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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterised by a range of symptoms including acute stress, flashbacks and avoidance of situations that trigger trauma. Women from Arabic-speaking backgrounds have been shown to have a higher likelihood of developing PTSD due to life stressors experienced. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the experiences and social circumstances of Arab women experiencing PTSD in Australia. Family, gender roles, religion, mental health stigma, trauma, re-settlement challenges, acculturation and discrimination were some of the factors explored in this review. The paper also aimed to review evidence-based treatment for PTSD such as cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative exposure and eye movement desensitisation therapy and whether these westernised approaches can extend to women from Arab backgrounds. Directions for culturally appropriate interventions and how to adapt treatments to suit the needs of individuals from the Arab community experiencing PTSD are discussed as well as considerations for specifically supporting women from Arab backgrounds who need treatment. Future avenues for research are canvassed and discussed within. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Women from Arabic speaking backgrounds in Western countries have been shown to have a higher likelihood of developing PTSD due to the life stressors that they have experienced. (2) Particular life stressors include migration and acculturation stressors, marginalisation, financial concerns, family responsibilities and for some, family violence which can exacerbate distress and contribute to the expression of PTSD symptoms. (3) No effective PTSD treatments for Arab populations in general, let alone Arab women have been identified in research. What this topic adds: (1) Effective mental health treatment for Arab women must take into consideration certain cultural values such as family, women's role/status and stigmas around mental health. (2) Some of the main factors to consider include beliefs and values, communication and language, shame, strict gender roles and religious healing. (3) There is a significant need for immediate future research to be conducted for this community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluate the utility of brief online training for facilitating mental health professionals' perceived knowledge, confidence, and comfort in working with non-binary clients, and building positive attitudes. Baseline participants were 79 Australian registered mental health professionals, of whom 38 completed online training and a one-week follow-up assessment. Participants completed an assessment of attitudes, comfort, confidence, and perceived knowledge pertaining to non-binary people before and after completing online training. The training (30-minute average completion time) provided information on non-binary people's lives using text, images, embedded video, and links to optional resources. Follow-up measures completed one-week post-intervention indicated engagement in the training may lead to increased perceived knowledge, confidence and comfort. Attitudes were positive at baseline and were not significantly different at follow-up. Providing brief online training for working with non-binary people in mental health might improve practitioner perceived knowledge, confidence and competence at low cost and with easy access. Future research is required to account for limitations and build on current outcomes. Key Points What is already known on this topic: Little is known about the effects of brief online training regarding non-binary genders on mental health practitioner's attitudes, confidence, comfort, and perceived knowledge. Previous research has shown that brief training can increase positive attitudes for, knowledge of, behavioural intent, and cultural competence for working with sexual and gender minorities, though has not specifically focused on non-binary people. Previous literature has highlighted positive associations between practitioner knowledge and the well-being of non-binary people accessing health services. What this paper adds: This paper adds to the ongoing genesis of options for training mental health practitioners about non-binary people and relevant issues. Findings suggest beneficial outcomes from both prior professional training in this area and the brief training used in the study. The brief online training used in the study was associated with higher perceived knowledge, confidence, and comfort for working with non-binary clients, but further research is needed to understand reasons for change in these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuity of Australian First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) culture has been threatened by colonisation and effects of this continue to have devastating impacts on their social emotional wellbeing [SEWB], especially mental health. This review analyses cultural interventions aiming to improve mental health outcomes for First Nations Australians (e.g., mood, self-esteem, suicide-attempts, self-harm, risky behaviours) to uncover the effectiveness and key components of such interventions. Databases PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, LIt.search tool from Lowitja Inst, Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet and Google Scholar were searched. Studies published between 2000 and 2021 which reported the impact of cultural interventions on the mental health of First Nations Australians were included. From 172 studies, only eight studies met inclusion criteria and all improved measured domains of SEWB. Six studies evaluated culturally adapted interventions (i.e., Western interventions adapted to be culturally appropriate) and two evaluated culturally grounded interventions (i.e., interventions developed by First Nations Australians). Participants called for more cultural components in culturally adapted interventions. The most successful studies used collaborative and participatory approaches in the designs, included First Nations members in their research teams and presented culturally grounded interventions. The paucity of literature limit findings. There was a limited ability to identify key mechanisms of change across some intervention studies, and large outcome variations across studies meant some aspects could not be compared. Nonetheless, this review concludes that culturally grounded interventions are the most promising and successful mental health interventions currently available for First Nations Australians which has many implications for practice and funding. What is already known about this topic: First Nations Australians experience poorer mental health and wellbeing than non-indigenous Australians. Previous attempts to improve the mental health