of trauma survivors accessing mental health services. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and referral pathways of a cohort of clients accepted by a specialist trauma service in England; and investigate the associations between referral pathways and clients’ clinical profiles, namely, pre-treatment levels of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic growth. Data on 117 consecutive, accepted referrals were extracted from clients’ clinical records. Information on demographics, trauma histories, clinical presentations and referral pathways was synthesised through summary statistics. Correlational analyses were conducted to test associations with pre-treatment scores. Clients accessing the service were highly complex and mostly experienced prolonged, interpersonal trauma. Pathways to the service varied, but 50% of the sample had at least four “steps” in their referral histories and seven previous clinical contacts. The average time between trauma and specialist referral was 16.34 years. The number of referral steps positively, significatively and moderately correlated with anxiety and stress at pre-treatment. Limitations include issues around collecting past referral information, the small sample size for clients with available pre-treatment data and the lack of post-treatment scores. This evaluation provides an informative overview of the characteristics and referral pathways of clients accessing a specialist trauma service. It also offers preliminary insights on the relationship between clients’ routes into the service and their clinical profiles. Practice, commissioning and research implications are discussed. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-05-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-08-2022-0055 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Kelly Fenton, Katherine Kidd, Alex Lord Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess if the new community-enhanced rehabilitation team reduced anxiety and readmissions in service users discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Service user’s anxiety level was measured before being discharged and at the end of the Community Enhanced Rehabilitation Team (CERT) transition intervention. Six service users were interviewed to gain further understanding of their experiences of anxiety. Findings showed the anxiety score was significantly lower (M = 1.5, 95% CI [0.051,2.99], t(20) = 2.159, p = 0.043) following the CERT intervention (M = 8.6, SD = 6.4) compared to before (M = 10.1, SD = 7.0). No service user receiving the CERT intervention was readmitted to hospital within 12 weeks of discharge from the inpatient setting, compared to three service users (15% of those discharged) who were discharged to other community services. Community rehabilitation pathways would benefit from having interventions to aid patient transitions from inpatient to the community. The National Health Service (NHS) trusts develop community rehabilitation teams as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and they should consider including transitional support as part of their model. It is recommended that as NHS trusts design and implement community mental health teams, they should consider including transition support as part of their model. People with severe and enduring mental health difficulties who have been in an inpatient rehabilitation setting would benefit from community transitional support. This study suggests that such support helps reduce anxiety and readmission. Community rehabilitation teams are currently being developed across the NHS as part of the NHS long-term plan. These teams are new, and as such, there is a dearth of information regarding their effectiveness. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to evaluate outcomes in these new teams. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-05-08 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-09-2022-0059 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Hala Bucheeri, Afsana Faheem Abstract: This study aims to explore whether the cultural competency training in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services is sufficient to equip Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP) to support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) service users. A qualitative design was adopted using semi-structured interviews with six PWP participants. Reflexive thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step process was used in data analysis. Three themes revealed evaluations of PWP training, factors supporting PWPs’ cultural competency and points of improvement for PWP training. The training briefly and superficially covered cultural competency content; however, it encouraged PWPs to explore potential personal and cultural biases in therapy. PWP training can also be improved by providing more culturally relevant resources and involving BAME service users. A small sample size (N = 6) was used, impacting the findings’ generalizability. PWP training does not sufficiently equip PWPs to support BAME service users. PWPs’ reflection of their own ethnic identity and personal experiences, when combined with training, can improve cultural competency. IAPT training should focus on cultural awareness, knowledge and skills to enhance therapeutic experience. Moreover, PWPs should reflect on their identity, personal biases and experiences when working with diverse communities. This is one of the few qualitative studies evaluating the cultural competencies of PWPs in IAPT. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-04-25 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-01-2023-0004 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Gilbert Azuela, Daniel Sutton, Kirsten van Kessel Abstract: Sensory modulation is an emerging approach that aims to reduce distress and agitation in mental health service users and potentially avoid the necessity for coercive practices such as seclusion and restraint. Despite the growing use of this intervention, there has been limited research exploring the implementation of sensory modulation at an organisational level, both internationally and within the New Zealand context. The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of a sensory modulation programme in two New Zealand inpatient mental health services using an exploratory organisational case study design. Organisational case study design methodology was used to explore the implementation of a sensory modulation programme in two New Zealand acute adult inpatient mental health