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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]

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]

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 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: 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]

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]