of First Nations Australians utilising Western therapeutic interventions have been largely unsuccessful. More recent attempts to improve mental health for First Nations Australians utilising culture appear promising, that is, culturally adapted and culturally grounded therapeutic interventions. What this paper adds: (1) Culturally grounded interventions are effective, preferable over culturally adapted interventions, and best to use for improving the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations Australians. (2) Limited evaluations of cultural interventions have been conducted that provide empirical data showing the effectiveness of the intervention on mental health and wellbeing for First Nations Australians. (3) Successful forms of intervention evaluations with First Nations Australians utilise participatory and collaborative research approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing ( SEWB) is a multifaceted concept that acknowledges that a person's wellbeing is determined by a range of inter-related domains: body, mind and emotions, family and kinship, community, culture, Country, and spirituality. This paper explores the meaning of these seven domains of SEWB. Method A thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from the National Empowerment Project (NEP) was conducted, along with a literature review of each domain. Results Findings from the NEP, together with relevant literature, indicate that implementing strategies that focus on strengthening SEWB is important for individual, family, and community wellbeing. Addressing the social determinants of Indigenous disadvantage is also shown to have an important role in strengthening the SEWB of individuals, families, and communities. Conclusion It is important for all practitioners and policymakers involved with improving Indigenous health to recognise the seven inter-related domains of SEWB and to acknowledge and support people in addressing the social determinants of wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Weight‐based stigma is often experienced by individuals who are overweight and obese, and is associated with a range of deleterious physical and mental health outcomes. Research is lacking on the mechanisms through which these relationships occur. This paper examines two potential mechanisms: internalised weight stigma and self‐compassion. Method: A sample of 147 overweight and obese Australian females aged between 18 and 45 years completed a series of self‐report questionnaires measuring: experienced weight stigma, internalised weight stigma, self‐compassion, psychological distress, body shame, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Results: Internalised weight stigma mediated the relationship between experienced weight stigma and body shame such that greater experienced weight stigma led to greater internalised weight stigma, which in turn led to greater body shame. Additionally, self‐compassion mediated the relationship between experienced weight stigma and several psychosocial factors such that greater experienced weight stigma led to lower self‐compassion, which led to greater psychological distress, higher perceived loneliness, and lower satisfaction with life. Conclusions: Findings support previous research indicating that internalised weight stigma plays a mediating role in the relationship between experienced weight stigma and adverse outcomes. This study extends upon prior research by investigating previously unexamined outcome variables and exploring the simultaneous mediating role of self‐compassion. The findings suggest that both internalised weight stigma and self‐compassion each play a different but important role in the way in which weight stigma impacts on overweight and obese women. Results from this study have implications in terms of psychological intervention for overweight and obese individuals in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including online engagement of psychologists to raise community awareness of strategies for decolonisation; principles of justice reinvestment; and maintaining the local culture in remote communities.

The aim of this paper is to provide information and data sourced from the National Data Set (NDS) provided by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). This information reflects the most current available information on the number, incidence and frequency rate of stress related data for Australia involving 5 days or more time lost based on workers compensation statistics. However, it does not include data on injury costs. The most recent information available at the time of reporting was the 1999-2000 data sets. This report is meant to be read as a companion paper to the "Jurisdictional Stress Initiatives Paper" published in Comparisons of Workers Compensation Arrangements in Australian Jurisdictions July 20011 which discusses both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to claims that were used by Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions as of July 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including comorbid anxiety, mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy (MiCBT) and schizophrenia.

Objective: To investigate self-reported practice, beliefs, and barriers regarding prescription of dietary change for mental health from a range of mental health practitioners across Australia. Method: An online survey was completed by 193 Australian mental health practitioners. Results: Over 50% of practitioners reported prescribing dietary change for stress, depression, and anxiety at least weekly in their practice. Over half the practitioners considered dietary change to be 60-100% useful for enhancing mental health outcomes. Approximately one-quarter of the practitioners considered dietary change to be less than 40% useful for treating mental health conditions. Thematic analysis revealed the most frequently reported higher-order barrier themes were practitioner barriers (43.8%) and client barriers (29.2%), with insufficient skills and knowledge (15.9%) and client adherence (12.8%) being commonly cited initial codes. Conclusion: Mental health practitioners in Australia prescribe dietary change for mental health. However, barriers to prescription of dietary change for mental health need be addressed to overcome challenges associated with using it as a therapeutic intervention for mental health conditions. Universities and university training accreditation bodies should consider providing more extensive instruction in psycho-nutrition as part of mental health practitioners' training. Likewise, further recognised professional development should be offered, and awarded, for already qualified practitioners. Key Points What is already known about this topic: Diet is becoming more accepted as having a substantial influence upon mental health. Improving diet quality has