Description:
This study investigated the role of psychological variables in help-seeking behaviour and attitudes in a rural population, with particular emphasis as to whether differences existed between farmers and non-farming rural residents. These groups were contrasted, as research suggests that farmers appear to be a sub-group of the Australian population at increased risk of chronic health problems and suicide, even in comparison to other rural residents.
Description:
Two forms of stigma – social and self – represent barriers to receiving professional help for rural Australian adolescents with mental health issues. Characteristics of rural communities such as self-reliance, social proximity and social exclusion are thought to compound experiences of stigma, creating a fear of seeking professional help. The aim of this project was to design and evaluate a stigma reduction program for rural secondary school students. A two-stage quasi-experimental research design was developed. Study 1 involved working collaboratively with seven students from a rural secondary school to develop a population specific program. The curriculum development process was evaluated and the final form of the intervention documented. Study 2 involved delivering and evaluating the intervention within the same secondary school. The aim of Study 2 was to decrease adolescents‟ stigma of mental illness, as measured by social and self stigmatic attitudes, desired social distance, and help-seeking intentions. The treatment group comprised students from year 7, 8, 9, and 12, and the control comprised a delayed treatment group of comparable students from these year levels. After accounting for attrition, the treatment group comprised 31 (16 females) participants, and the delayed treatment group 36 participants (16 females). Measures of stigmatic attitudes, desired social distance and help-seeking intentions were taken at pre-, post-, and 12-week follow-up. The intervention comprised two sessions each of 90 minutes spaced one week apart. Focus-group discussions held post-intervention expanded evaluations of the program; and suggested areas for improvement. The first hypothesis, that prior to intervention, adolescent boys would have significantly higher social stigma, self stigma, desired social distance from those with mental illness, and perceived barriers to seeking help than females, was supported. The second hypothesis, that participants in the treatment group would report lower social- and self-stigma, desired social distance, and fewer perceived barriers to seeking help post-intervention than pre-intervention and compared to the control group was supported in part. The third hypothesis, that reductions in social stigma, self stigma, desired social distance, and barriers to seeking help would be maintained at follow-up also received mixed support. Qualitative data confirmed that student attitudes towards those with mental health issues improved slightly; however, it also indicated that more change was possible and provided direction for future programs. Results have implications for anti-stigma campaign development and implementation. Suggestions for developing more effective anti-stigma programs that will help to lift the burden of stigma and to increase help-seeking behaviours for rural youth are discussed.
Description:
Two forms of stigma – social and self – represent barriers to receiving professional help for rural Australian adolescents with mental health issues. Characteristics of rural communities such as self-reliance, social proximity and social exclusion are thought to compound experiences of stigma, creating a fear of seeking professional help. The aim of this project was to design and evaluate a stigma reduction program for rural secondary school students. A two-stage quasi-experimental research design was developed. Study 1 involved working collaboratively with seven students from a rural secondary school to develop a population specific program. The curriculum development process was evaluated and the final form of the intervention documented. Study 2 involved delivering and evaluating the intervention within the same secondary school. The aim of Study 2 was to decrease adolescents‟ stigma of mental illness, as measured by social and self stigmatic attitudes, desired social distance, and help-seeking intentions. The treatment group comprised students from year 7, 8, 9, and 12, and the control comprised a delayed treatment group of comparable students from these year levels. After accounting for attrition, the treatment group comprised 31 (16 females) participants, and the delayed treatment group 36 participants (16 females). Measures of stigmatic attitudes, desired social distance and help-seeking intentions were taken at pre-, post-, and 12-week follow-up. The intervention comprised two sessions each of 90 minutes spaced one week apart. Focus-group discussions held post-intervention expanded evaluations of the program; and suggested areas for improvement. The first hypothesis, that prior to intervention, adolescent boys would have significantly higher social stigma, self stigma, desired social distance from those with mental illness, and perceived barriers to seeking help than females, was supported. The second hypothesis, that participants in the treatment group would report lower social- and self-stigma, desired social distance, and fewer perceived barriers to seeking help post-intervention than pre-intervention and compared to the control group was supported in part. The third hypothesis, that reductions in social stigma, self stigma, desired social distance, and barriers to seeking help would be maintained at follow-up also received mixed support. Qualitative data confirmed that student attitudes towards those with mental health issues improved slightly; however, it also indicated that more change was possible and provided direction for future programs. Results have implications for anti-stigma campaign development and implementation. Suggestions for developing more effective anti-stigma programs that will help to lift the burden of stigma and to increase help-seeking behaviours for rural youth are discussed.
Parental and peer influences on emerging adult problem gambling : Does exposure to problem gambling reduce stigmatizing perceptions and increase vulnerability?
An evaluation of the effectiveness of a consumer-led educational program about stigma in mental illness and recovery attitudes among Mental Health Nurses
Description:
Fear, frustration and myths about mental illness engenders negative attitudes towards mental illness. Such negative attitudes impede the recovery of people diagnosed with mental illness. Despite an increasing emphasis on stigma and recovery-focused practices, evidence shows prejudicial attitudes towards mental illness and the recovery of people with mental illness among mental health professionals still exist. Anti-stigma initiatives and recovery-oriented interventions can aid in enhancing the attitudes of mental health professionals. Contact-based interventions have the greatest impact on attitudes among the mental health professionals including nurses. However, research regarding initiatives targeting stigma of mental illness and recovery attitudes among Mental Health Nurses working in the acute inpatient psychiatric units is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a consumer-led education package on stigma about mental illness and recovery attitudes of Mental Health Nurses. A sequential explanatory mixed-method, with a pre-test and post-test design was used to evaluate the effect of consumer-led education. This research involved three phases. In the first phase, the study explored Mental Health Nurses' attitudes towards mental illness and recovery using surveys and non-participant observation. The second phase focused on the co-development and co-implementation of a consumer-led education package. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using immediate post-test assessment and again three months later. The final phase focused on exploring the results obtained in the first and second phases of the study through an in-depth interview.
Description:
Fear, frustration and myths about mental illness engenders negative attitudes towards mental illness. Such negative attitudes impede the recovery of people diagnosed with mental illness. Despite an increasing emphasis on stigma and recovery-focused practices, evidence shows prejudicial attitudes towards mental illness and the recovery of people with mental illness among mental health professionals still exist. Anti-stigma initiatives and recovery-oriented interventions can aid in enhancing the attitudes of mental health professionals. Contact-based interventions have the greatest impact on attitudes among the mental health professionals including nurses. However, research regarding initiatives targeting stigma of mental illness and recovery attitudes among Mental Health Nurses working in the acute inpatient psychiatric units is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a consumer-led education package on stigma about mental illness and recovery attitudes of Mental Health Nurses. A sequential explanatory mixed-method, with a pre-test and post-test design was used to evaluate the effect of consumer-led education. This research involved three phases. In the first phase, the study explored Mental Health Nurses' attitudes towards mental illness and recovery using surveys and non-participant observation. The second phase focused on the co-development and co-implementation of a consumer-led education package. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using immediate post-test assessment and again three months later. The final phase focused on exploring the results obtained in the first and second phases of the study through an in-depth interview.