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Objective: There is mixed evidence on the psychological effects of video games. While excessive use can be harmful, moderate use can have emotional, psychological and social benefits, with games successfully used in treating anxiety and depression. More data are required to understand how and for whom these benefits occur. This paper aims to identify correlations between video game genre, player demographics, wellbeing, and the in-play psychological processes for adult players. Method: Adult gamers (n = 2107) completed an anonymous cross-sectional survey canvassing play style, genre, perception of psychological impact and mechanisms (wellbeing, self-determination and flow). A multivariate multiple regression model explored correlations. Results: 88.4% of participants experienced emotional benefits from gaming, with stronger benefits experienced by younger players in all categories. The genres most strongly correlated with psychological benefits were music games, role-playing games and survival horror games. Multiplayer online battle arena games had lower scores for psychological and emotional wellbeing. Conclusions: Certain genres have stronger correlations with beneficial mechanisms, while some may be detrimental to players. These results may guide experimental studies to measure the directionality and strength of these correlations and can also impact practical aspects in development of therapeutic games to treat mental distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A considerable gap exists in health and social emotional well-being between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous Australians. Recent research in stress neurobiology highlights biological pathways that link early adversity and traumas as well as life stresses to ill health. We argue that the neurobiological stress response and its maladaptive changes, termed allostatic load, provide a useful framework to understand how adversity leads to physical and mental illness in Indigenous people. In this paper we review the biology of allostatic load and make links between stress-induced systemic hormonal, metabolic and immunological changes and physical and mental illnesses.Conclusions: Exposure to chronic stress throughout life results in an increased allostatic load that may contribute to a number of metabolic, cardiovascular and mental disorders that shorten life expectancy in Indigenous Australians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Identification of need for specialist assessment and the use of relevant cultural information to inform mental health assessment and care are two key factors in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access to and experience of mental health care. This paper describes the Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment tool (HANAA) and the Cultural Information Gathering Tool (CIGT), two instruments developed to be used respectively by non-mental health clinicians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers.Method: Following widespread consultations and feedback, two independent groups of mental health clinicians based in Western Australia and Queensland were involved in developing the HANAA and CIGT.Results: Both the HANAA and CIGT fill unmet needs in terms of instruments that can be used by non-specialists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.Conclusions: Preliminary use of the HANAA and CIGT suggests that they are well received, easy to deploy and effective instruments that promote cultural security and communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The recently published RANZCP guidelines for schizophrenia and related disorders reviewed recent scientific evidence, and, where lacking, referred to clinical expertise to supply a template for raising the standard of care. This paper builds on the guidelines and recommends how they might be used to improve outcomes.Methods: The guidelines call for evidence-based mental health policies, inclusive of mobilising affected families, communities and the public in support of policies that ensure better care and protect the wellbeing of people with severe mental disorders. The process of preparing the guidelines highlighted the limits of our scientific understanding of schizophrenia and shortcomings in the care currently provided.Results: Writing the guidelines evinced the need for a culture of measuring outcomes and response to treatment, and harnessing such data to monitoring and optimising patient care.Conclusions: We recommend creation of a national case cohort for mental health research involving a collaborative network of clinical research centres, using the guidelines and generating scientific evidence for translation into clinical practice protocols that enable personalised treatment plans for patients and criteria for the performance of clinical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The tripartite framework for principled practice was developed as part of the Wundargoodie Aboriginal Youth and Community Wellbeing Programme. The programme engages natural helpers to enhance critical health literacy. This paper examines the importance of translational research to enhancing critical health literacy for this group of de facto health workers using the work of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet as an example. Translational research provides workforce support for those who are time poor and overburdened. Connecting these concepts and natural helpers will make a positive difference to Aboriginal health outcomes.Conclusions: There is a need for the development of translational research products that enhance the critical health literacy of natural helpers. The tripartite framework for principled practice supports reflective and accountable practice in the intercultural space to build trust and confidence between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to enhance the opportunity for authentic knowledge production and transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper presents a public health model of mental health which places wellbeing at its centre and illustrates how wellbeing is influenced by the inter-relationship between risk, protective and environmental factors. This model should encourage a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing promotion and will assist in developing appropriate mental health public health initiatives. Methods: The model considers how different social and individual risk factors impact negatively upon mental health and how these risk factors