been acknowledged as serving a protective role in reducing the rate of cognitive decline. The importance of dietary change remains underestimated by mental health professionals for the treatment of mental health maladies. What this research adds: Results demonstrated over 50% of the sample of mental health practitioners reported prescribing dietary change for stress, depression, and anxiety at least daily or weekly in their practice. Approximately a third of the mental health practitioners reported believing dietary change to be 80-100% useful for mental health outcomes. Most frequently reported barriers to the prescription of dietary change for mental health were practitioner barriers (43.8%) and client barriers (29.2%) higher-order themes, with insufficient skills and knowledge (15.9%) and client adherence (12.8%) being commonly cited initial codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Schools are ideally placed to provide early identification and intervention for children and adolescents with mental health issues, traditionally with support from Government‐employed school psychologists. This model of service provision has recently undergone a change with schools utilising external psychological providers. No research has previously been undertaken in Australia regarding this change. The present study aimed to gain feedback from staff regarding their perceptions of external psychological services provided in schools. Method: Ten staff in wellbeing roles aged 31–63 years from nine Government schools across Melbourne, Victoria completed a semi‐structured interview. Results: Staff reported positive perceptions of external psychological providers related to improved access to much‐needed therapeutic services, but voiced concerns over a lack of formal contractual agreements and access to files post‐treatment. Despite the need for their services, staff still preferred Government‐employed school psychologists. Conclusions: Findings implicate an ongoing need to meet an increasing demand for therapeutic supports to children and adolescents within school settings. Issues such as communication and access to files appear to compromise ethical practice, which potentially hinder continuity of care once the external provider ceases working with a young person. Better communication between all concerned parties may help mitigate this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their reply to our previous paper that contrasts Australian and English-speaking North American training in clinical psychology, Dyck and O'Donovan agree with our comments on the lack of evidence for the benefits of additional training. Here we clarify the basis for our assertions about the state of training in professional psychology in Australia on the assumption that the basic model of entry-level training that is used here will remain in practice and not change to that proposed by Dyck and O'Donovan. Questions as to the competence and effectiveness of clinical psychologists are ones open to empirical study. We note the ongoing natural experiment in clinical training in Australia and encourage the open debate and active study of issues related to professional training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine differences in use of mental health services between residents of rural, regional, and metropolitan areas of Australia in a population‐based sample of adults who meet clinical criteria for a mental disorder. Method: Participants in this study were drawn from the Assessing Mental Health survey, which included 2,374 participants who met criteria for one or more mental disorders or reported suicidal ideation in the past month. Rates of self‐reported use of specific services for mental health problems (doctor/general practitioner, social worker, hospital, psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor) were compared between areas of residence, with subsequent logistic regression analyses used to account for potential confounds for variations in service use. Results: There were no differences in overall rates of use of professional services for mental health problems. There were also no significant differences in help seeking from specific sources, with the exception of psychologists. People in rural areas were 26% less likely to report having sought help from a psychologist in the past year than those in metropolitan areas (18% vs. 24%). This discrepancy was not accounted for by stigma, but attenuated after adjustment for severity of psychological distress and demographic factors. Conclusion: Little evidence of differences in help seeking in rural Australia compared to urban centres was observed, with the important exception of psychological service use. Further research is needed to characterise disparities in quality and accessibility of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated an online training programme of the needs‐based and strengths‐focused Care · Collaborate · Connect approach to suicide prevention. Method: Participants were 303 Australian health professionals and students. Participants completed pre‐ and post‐training assessments of knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and self‐care, as well as training satisfaction post‐training. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and self‐care pre‐ to post‐training with moderate to very large effect sizes. There was no significant difference in outcomes between those who had and had not had previous training or experience working with people with suicidality. Qualitative feedback showed almost universal support for the person‐ and strengths‐focused approach of supporting people with suicidality. Participants reported the web‐based training as useful to their learning and many found it fitted well with their organisations' values and priorities. Conclusions: Web‐based suicide prevention training is an effective, low‐cost, and flexible training medium. The needs‐based Care · Collaborate · Connect programme aligns with the person‐centred framework preferred by most health professionals and provides practical strategies to support people who are distressed, including those with suicidality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adopting a socio‐ecological perspective, we used data extracted from clinical casefiles to investigate factors associated with externalising and internalising problems in a large, representative sample of children with a diagnosis of dyslexia. Method: This study is a secondary analysis of data collected by the Dyslexia‐SPELD Foundation in Western Australia. Casefiles for school‐aged children who had received a dyslexia diagnosis in 2014 and 2015 were identified (n = 1,235), and a subset of casefiles were randomly selected for data extraction (n = 454). Of the sample, 58% (n = 262) were male, 42% (n = 192) were female. Ages ranged between 6 and 17 years (M = 