services. This study explored how key organisational and staff factors (including policies and practices related to de-escalation and seclusion reduction) influence sensory modulation implementation. Cases were described and examined the pattern of findings. Strategies found to support implementation were identified at environmental, organisational, group and individual staff levels. Aspects highlighted as being particularly important included taking an inter-professional approach in leadership and training, rostering flexibility and leeway in staffing levels to support training attendance and responsiveness to crises. The facilitators and strategies highlighted in this study may be used to support the design and implementation of future sensory modulation programmes in New Zealand and internationally. The complexity of factors that influenced the implementation of the sensory modulation approach within an inpatient setting made determining the effectiveness of the approach challenging. However, the general principles and strategies identified in this study offer useful insights for the design and implementation of future sensory modulation programmes. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-04-18 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-06-2022-0035 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Ollie Pentz, Jennifer Cooke, Harriet Sharp Abstract: This study aims to describe the experiences and barriers to care for women with autistic spectrum condition (ASC) under the care of the Brighton and Hove Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service (BHSPMHS) and provide recommendations to improve the service. Patients with an ASC diagnosis or suspected diagnosis and awaiting assessment under the care of BHSPMHS were offered to take part in the study. Five patients were interviewed to explore their experiences. Participants had a mix of positive and negative experiences of services. Positives included the continuous support and allowing flexibility around appointments. Dialectical behavioural therapy groups running online instead of in-person was highlighted as a universal negative as well as delays in diagnosing ASC. Those likely to meet the criteria for ASC but are awaiting formal diagnosis should be treated with appropriate adjustments to service provision as those who have received a diagnosis. Recommendations for service improvements include the provision of smaller, in-person therapy groups. Adjustments to treatments may include flexibility around appointment times and location. There is little research into the experiences of people with ASC under the care of perinatal mental health teams. As specialist perinatal services expand, it is important to understand the experiences of women with ASC being cared for by these services, to ensure they are accessible and inclusive. The results of this study will be used to guide service development and act as a model for other services, with the intention of improving care for this patient group. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-04-07 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-08-2022-0056 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Hannah Sophia Holland, Anna Tickle Abstract: This study aims to identify and critically appraise literature exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptomatology for individuals who misuse substances. Systematic searches across six databases (PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL and ProQuest), hand searching and citation chaining were conducted between June and August 2021. Key search terms included BPD, substance use, therapy and effect. Study and sample characteristics, interventions, outcome measures and key findings were extracted. Quality assessment and a narrative synthesis approach were used to explore strengths, limitations and relationships between and within studies. Seven eligible reports were included and showed mostly adequate quality. Mixed samples, designs, outcomes, definitions and implementation varied. Treatment completion did not differ significantly between those who did and did not misuse substances. Interventions demonstrated effectiveness in relation to psychiatric symptoms, hospital admissions, self-efficacy and impulsive and self-mutilating (cutting, burning, etc.) behaviours. No effects were found for suicidal or parasuicidal (threats, preparation and attempts) behaviours. This review only considers individuals with diagnoses of BPD who are not accessing substance misuse treatment. Radically open dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), therapeutic communities and other interventions are available as interventions for substance misuse (Beaulieu et al., 2021). Based on the findings of this review, it should not be assumed that such interventions affect substance misuse rather than BPD symptomatology. Therefore, future research might explore the effectiveness of these interventions on BPD symptomatology despite this not being the primary target for intervention. Despite McCrone et al. (2008) noting the cost of this population’s difficulties to both themselves and services, the limited number of studies in this area is astonishing. Despite a lack of quality in the data available, there i some evidence to support the use of DBT and general psychiatric management (GPM) interventions for those with BPD and concurrent substance misuse. It is therefore of principal importance that health and social care services action Public Health England’s (2017) recommendations. Individuals with coexisting BPD and substance misuse would then receive support from any professional they see, who could then refer for psychological therapies. Although the reports appear to show that DBT, integrated therapies and GPM may be effective for this population, conclusions cannot be drawn with high levels of confidence due to heterogeneity among studies. The findings indicate that future, high-quality research is needed to test the effects of interventions on BPD symptomatology for those who misuse substances. Randomised controlled trials with sufficient statistical power, homogeneous outcomes and standardised methodological approaches are needed. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-03-30 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-07-2022-0043 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Luís Paulino Ferreira, Nuno Filipe Ribeiro, Marco António Duarte Abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with risk of suicide and chronic psychological impairment. The continued exposure to stress suffered by health-care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic can be considered a mass traumatic event and contribute to higher rates of PTSD in this population. The purpose of this research is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among HCW in a general hospital. The authors devised a survey to assess the prevalence of PTSD among HCWs in a general hospital and its relationship with sex, social support, profession, work experience in health care, time spent caring for COVID-19 patients and place in which the COVID-19-related activities were carried out. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PCL-5, Portuguese version. A total of 226 HCWs were included in the study. Provisional diagnosis of PTSD was made based on the PCL-5 responses, considering DSM-5 criteria and the cutoff score of 33. In total, 79 (35.0%) HCWs had a provisional diagnosis of PTSD, and a significant association was found between PTSD and time spent working with COVID-19 patients and between PTSD and place of work, namely, the COVID-19 emergency room and intensive care unit. The results highlight the need for a reflection on the importance of mental health promotion among HCWs, specially in adverse conditions such as the current pandemic. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-03-03 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-05-2022-0030 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Paula Chatterjee, Maria Grazia Turri Abstract: Service users’ voice is at the forefront of movements within psychiatry that look to create more humanising care. Although genuine co-production of knowledge is limited by the power differential intrinsically functional to the health care setting, the arts have the potential to create collaborative environments and equalise relationships. The purpose of this case study is to describe and discuss the design and pilot evaluation of creative writing workshops in a forensic mental health ward as an innovative method for humanising care. A creative writing intervention focussing on everyday experiences was implemented in a forensic mental health ward and involved four residents and four mental health professionals working together. Interviews were conducted with the four mental health professionals as part of a service evaluation. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Two themes emerged from the analysis of interviews with mental health professionals: “a new way of learning about each other” and “imagining beyond the staff-resident relationship”. The authors discuss the intervention’s benefits in terms of its potential to foster mutuality and empathy beyond the illness narrative. Creative writing can be used to engage patients and mental health professionals to jointly share everyday experiences and identities beyond illness. The creative writing workshops present an innovative approach concerning the use of creative arts for humanising care through mutuality. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-02-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-03-2022-0014 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Yusra Alshawwa, Faisil Sethi Abstract: This paper aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health organisations in England. A qualitative mixed-methods approach was applied, including a review of the academic literature, a review of the non-academic literature and a brief semi-structured survey. Respondents of the semi-structured survey included seven healthcare leaders from four different NHS Mental Health Trusts in England. This review applied thematic analysis to the data findings. Mental health organisations in England have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the identified resources found four overarching areas for learning: organisational structures, approaches to practice (working and delivering care), leadership and staff support. Organisational structures refer to structural, systemic and procedural changes that have taken place. Approaches to practice relate to shifts in organisational work and delivery of care. Leadership identifies styles used to manage change and disruption. Staff support refers to measures and interventions applied to meet changing staff needs and well-being. Mental health organisations can reduce the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through continuous improvements in future crisis planning, innovations in clinical practice and a sustained focus on staff well-being. A multi-dimensional exploration into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health organisations was conducted. The review also provides insights into the experience of healthcare leadership in managing change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-02-01 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-07-2022-0042 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Antaine Stíobhairt, David Staunton, Suzanne Guerin Abstract: This paper aims to explore the extent to which principles of recovery-oriented practice are evident in the published perspectives and experiences of health professionals and service users on seclusion in adult mental health services. A systematic review informed by PRISMA guidelines was conducted, drawing from four databases, which were searched in August 2018 and August 2022. Only original empirical studies rated as having “major” relevance were included. Data were extracted from 31 studies and qualitatively synthesised through deductive analysis using recovery principles as themes. There was limited evidence of perceptions of seclusion being being consistent with recovery principles, with greater evidence of perceptions that directly opposed them. Studies of service user perspectives highlighted this more often than staff perspectives. The findings highlight paradoxical relationships between care and control and conflicting rights and emphasise the need to openly acknowledge the complexity of seclusion and its interface with recovery. This review was developed in line with international best practice and the protocol was registered. Using a search string with only three components maximised sensitivity during searches and minimised the risk of relevant literature being missed. Limitations include the focus on studies where the full text was published in English. This review makes a unique contribution, highlighting that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies to date have explicitly explored the perspectives and experiences of staff and service users on the use of seclusion in the context of recovery-oriented practice. The findings are relevant to clinical practice, policy and future research, including amending procedures and practices to partially reconcile seclusion and recovery where the seclusion is deemed necessary. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2023-01-16 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-02-2022-0009 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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Authors:Amie Robinson, Danielle De Boos, Nima Moghaddam Abstract: This study aims to improve the efficiency of the assessment process within a Step4 Psychological Therapies Service by identifying factors related to assessment non-attendance and service suitability for referred clients. Referral and assessment information was accessed between October 2019 and March 2020 from Step4 routine service data, electronic client records where necessary and Step4 staff self-report questionnaires. All clients offered an assessment during this time attended. Findings indicated several factors could influence service suitability in meeting client need. These included individual differences such as readiness to change, which was not necessarily identified at referral or prior to assessment, and potential systemic factors, such as the opt-in procedure, which possibly impeded access. Though the necessity for assessment in clarifying client needs and treatment was indicated, an assessment (from referral to assessment appointment) that led to discharge could take an excess of one working day of service time, associated with considerable opportunity cost to other clients awaiting assessment. Recommendations are made for improving assessment efficiency. With a high prevalence of poor mental health in the UK, efforts must be made to identify and reduce additional demand upon service time and resources within mental health services to effectively meet people’s needs. Recommendations to improve assessment process efficiency include the use of a standardised referral form, offer of follow-up support procedures, increased client involvement, a streamlined opt-in battery and ongoing monitoring to ensure shared practice between clinicians. These are transferable to other mental health services, with implications for subsequent quality and timeliness of care. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2022-12-29 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-07-2022-0047 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:David Clayton, Andrew Clifton, Kay de Vries, Henson Kuuya, Bertha Ochieng Abstract: “My Story” is based on a life story approach. This study aims to facilitate therapeutic alliances by providing a format for older and younger people to interact. Three pairings were studied to explore the experiences of the older and younger person using “My Story”. The focus of the case studies was on how and if any therapeutic alliance emerged. This study found that in the two of the pairings, “My Story” helped to create a bond and mutual benefit for the participants’ central to a therapeutic alliance. This led one of the pairings to develop into an intergenerational friendship and potentially help with loneliness. As this was an exploratory and small pilot, more cases and research are required to fully assess if “My Story” is a useful approach to develop intergenerational befriending. Intergenerational befriending may be one solution that could help with loneliness and social isolation through forming a therapeutic alliance to make the befriending successful. Loneliness and social isolation for older people remain a problem. An original pilot was undertaken to test the approach by bringing together older people identified as lonely by a voluntary sector provider and pairing these with a student volunteer. The students visited the older person over six weeks to discuss their life story and create an artefact based on the story for the older person. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2022-11-10 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-11-2021-0089 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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Authors:Raneesha De Silva, Jane L. Ireland, Philip Birch, Carol A. Ireland, Michael Lewis, Ravindra Dissanayake, Methma Atapattu Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore mental health difficulties, including risk and protective factors, which may impact on symptom severity after exposure to crisis situations (war, terrorism and/or natural disasters), among first responders from uniformed services. Peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between January 2012 and March 2022 were searched in ProQuest, Wiley, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. In total, 12 articles were obtained from an original screening of 94,058 articles. Full article texts were screened for content and quality by two reviewers, with high agreeability. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were the most common diagnoses. Risk factors identified were pre-deployment factors of overweight, low cognitive ability and social support, existing emotional difficulties, negative childhood experiences and stressful life events; during crisis situations factors of higher frequency and subjective severity of combat, increased rates of combat stress reaction, high levels of concerns for life and family, more stressful mission position, threat of death/severe injury and high rate of killing the enemy; and post-deployment factors, such as low social support and physical health, lack of coping mechanisms and use of avoidance strategies and social stigma. Protective factors increasing resilience and lessening symptom severity were reported as pre-deployment cognitive ability, high social support, stable physical health, effective coping, post-traumatic growth and high levels of perceived adequacy in pre-deployment preparation and training. In addition to main findings, data about author(s), publication type, population, age, type of crisis and evaluation measures were extracted. Key findings and related theories, gaps in literature and recommendations are discussed. As yet, however, research into the factors that could serve as risk and/or protective factors are not clearly indicated in terms of post-crisis recovery. As per the authors’ knowledge, this study is an initial approach to considering this area. Citation: Mental Health Review Journal PubDate: 2022-11-09 DOI: 10.1108/MHRJ-11-2021-0081 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2022)