can be addressed. It explores the need for active development of protective factors in order to increase an individual's resilience to deal with stresses of life and the additional input required to promote resilience in those with existing mental health problems. This approach to wellbeing balances addressing risk factors with promoting protective factors and uses a public mental health approach to wellbeing promotion within particular settings and the wider environment, supported by both local-level and regional policy. It also suggests that considerable economic savings could be achieved by implementing such integrated management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper describes a research program that has operationalized the links between empowerment at personal/family, group/organizational and community/structural levels and successful mechanisms to address Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing issues such as family violence and abuse, suicide prevention and incarceration. Methods: A two-pronged approach, involving the Family Wellbeing Empowerment Program and Participatory Action Research, was used to enhance the capacity of program participants and their communities to take greater charge of issues affecting their health and wellbeing. Results: Key program outcomes include an enhancement of participants' sense of self worth, resilience, problem-solving ability, ability to address immediate family difficulties as well as belief in the mutability of the social environment. There is also evidence of increasing capacity to address wider structural issues such as poor school attendance rates, the critical housing shortage, endemic family violence, alcohol and drug misuse, chronic disease, and over-representation of Indigenous men in the criminal justice system. Participants are also breaking new ground in areas such as values-based Indigenous workforce development and organizational change, as well as issues about contemporary Indigenous spirituality. Conclusions: The use of a long-term (10-year) community research strategy focussing directly on empowerment has demonstrated the power of this approach to facilitate Indigenous people's capacity to regain social and emotional wellbeing and begin to rebuild the social norms of their families and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between self-rated mental health (SRMH) and psychological distress (PD) at multiple periods and subsequently assess the potential of SRMH as a screening tool. Method: Staff working at a designated COVID-19 hospital in Sydney, Australia during March to May 2020 completed the SRMH and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) within a larger survey examining the pandemic's impact on health and well-being. SRMH was assessed before the pandemic (baseline), during its first peak in 2020 (time 2) and several months later (time 3). K10 was assessed for time 2 and time 3. All assessments took place at time 3. Results: At time 2, 80% of respondents with high PD and 25% with low PD reported poor SRMH (χ2 = 21.3, p <.0001). At time 3, 90% with low PD reported good SRMH. Risk of high PD was greater for respondents with persistently poor SRMH (time 2: OR = 18.2, 95% CI = 7.7–42.8; time 3: OR = 14.4, 95% CI = 6.9–29.9) and, to a lesser extent, for those whose SRMH declined (time 2: OR = 11.6, 95% CI = 6.6–20.4; time 3: OR = 13.8, 95% CI = 2.9–66.9), compared to those with persistently good SRMH. Conclusions: During a crisis SRMH can identify the majority of those most likely to benefit from additional assessment and support. Persistently poor SRMH indicates highest risk, detectable from routine screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article reflects on the relationship between doctors and their families and how it influences a doctor's health, well-being and practice and the health and well-being of other family members. It uses an established model for conceptualising this recursive relationship, drawing on systemic and communications theory, coordinated management of meaning. The article invites doctors to reflect on relational influences between them and their families across the course of their career and following retirement. Conclusion: Families are important to, and influence, the well-being of their doctor-members. Likewise, doctors are important to, and influence, the health and well-being of their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the self-reported value of Peer Review Groups (PRGs) by Australian psychiatrists, focussing on learning and wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey of psychiatrists registered with the NSW Branch Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) who had attended a PRG in the previous 12 months. Results: Respondents described PRG participation as supportive to their learning and to their professional wellbeing by sharing professional experiences, emotional support for the inherent stresses of practice, the provision of a space for debriefing and the amelioration of professional isolation. Difficulties or challenges in group functioning were reported rarely and included new group member selection and limitations to individual support provided by the group. Conclusions: The PRG form of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is unique, popular and highly valued by psychiatrists. In addition to supporting learning, PRGs provide a collegial space for processing of emotional aspects of practice that in turn supports wellbeing. Other healthcare professionals might benefit from similar self-directed, self-selected small group peer contact for CPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We argue that mental health-related concepts have become degraded within professional circles and in the wider community. We identify three trends: concept creep, the rise of broad umbrella concepts (e.g. distress and trauma), and the conflation of mental health with well-being, which marginalises serious mental illness. We speculate on the causes of these trends, including cultural shifts towards greater sensitivity to harm and the rise of wellness industries. Contributing factors within psychiatry include overdiagnosis, dimensional models and transdiagnostic perspectives. Conclusions: These trends may lead to inflated demands on services from those at the milder end of the psychopathological spectrum. We set out seven measures that mental health professionals can take to resist trends towards broad concepts of mental illness and limit some of their adverse consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes the follow-up phase of a pilot collaborative initiative between the University of Papua New Guinea and James Cook University aimed at determining the relevance of an Indigenous Australian Family Wellbeing (FWB) empowerment program in the context of Papua New Guinea (PNG). It describes opportunities and challenges involved in adapting and sustaining the FWB approach to the PNG context. Two evaluation questionnaires were administered to 60 course participants. Conclusions: Findings revealed that the course was relevant, adaptable and could readily be integrated with other health programs. In the context of PNG's target to meet its United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the Family Wellbeing approach offers an innovative approach to enhance existing health and community development initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article aims to describe 'The Mind-Body Well-being Initiative', a residential mental health treatment model based on the Lifestyle Medicine paradigm, which comprises a mind and body well-being programme. In people with severe mental illness (SMI), particularly for those experiencing psychotic illness, the physical health and mortality gap is significant with greater presence of chronic disease and a 15–20-year life expectancy gap. Conclusions: Our AIM Self-Capacity model of care attempts to address the physical and mental health care needs for the promotion of our patients' recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the mediating role of gratitude in the relationship between attachment styles and psychological well-being in students.Method: We selected 200 students using randomised cluster sampling in the academic year 2016-2017. They completed the attachment style, psychological well-being and gratitude questionnaires.Results: On path analysis, secure attachment style had a positive relationship with both gratitude and psychological well-being. Conversely, anxiety-avoidance styles had a negative relationship with both outcomes.Conclusions: Gratitude plays a mediating role attachment and psychological well-being. These results may have implications for the development of interventions to improve mental well-being with a focus on enhancing gratitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study evaluated the workload and workflow of registrars engaged in a psychiatry after-hours roster, quantified their perceptions of this experience and provided recommendations for system redesign. Method: Multiple sources of information, including medical student observers and telephone logs, quantified the tasks performed during shifts. Registrars completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Results: After-hours shifts often started with a lack of attendance of key clinicians at handover. Tasks handed over and completed during shifts varied; there was very little difference between evening, weekends and night shifts except for the higher likelihood of seclusion reviews on weekends. Registrars experienced a significant and complex workload including emergency department and ward reviews, and admissions. Workflow interruptions were frequent; the high number of phone calls and critical incidence warrant further investigation. Registrars were confident in their own ability, but had less confidence in other key clinicians. Many registrars did not discuss after-hours work during supervision. Conclusions: The after-hours experience of psychiatry registrars at a university hospital is arduous and includes a wide range of clinical tasks. This activity is an essential service provision undertaking as well as a training activity. This must be weighed against the impact of after-hours work on registrar well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper describes the challenges in implementing an innovative arts-based mental health project in a remote Indigenous community. Method: The author (the Art Centre Manager) presents a personal narrative of the development of the Aurukun Creative Livelihoods project. Results: A partnership between an existing arts and mental health project (Creative Recovery) and the Wik and Kugu Arts and Craft Centre is described. This collaboration aims to enhance the emotional and social wellbeing of vulnerable Aboriginal people in a remote Indigenous community in Cape York - Aurukun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes a framework for a multi-disciplinary collaboration to investigate the role of technology for improving young Australians' mental health and wellbeing. Results: The poor mental health of young Australians poses a significant challenge to Australia's future. Half of all Australians will experience a mental health difficulty in their lifetime and 75% of mental illness has its onset before age 25. Cross-sectoral collaboration is critical for meeting this challenge. In order to establish a world-first multi-partner collaboration, leading researchers and institutes, commercial, non-profit and end-user organization and young people were identified and invited to participate. Together we have developed an international research framework that explores the role of technologies in young people's lives, their potential and how this can be harnessed to address challenges facing young people. This research framework will: (i) conduct empirical research that tests the utility of technology across mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention and treatment and, (ii) translate existing and new knowledge into products and services that help create a generation of safe, happy, healthy and resilient young people. Research undertaken by the Collaboration will be the most comprehensive investigation of technologies' potential to improve the wellbeing of young people ever conducted, leading to significant benefits for Australian young people and their mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper briefly describes how the contexts of social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities impacts on perinatal and infant mental health. In response to these issues, a perinatal and infant mental health service was started through Winnunga Nimmityjah, a community controlled Aboriginal health service. The process of starting the clinic and some clinical themes are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the author had a 20 year career in diplomacy, political affairs, and development policy analysis at the Pacific Islands Forum, the United Nations in New York; the Prime Minister's Department in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and in the