12.32, SD = 3.07). Casefiles include results from assessments of literacy‐related achievement, as well as parent‐reported information on behavioural and socio‐emotional development. Results: After controlling for child age, gender, and reading ability, it was found that low self‐esteem, difficulties in emotion regulation, and social skills difficulties were all associated with externalising problems. Additionally, low self‐esteem, difficulties in emotion regulation, and bullying victimisation were all associated with internalising problems. Peer relationship difficulties were indirectly associated with both externalising and internalising problems through associations with low self‐esteem and difficulties in emotion regulation. Conclusion: Self‐esteem, bullying victimisation, emotion regulation, social skills, and peer problems are salient correlates of externalising and internalising problems in children with a diagnosis of dyslexia. Implications for intervention are discussed, both universal school‐based mental health promotion programs, as well as more targeted programs for children with dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This is the first pilot study to examine the Australian adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a manualised family intervention recommended internationally in evidence reviews to improve family functioning and child mental health. The study compared two versions (8 vs. 14‐session) and longitudinally evaluated outcomes for child emotional and behavioural difficulties, and parental psychological distress. Method: Fifty‐eight families from disadvantaged primary schools in regional Victoria with children 8–12 years (80.6% of initially enrolled families, 62 parents and 74 children) completed the program and evaluation measures. Measures were repeated at pre‐, post‐, and 3‐month follow‐up and included the Kessler 6, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and subscales adapted from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Communities that Care Youth Survey. Results: The program showed significant reductions in child difficulties and parental psychological distress from pre‐ to post‐measurements that were sustained at follow‐up. Reductions in parental psychological distress were significantly associated with reductions in child difficulties at follow‐up. The 8‐ and 14‐session formats were not found to be significantly different in reducing child difficulties or parental psychological distress. Effect sizes for the Australian version were similar to those reported in previous U.S. trials. Conclusions: Findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of an Australian adaptation of the SFP. The current study is unique in identifying similar outcomes for shorter and longer versions of the intervention. It is recommended that the 8‐session Australian version is examined in a larger randomised controlled trial where children present with behavioural and emotional problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure psychological and physical health of psychology students during their Honours year of study, in the context of this being perceived as a high stake, "make‐or‐break" degree program in Australia. Method: Psychology honours students from 9 universities (N = 179) completed an online survey that included measures of depression, anxiety and stress, physical activity, drug and alcohol use, self‐rated health status, future study intentions and desired final grade for the degree. Data were collected in the first semester of the academic year. Results: The sample was overall, high on perceived physical health, with around 74.85% being at least minimally active. Around one quarter were overweight or obese. The majority were non‐smokers, and did not regularly misuse drugs or alcohol, although binge drinking was reported by the majority. The majority planned to enter further study to qualify as a registered psychologist. Depression, anxiety, and stress were elevated in the sample, when compared with other comparative reference groups. Those with higher levels of perceived physical health and those aiming for a higher desired final grade were less likely to show elevated scores on psychological distress measures. Conclusions: This study is consistent with published and unpublished data showing that psychological distress levels in this cohort are high. These findings show that this is evident across universities, and that distress is apparent early in the academic year. Educators and the profession have a duty of care and a responsibility to reflect upon the student experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study examined the relationship between minority stress, social support, and the mental health of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) Australians during the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey. Method: A sample of 1,305 Australian LGB adults completed an online survey that measured their frequency of exposure to negative and positive media messages about same‐sex marriage, perceived personal support, and psychological distress during the postal survey. Results: More frequent exposure to negative media messages about same‐sex marriage was associated with greater psychological distress. This association, however, was significantly weaker amongst participants who perceived greater personal support for same‐sex marriage from their immediate social network. Alternatively, exposure to positive messages of public support via public and social media was not associated with psychological distress, and did not moderate the association between negative media message exposure and psychological distress. Nonetheless, more frequent exposure to public support was more strongly associated with reduced psychological distress amongst participants who perceived their immediate social network to be less supportive of same‐sex marriage. Conclusions: The findings highlight how legislative processes related to the rights of stigmatised, minority populations have the potential to adversely affect their mental health. The findings also highlight the role of personal and public support as protective factors against minority stress. Within the limits of a cross‐sectional study design, these findings have implications for public policy and legislative decision‐making, treating clinicians of LGB clients, and LGB rights and mental health organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In Australia, the number of female psychologists is significantly larger than that of male psychologists. Due to gaps in the literature, it is difficult to establish whether such discrepancies affect mental health support seeking. The present study investigated the preferences of Australian respondents for the sex of a potential therapist and whether the accommodation of such preferences affects mental health support seeking. Method: The study employed a mixed design online survey analysed using multiple linear and multinomial logistic regressions and used a convenience sample of N = 456 Australian participants recruited via social media. Demographics, preferences for therapists' sex, problem type, and likelihood to seek help if preferences for therapists' sex were accommodated or not were collected via an online questionnaire. Analyses included tests for group differences and regressions. Results: Male respondents reported lower baseline likelihood to seek mental health support than female respondents. A main effect of sex of respondent on preferences for therapists' sex was found, but no main effect of problem type on preferences for therapists' sex was evident. Finally, accommodating preferences for therapists' sex was a significant predictor of mental health support seeking. Conclusion: It is prudent to encourage the monitoring and accommodation of clients' preferences of therapists' sex. Additionally, more males could be encouraged to enter the mental health professions. The results of the current study may inform education and health policy. Future research could further explore the effects of occupation and problem type on preferences for therapists' sex and help‐seeking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To systematically investigate the factor structure and predictive validity of the Kessler‐10 (K10) in an Australian child and adolescent population. Method: Confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken on data from 2,967 youth aged 11–17 years from the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Receiver operating characteristic analyses and penalised logistic regressions were used to explore the ability of K10 factor scores to predict Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV (DISC‐IV) identified mental disorders. Results: A bifactor model with two‐group factors (Anxiety and Depression) provided the best fit for youth with past‐month mental disorders. A four‐factor solution (Nervousness, Agitation, Fatigue, and Negative Affect) fit best for youth without past‐year mental disorders; however bifactor analyses indicated that these factors accounted for little common variance after controlling for the effects of general distress. When controlling for age and gender, Agitation factor scores predicted DISC‐IV behavioural disorder diagnoses and neither Anxiety scores nor Nervousness scores were predictive of DISC‐IV diagnosed social phobia, separation anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder, casting doubt over the suitability of K10 items to capture anxiety symptoms in youth. Conclusion: The K10 is "unidimensional enough" in the Australian child and adolescent community population. Associations between K10 and mental disorders are mainly represented by items comprising Negative Affect and Agitation factors, which raises the possibility that briefer versions might be equally useful, either for capturing the general distress factor or a version that is more predictive of mental disorders in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: As Australia becomes more diverse it is essential for the psychology profession to examine training, cultural competency, and professional development needs of psychologists working in languages other than English. In this exploratory study of bilingual/multilingual psychologists in Australia, we aimed to investigate their self‐perceived language skills, multicultural counselling competency, and professional development needs; understand their training and practice experiences; and seek recommendations for policy and practice. Method: An online survey including demographic and practice information, the Multicultural Counselling Inventory and open‐ended text questions was completed by 38 bilingual/multilingual psychologists working in Australia in 2015. Eleven participants undertook supplementary telephone interviews which along with survey responses were transcribed for qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Most participants trained in English. They expressed concerns about their application of psychological concepts in other languages, despite good conversational fluency. Participants highlighted language barriers to entering the profession; limited multicultural and multilingual training and supervision in Australia; and the need for more transcultural mental health resources, particularly for small/new migrant communities and people outside large cities. Conclusion: To effectively serve clients, significant changes are required to psychology training in Australia, including but not limited to bilingual and multilingual psychologists. These include enhanced training and competency standards in MCC and using interpreters. The profession must actively support supervision, professional development, and practice in community languages. The Psychology Board of Australia and the universities need to examine policies operating as barriers to the admission of culturally and linguistically diverse people to the psychology profession in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study explored how non‐Indigenous psychologists enact clinical and cultural competence in their work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, with a particular focus on client assessment, diagnosis, and interventions. Method: Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 12 non‐Indigenous psychologists from across Australia experienced in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in diverse geographic and organisational contexts. Results: Thematic analysis of the data revealed five primary themes associated with the engagement, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Central to the findings was the need for adaptability and flexibility, a willingness to step outside psychology's traditional functions and formalities, the importance of adopting relationship‐centred, trauma‐informed, and client‐specific approaches, the development of cultural competence as a journey rather than a destination, and the place for innovative and solutions‐focused practice in building the knowledge and evidence base. Conclusion: This study demonstrates how non‐Indigenous psychologists can adapt their practice to incorporate culturally sensitive approaches when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adolescent males are often reluctant to seek help for mental health problems. Computerised psychological treatment may be a more appealing method of psychological intervention for this population because it minimises many of the barriers to traditional treatment. However, it is not clear if current computerised mental health treatment programs both attract and engage adolescent males with anxiety disorders. A qualitative methodology was utilised to investigate adolescent males’ attitudes to computerised mental health intervention generally and more specifically, computerised anxiety treatment programs. Method: The views of 29 adolescent males, both with and without experience of clinical anxiety symptoms, were elicited using semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using content analysis. Results: The major themes identified related to computerised help‐seeking involving “risk,” “effort” and “the need for a human connection.” Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that a number of barriers exist in relation to adolescent males utilising computerised mental health interventions, such as unfamiliarity with this form of help, perceived control over decision‐making, effort involved and concerns around confidentiality. However, the findings also suggest that an increased awareness of computerised mental health help‐seeking, facilitated through schools, parents or social media, also has the potential to increase formal help‐seeking in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a growing consensus that mental health should be conceptualised as a complete state that considers both illness and well‐being components. In Australian mental health services, the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) is the only one of the three currently used consumer outcome measures that includes this broader perspective. However, the MHI has been criticised for its length, and variable factor structure. In order to improve the clinical utility of the MHI, a reliability and validity study of the MHI was undertaken. Method: The original 38‐item version of the MHI was administered to an Australian adult community sample (n = 616), along with two other consumer outcome measures (BASIS‐32 and Kessler‐10), a measure of psychological distress (DASS‐21) and a measure of well‐being (Satisfaction with Life Scale). Results: Parallel analysis did not support the original factor structure of the MHI. The data indicated a correlated three‐factor structure, measuring psychological distress, emotional well‐being, and hopelessness. Seventeen items were deleted due to split loadings > .3, producing a shorter 21‐item scale. New simplified additive scoring rules were also developed to support the practical utility of the scale. Conclusion: Research, clinical practice and consumer feedback consistently highlight the need for a balanced assessment approach to mental health, which considers not only illness symptomatology, but also the characteristics of well‐being that support recovery. Use of the three subscales of the MHI‐21 would support a complete state assessment of mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Self‐kindness, which is thought to be part of self‐compassion, has the potential to contribute to mental health, as well as serve as a focus for interventions. However, little attention has been given to the potential role of self‐kindness specifically, especially in the context of mindful presence and available social support, in buffering distress. Method: Structural equation modelling was used to test a theoretically based model of how these factors relate to each other and psychological distress. Participants were 592 Australian university students. Results: Results confirmed our hypotheses, showing that: (a) receiving social support is important to the capacity for self‐kindness both directly and indirectly through the ability to “be present,” and (b) the relationship between social support and psychological distress is partially mediated by the practices of self‐kindness and being present. The model of social support, being present, and self‐kindness accounted for half the variance in psychological distress. With the addition of stressors, a regression model explained a total of 62% of the variance. Conclusions: These findings have implications for understanding the construct of self‐kindness and its role in the development of interventions to improve student success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy (MiCBT) is a transdiagnostic psychological intervention for the alleviation of chronic mental health conditions. Although health workers utilise the approach in Australasia, Europe, and North America, the modality has been overlooked in the literature. Furthermore, few qualitative studies have investigated mindfulness training for experienced healthcare professionals. This study addresses these gaps and is the first investigation of an Australian sample in this field of study. Method The design comprises a two-stage qualitative analysis of the recorded experiences of six health professionals during introductory MiCBT training in Australia, using course workbooks and semi-structured interviews conducted at between 3 and 21 months' follow-up. Results Results show a high level of agreement with the extant literature on other mindfulness-based approaches. Themes involve harnessing of personal challenges during training to one's advantage, gaining equanimity through exposure, and personal benefits linked to home practice. However, notable themes from the literature relating to group cohesion and professional self-care are absent. Novel findings include the reported ability of participants to regard personal difficulties as opportunities, rather than threats, to practice; and differences in how mindfulness training is implemented professionally by psychologists and social workers working with dissimilar client groups. Conclusions Results suggest that specifics of the training delivery, occupation of professionals, and level of client functioning could all play a part in determining perceived outcomes of mindfulness training for participants. The findings will be of interest to anyone who designs, implements, or participates in mindfulness-based training programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health gap is an urgent national priority. This commentary provides both an overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional well being and mental health and some of the promising initiatives for restoring wellbeing. Solutions for addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander mental health issues require a 'best of both worlds' approach which acknowledges the impact of social and cultural determinants on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Uti kulintjaku means 'to think and understand clearly.' Led by senior Aboriginal women, the Uti Kulintjaku Project took an innovative approach to developing a process to strengthen shared understandings of mental health between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal health professionals with the long-term aims of increasing help-seeking, strengthening health services' cultural competency, and Aboriginal leadership. Method Developmental evaluation supported the Project's development and utilised data