Foreign Ministry of PNG. He has also been involved in theatre for over a decade in PNG, and participated in a three-month program at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut, USA. He is currently the Business Development Manager at the Torres Strait Regional Authority (Commonwealth) on Thursday Island. Since 1975 the Australian government's overseas development policy has supported various sectoral programs in its neighbouring countries, in particular Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The 'creative' field has not been prominent in this strategy. While natural resources and the sports sectors have gained much greater attention, in terms of being viable international commercial enterprises, the arts, have remained stagnant. In this paper the need for joint programs genuinely supporting 'wellbeing' and promoting social enterprise throughout the 'arc of opportunity' is described to harness Melanesian creativity to compete successfully in world-markets, starting with penetration of the largest economy at its door-step: Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper provides an introduction to applied theatre and performance as a body of practice that may enhance the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Applied theatre forms are conceptualized along a continuum from ‘performance-oriented’ to ‘participant-oriented’. Participant reflections are reported from a pilot workshop in Papua New Guinea, as a contribution to the evolution of theory and practice of applied theatre for health promotion in Indigenous communities. Methods: Twelve Papua New Guinean nationals engaged in health promotion participated in the workshop. Participants were invited to reflect on the potential application of the theatre forms for their own health promotion practice. The workshop was qualitatively evaluated through a focus group at the conclusion of the workshop. Results: Participants identified specific theatre forms which they could use in their own health promotion practice. Several participants articulated a view that participant-oriented forms were more likely to influence health-related behaviour than performance-oriented forms, in their cultural context. Conclusions: The theatre-for-development literature does not yet clearly articulate how specific theatre forms may be more or less efficacious in terms of influencing health-related behaviour across cultural contexts. More extensive research into this question will yield significant benefits in terms of focusing practice culturally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare professionals including psychiatry trainees experience high amounts of occupational stress. This pilot study aims to assess the impacts and feasibility of a mindfulness-based intervention program as an occupational intervention in a metropolitan hospital.Method: Psychiatry trainees participated in an mindfulness-based intervention training program consisting of 1-h weekly sessions over 8 weeks. Levels of psychological distress and mindfulness were measured pre and post-intervention. Qualitative data through an open-ended feedback survey were also collected.Results: There was an improved level of mindfulness and a decreased level of burnout among trainees post-intervention. Advantages of the program included having a compassionate facilitator and the program being tailored to healthcare staff. Limiting factors included time restraints and clinical responsibilities.Conclusion: Psychiatry trainees can benefit from an occupational MBI program. This can positively impact their health as well as improve their work performance. A number of factors important for implementation of a mindfulness-based intervention program were also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a workshop intervention to promote wellbeing for Australian physician trainees using a randomized-controlled design.Methods: Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group attended a half-day workshop. Outcome measures included depression anxiety stress scale, professional quality of life scale and alcohol use disorders identification test. Demographic and work/life factors were measured. Measurements were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and the workshop was evaluated by participants.Results: High rates of burnout (76%) and secondary traumatic stress (91%) were detected among study participants and around half met screening criteria for depression (52%), anxiety (46%) and stress (50%) at baseline. Workshop evaluations showed that participants agreed that the training was relevant to their needs (96%) and met their expectations (92%). There was a small reduction in alcohol use, depression and burnout in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6 months, but these changes did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion: High rates of psychological morbidity detected in the study suggest that physician trainees are a vulnerable group who may benefit from initiatives that promote wellbeing and changes in the workplace to reduce distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored trainee preparation for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) written examinations. We examined the relationship between candidates' prior psychiatry experience, preparation techniques and expenses, perceptions of the exam and a pass result. We also examined perceptions of well-being.Method: A web-based survey was sent to RANZCP trainees. The association between responses and exam outcome was analysed using SPSS Statistics 23.Results: A total of 23% ( n = 38) of the cohort responded to the survey. Respondents studied for an average of 7.8 months for the essay-style exam and 4.4 months for the multiple-choice questions. The mean months of total psychiatry experience prior to sitting was 36.1 months. Every additional 50 hours of study increased odds of passing by 23%. Respondents who believed that exam preparation would affect outcome had an almost 4-fold higher odds of passing than those who did not. Ratings of well-being before release of results were also positively associated with passing. Conclusions Trainees are sitting the written exams with clinical experience commensurate with RANZCP recommendations. Total study hours and favourable perceptions of exam processes appear to be predictors of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A significant number of men suffer from paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). This is detrimental to family and personal well-being. This study aims to report rates of PPPD in first-time fathers in New Zealand. It also aims to find predictors of PPPD.Methods: Data from 116 men were analysed. Men completed questionnaires at 24 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation, post-birth and 6 months after the baby was born. The outcome of interest was scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 6 months after the baby was born.Results: Twelve percent of the participants met criteria for PPPD. Factors that predicted PPPD were: earlier depression, family life satisfaction, expectations, birth interventions, pain management for their partner and pregnancy anxiety.Conclusions: It is important that PPPD is recognised and treated. More research is needed on the mental health of fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine if adolescents perceive community-based exercise as beneficial to their well-being and in what ways.Methods: A New South Wales Police Citizens Youth Club ran a four-week fitness course. The classes involved: 1) sports including basketball and soccer, 2) non-contact boxing drills, and 3) games, both team games such as dodgeball and non-team games such as line tag. Parental consent to offer a survey at the completion of the course was requested during registration. The survey was the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; it was minimally modified to measure perceived benefit to mental well-being instead of actual benefit.Results: Thirty-one high school adolescents, ages 13-18, completed the survey. As a group, participants reported that they believed their well-being had improved after the course. The mean score for each survey item showed an improvement in every area of mental well-being for this sample of adolescents. Thirty-two per cent of adolescents reported having less energy. Survey scores indicated a statistically significant improvement in perceived well-being ( p<0.0001).Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that four weeks of community-based exercise improves perceived mental well-being in adolescent participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine management practices that support the wellbeing of health professionals working in remote regions, which may improve workforce retention.Method: An online questionnaire was distributed to health professionals working in remote regions of the Kimberley and North Queensland. A response rate of 20% was achieved.Results: The findings suggest that, for health professionals working in remote regions of northern Australia, accessing adequate support is one of the most challenging aspects of working in remote regions. Hence, in remote regions where turnover is high, retention of competent health professionals may benefit from management practices that provide improved personal and professional support.Conclusions: Health professionals working in remote Australia face unique pressures due to their geographical and professional isolation. Therefore, providing support improves their professional competence and personal wellbeing, and promotes workforce stability, which benefits the remote community through better access to health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine whether being an organizer in a community organizing program improves personal agency and self-reported mental health outcomes among low-income Pacific Island youth in Auckland, New Zealand.Method: Counties Manukau Health initiated a community organizing campaign led and run by Pacific Island youth. We used interviews, focus groups and pre- and post-campaign surveys to examine changes among 30 youths as a result of the campaign.Results: Ten youths completed both pre- and post-campaign surveys. Eleven youths participated in focus groups, and four in interviews. Overall, youths reported an increased sense of agency and improvements to their mental health.Conclusions: Community organizing has potential as a preventive approach to improving mental health and developing agency over health among disempowered populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the impact on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of the armed conflict that occurred in the Solomon Islands from 1998-2003 and the subsequent political unrest and natural disasters, and the developments in mental health services since 2003.Method: A literature and document review was conducted, supplemented by the written reflections of senior staff in the Solomon Islands Mental Health Service.Results: Conflict and natural disaster have had a significant impact on the mental health and functioning of individuals, families and communities. National health system reform has been accompanied by the reorientation of the mental health services from custodial care to care in the community and greater emphasis on mental health promotion and prevention. The dedication of the small group of Solomon Islands mental health professionals, supported by local health service managers and external donors, has been a major strength. However, they face significant challenges.Conclusions: Continued investment in mental health, including the treatment and prevention of mental and substance use disorders, is essential for mental health and development outcomes. All development stakeholders, including civil society, government, academic and research institutions, and development partners, have a role to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article elaborates on the need for psychiatrists to be involved in family violence (FV) intervention in Australia and New Zealand. Topics covered include the effects of FV on a victim's health and wellbeing, the obstacles to teaching FV issues to medical students and psychiatric clinicians, and the guidance to identify and manage FV in the psychiatric context.

Objective: To understand the challenges faced by psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees in accessing healthcare.Methods: An online survey was distributed to all members (fellows, associates and affiliates) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and a number of focus groups were held across Australia and New Zealand.Results: A total of 1051 members responded to the survey and nine focus groups were held. Almost all respondents indicated they had a personal general practitioner. However, there were varying factors affecting access to healthcare and the ability to take leave when unwell.Conclusion: There are numerous barriers facing RANZCP members in looking after their own health. Addressing these barriers will require action at multiple points in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the relationship and suicide and homicide rates in Australia. Researchers examined suicide and homicide rates and Human Development Index (HDI) in 102 countries and territories of Australia. Results showed that there was a weak but statistically inverse relationship between the suicide and homicide rates in 102 countries, with no relationship found in Australian values.