collected through ten 3- to 4-day workshops over 3 years, reflective practice, participant observation, focussed discussion groups with Aboriginal participants, and 21 semi-structured, in-depth key stakeholder interviews. Results A model, Uti Kulintjaku Iwara: the path to clear thinking, has been developed. This model facilitates clear thinking, enables safe ways to talk about difficult issues, fosters healing and empowerment, and promotes finding new ways to enhance mental health and wellbeing. A range of outcomes at a personal, group, and Project level has been achieved: capacity development of the team of senior Aboriginal women; increased bi-cultural understanding of mental health; and emphasis on the importance of culture in enhancing Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing. A multi-lingual compendium of words and phrases was created and innovative resources were produced. Partnerships with mental health services were strengthened. Conclusions The Project's model and the healing, empowerment and leadership outcomes for the Aboriginal participants are consistent with programs identified as most effective in enhancing the social and emotional wellbeing and 'suicide proofing' of Aboriginal communities. The model developed has potential application to address other complex social and health issues in various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been recognised that Indigenous youth between the ages of 15-24 years are one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in contemporary Australian society. There is a plethora of available reports and statistical information gathered over the past 20 years that highlights the perilous situation of Indigenous youth and the specific challenges that confront this group. This article provides a review of the state of our knowledge regarding Indigenous youth with a particular focus upon their mental health needs and their broader social and emotional well-being. This article examines the relevance and potential effectiveness of focused psychological strategies as applied under the Access to Allied Psychological Services program in addressing the needs of Indigenous youth. There is a clear and important role for non-Indigenous Psychologists to play in closing the mental health gap, but practitioners need to have at least an adequate degree of cultural competence in order to engage with Indigenous young people, and be able to deliver psychological interventions that are culturally appropriate and safe and consistent with Indigenous world views. This article provides some guidance for non-Indigenous Psychologists in working with Indigenous youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective There is evidence that some transgender people find aspects of the S tandards of C are ( SOC ) for the H ealth of T ranssexual, T ransgender, and G ender N onconforming P eople, and/or their implementation by health professionals, problematic and counterproductive to transitioning. This study evaluated the significance of this dissatisfaction to the transitioning and mental health of transgender people. Method 161 self-identified transgender people responded to an online survey that assessed satisfaction with health services provided in accordance with SOC guidelines, satisfaction with health professionals assisting with their transition, personal hardiness, gender congruence, steps to transition, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Results Although results revealed dissatisfaction with the Standards of Care and with health professionals (particularly psychiatrists), subsequent path analyses conducted via structural equation modelling failed to reveal associations between this dissatisfaction and factors relevant to transitioning or mental health. However, personal hardiness was found to be associated with greater progress in transitioning and, by way of this, improved gender congruence, self-esteem, and mental health. Conclusion While the results reveal dissatisfaction with the Australian health system and its professionals, this does not appear to translate into poor mental health outcomes. Rather personal hardiness during transition is the important predictor of transitioning and mental health. This argues for greater emphasis to be placed on building and supporting personal resilience in transgender people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This article questions an assumption that modern young adults are unwilling to grow up, do not wish to take on traditional adult roles, and experience their current lives as carefree. Goals and beliefs for adulthood, and current mental health, were assessed. Methods A total of 518 Australian university students aged 18-25 (73% female, mean age 19 years, 72% Australian born) completed surveys of their goals for age 40, the goals they believed significant others held for them, and their views of life now and in the future, as well as standard assessments of mental health and well-being (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale 10; Goldberg anxiety subscale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Perceived Stress Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support). Results Students overwhelmingly aspired to 'traditional' adult roles: over 90% wanted to be married, with children, and to be in paid employment. Their highest priorities were finishing education, finding a life partner, and finding satisfying work. They generally selected positive adjectives to describe their futures, but selected negative adjectives to describe their current lives, and reported high levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions Findings suggest that these modern young adults are not leading carefree lives, nor are they reluctant to 'grow up.' Aspirations for family and employment, coupled with positive views of the future, are encouraging, while high levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress are cause for concern. Clinical responses to young people need to acknowledge instability that can result from spending extended periods of time 'in-between.