Objective: Social enterprises are market-based activities that provide social benefits through the direct engagement of people in productive activities. Participation in social enterprise development brings psychosocial wellbeing benefits, by strengthening family networks, enhancing trust, increasing self-reliance and social esteem and promoting cultural safety. Our objective is to explore how social enterprise activities can meet community needs and foster self-sustainability while generating profits for redistribution as social investment into other ventures that aid social functioning and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Social entrepreneurship enhances both interdependence and independence. Concomitant mental health and social wellbeing dividends accrue overtime to communities engaged in self-determined enterprise activities. Social entrepreneurship builds social capital that supports social wellbeing. Strengths-based approaches to social entrepreneurship can assuage disempowering effects of the 'welfare economy' through shifting the focus onto productive activities generated on people's own terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Indigenous people have often been depicted as ‘living between two worlds’. They have been described as living neither in their ‘Indigenous’ world nor in the ‘Western’ world but in some middle, liminal, or in-between ‘world’. People in such situations are often described as ‘caught’ or ‘suspended’ and with obvious negative social, emotional and health consequences. What is this cultural space that is often described as ‘being between two worlds’? Can Indigenous people develop their identity within the demands and values of contemporary Australian society? Conclusions: Most people who live within the context of modernity move across a mixture of different social, spiritual and cultural ‘worlds’. By projecting particular and negative meanings onto Indigenous people and their journey of identity, non-Indigenous people diminish the value of Indigenous energies and initiatives in attempting to cope with life's diverse pressures and expectations. The perpetuation of such attitudes serves to undermine the efforts that Indigenous people make to engage modernity while at the same time attempting to maintain values that are of critical importance for their health and wellbeing. Consequently, non-Indigenous people can end up diminishing the importance of their own life transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This article describes some innovative approaches to understanding, measuring and attributing value to traditional wisdom in Vanuatu.Methods: The article uses decolonising methodologies to privilege indigenous perspectives. In particular, the study features the use of endogenous practices, such as sand drawing, as a vehicle for facilitating community engagement in the research.Results: The results of the project reveal that, in the context of broad structural support for customary practices, communities leveraging traditional wisdom into commercial realms are able to generate livelihoods and maintain cultural heritage transmission.Conclusions: Local communities report increased pride and pleasure in the resurgence and innovation of cultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trevor Clark usually works as a bulk fuel truck driver. He has a passion for poetry, writing and guitar playing which he uses as a sounding board for reflective learning and development. He also believes that supportive family and friends are critical to maintaining his well-being. Sustaining recovery is a reality Trevor deals with every day and believes patients who embrace their condition fully can direct their recovery and maintain positive mental health for themselves and those involved in their lives. Currently, Trevor is working on his first novel while he recovers from physical injuries incurred on his quest for autonomy and place. Managing his mental health is of paramount importance to Trevor and even though this may be trying at times, he lives and works happily with his condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mental health and social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) have been linked as outcomes of attachment to country, spirituality, and engagement in music and arts, particularly for Indigenous Australians. It is not clear how this occurs, even though the links seem substantial. Method: We explore how mental health and SEWB may be linked to attachment to country, spirituality, and engagement in music and arts by reviewing literature and presenting examples from our research with Indigenous communities. Rather than abstracting, our goal is to describe specific examples encompassing the rich contextual details needed to understand the factors contributing to mental health and SEWB. Results: While engagement in music is often seen as benefiting mental health because thoughts and feelings can be expressed in less public ways, it can also lead to employment and access to economic and social resources. Attachment to country also shows a plethora of positive outcomes which can contribute to mental health and SEWB even when not explicitly aimed at doing so, such as reducing conflictual situations. Conclusions: We conclude that more detailed, contextual research is required to fully explore the links between creative enterprises and mental health and SEWB outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From July 2004 Tom Calma has been the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. This role was created in 1992 to provide an ongoing monitoring agency for the human rights of Indigenous Australians and involves, inter alia, producing the Social Justice Report, an annual account to the Federal parliament on the status of enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Indigenous Australians. Commissioner Calma gave the opening oration to the 2006 Creating Futures conference and returned to open the conference in 2008 on 22 September in St Albans Anglican Church, located in the Aboriginal communitty of Yarrabah, 60 kilometres from Cairns. This is the text of that speech. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]