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study reported in this article was to gain an understanding of the experiences, developmental trajectories, and mental health status of Australian trans men. Participants were 279 trans men. The majority preferred to identify as 'male'; from an early age, they had experienced their gender identity as different from that normatively expected of their natally assigned sex and had undertaken practices so as to facilitate their presentation as male in accordance with their gender identity. A majority reported a diagnosis of depression or anxiety within the last 12 months and attributed suicidal ideation and self-harm and attempted suicide to personal issues with gender identity. Going through a masculinisation process and coming out reportedly led to improved mental health. The findings highlight the need to educate mental health and health care professionals on trans issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) symptoms in combat veterans to be associated with impaired psychological functioning in their partners. However, little is known about possible mediators of this association. The present study investigated the mediational properties of six dimensions of the revised Partners of Veterans' Distress Scale (MacDonell, Marsh, Hine, & Bhullar, 2010). Participants were 181 female partners of Australian combat veterans, age ranging from 43 and 83 years ( M = 60.47, SD = 4.96), who completed measures assessing their caregiving distress levels, dyadic adjustment, mental health, and satisfaction with life. The combat veterans also completed a scale measuring their PTSD symptoms. Our results indicated that higher scores of veterans' PTSD were associated with lower levels of dyadic adjustment, mental health, and satisfaction with life in their partners. Partners reported that distress related to exhaustion and intimacy problems significantly mediated the relationship between veterans' PTSD symptoms and their partners' satisfaction with life, whereas partners' distress associated with intimacy problems was the sole significant mediator for their dyadic adjustment, and exhaustion was the only significant mediator for partners' mental health. Implications for programmes designed to address the significant needs of the partners of combat veterans are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health literacy (MHL) of rural adolescents has rarely been investigated. This study examined the MHL of 122 rural-based adolescents (49 males, 73 females) aged 12-18 years ( M = 16, SD = 1) using written vignettes and short films to examine knowledge about depression. For the written vignettes, 68% of the rural adolescents were able to correctly identify someone with depression, which is similar to the findings for metropolitan adolescents; however, knowledge about recovery times and avenues of assistance were below that of their metropolitan peers. Participants were less likely to correctly diagnose depression when suicidal intent was not expressed and when the scenario was presented in the more naturalistic form of a film. This finding raises questions about the place of films and written vignettes in future MHL research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is now well known that there is a disproportionate number of people with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system, surprising little attention has been paid to the challenges faced by policing people with mental illnesses in the community. This article provides an overview of some of the key findings from a programme of research undertaken in Victoria to further understand and develop a best practice model at this interface. The areas covered will include the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and mental illnesses among police cell detainees; the existing knowledge base and attitudes of police towards mentally ill people; the relationship between mental illness and offending; the frequency and nature of police apprehensions of mentally ill people under the Mental Health Act; the association among mental disorder, police shootings, and other injuries to people as a result of these encounters; and police interactions with victims of crime. The work highlights the need for ongoing improvements in policing people with mental illnesses, and particularly the need for improved inter-agency practices for dealing with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this article are to expand and comment upon a recent review in Australian Psychologist of the literature in relation to mental health problems in rural contexts by Jackson et al. (2007). In the present article we review recently published qualitative research on the help-seeking attitudes and experiences of rural Australian adolescents. While we agree on the utility of the Macintyre, Ellaway, and Cummins (2002) conceptual framework based on notions of health and place, we note that this framework specifically emphasises the importance of the collective dimension. We present a broader perspective on health and place than Jackson et al. (2007) by incorporating social geographic research. We argue that rural mental health research has been hampered by a simplistic view of social stigma of mental illness and that a more thorough conceptualisation of the phenomenon is needed. Finally, we make some further recommendations based on a broader perspective of mental health in rural contexts: one that incorporates an in-depth understanding of the help-seeking attitudes and experiences of rural adolescents as well as an appreciation of the collective social functioning of rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Refugee children and adolescents are widely acknowledged to experience multiple disadvantages that place them at increased risk of poor education and employment outcomes, which in turn affect their mental health and well‐being. The aim of this study is to explore the interconnection between their educational and schooling experiences, and mental health outcomes. Method: We used a mixed methods approach. Participants included a multiethnic sample of 495 South Australian refugee children (4–12 years) and adolescents (13–17 years) from Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and former Yugoslavia. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory ( CDI ) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ ). Thirteen focus groups with 85 refugee adolescents aged 13–17 years explored their educational experiences and well‐being. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed differences between teacher, parent, and adolescent self‐ratings, with teachers identifying a higher proportion of refugee students with mental health problems than parents or adolescents. The focus groups identified inadequate educational support, parental pressure to excel, heavy family and household responsibilities, supporting psychologically distressed parents, and school based discrimination and racism as barriers to their educational progress. Qualitative results also afforded plausible explanations for the discrepancy between teacher‐ratings with parent‐ and adolescent self‐ratings of the mental health. Conclusion: Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative findings provides insight into the interconnection between educational and schooling experiences of young refugees and their mental health. Avenues for further research include developing and evaluating more holistic models of education to address the interrelated education and mental health needs of refugee youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]