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In 1964, after a group of psychiatrists questioned Barry Goldwater's mental health during the presidential campaign, the Goldwater rule became part of American Psychiatric Association's medical ethics. The events surrounding the Goldwater rule indicate changes in the practice of psychiatry, but also politics. More recently, thirty-seven psychiatrists were compelled to question the mental health of President Donald Trump believing their greatest responsibility is to the well-being of the citizenry. These psychiatrists point to the intertwining of politics and professional ethics, a relationship, which our paper attempts to better understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This literature review uses the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to describe the quality and variety of the studies of botulinum toxin in children with cerebral palsy since 2001. Articles were identified via electronic query and then reviewed for strength of evidence and classification of outcome measures. The distribution of levels of evidence for the 63 articles was I (n = 8), II (n = 12), III (n = 21), and IV (n = 22). One or more measurements were used in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains of body structure and function (47 papers), activity (47 papers), participation (12 papers), and environmental/personal factors (10 papers). A total of 67% of all outcomes demonstrated a significant difference (I 49%, II 39%, III 74%, IV 88%). This review illustrates that few studies provide a high level of evidence and that outcomes focus on arenas such as spasticity or range of motion rather than activity or participation domains such as walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of this paper are to provide a description of a newly available service the Mental Health Screening Unit (MHSU), within the NSW prison system and to present the first 12 months in terms of the patients, its adaptations and its limitations. Methods: The first section of this paper provides a thorough description of the MHSU. The second looks at data collected for the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007. A variety of databases were utilized as sources. Results: There were a total of 604 admissions. The most common primary diagnoses were schizophrenia-related disorders. There were relatively few adverse incidents, and 18% of the acute unit population were transferred to the Long Bay Prison Hospital. Conclusion: The MHSU had a considerable throughput of patients and managed a range of severe mental illnesses. The initial objectives of the MHSU have broadly been achieved. There are several future areas of research discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients admitted to mental health services may exhibit behaviours of concern (BOCs) such as aggression, self-harm, absconding and sexual harm. BOCs can lead to restrictive interventions, which have adverse effects on patients, carers and staff. This paper aims to explore the nature and outcome of BOCs within an adult inpatient mental health setting.Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted at a metropolitan inpatient service between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. The frequency, nature and outcomes of BOC episodes were described and thematic analysis was used to summarise BOC antecedents.Results: A BOC was documented for 179 (18.2%) patients who also showed high rates of drug abuse, homelessness and longer admission. Most self-harm and sexual harm events occurred outside of normal business hours. Medications and verbal de-escalation were commonly used interventions. Episodes of deliberate self-harm were likely to result in patient and staff injury or mechanical restraint, whereas aggression was associated with seclusion. Mental state, care engagement, physiological stress and situational stressor were identified as BOC antecedents.Conclusion: Multiple forms of BOCs were experienced with mental state, physical and interpersonal contributors identified. Improving multidisciplinary input into early assessment and treatment of BOC causes is needed to improve safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are growing concerns over young people's mental health, the academic pressures they face, and the association between school-related stress and health. Given this, alongside the known benefits of physical activity for psychological health, the need for school-based interventions with a physical activity focus seems justified. This paper reports on findings from the evaluation of a pilot of 'Get to the Start Line', an innovative school-based programme designed to address adolescents' school-related stress and anxiety. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach and a pre- and post- design. Six schools from the East Midlands, UK, and selected year 11 pupils (aged 15–16) identified as experiencing examination-related stress and anxiety, participated in the programme. The programme was coordinated by a school champion (a staff member), delivered by an athlete mentor, and comprised six workshops. Data were collected from school champions and athlete mentors via an online survey following each workshop, and via semi-structured focus groups and interviews with pupils and school champions, respectively, pre-, mid- and post-intervention. Schools also provided relevant pupil data. The findings revealed the programme to be positively received by most pupils and to result in positive outcomes such as reported reductions in examination-related stress and anxiety for some, and fewer pupil well-being referrals. However, various challenges and limitations of the programme were identified, and recommendations were made for its future development. Therefore, whilst some of the findings were encouraging, further research into the implementation and impact of this and other such programmes is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade or more, improving young people's mental health has been identified as a priority for policy-makers in many countries, including Norway. Physical education, as a setting for physical activity, is increasingly viewed as having a potentially significant role to play in addressing mental health among the young. This paper reports the findings from a study of 148 Norwegian youngsters (68 girls and 80 boys) from the 10th grade (15–16 years old) in eight secondary schools in Norway in 2017. It explores Norwegian youngsters' experiences of physical education in relation to aspects of their mental health – specifically, being judged and, by extension, 'othered'. The findings suggest that physical education may undoubtedly serve to generate positive feelings associated with physical activity and games and, in doing so, bolster some youngsters' self-esteem and self-identities. On the other hand, however, for those less competent in sporting terms, and whose bodily self-image is not particularly positive, the public nature of physical education and the nature of the activities that constitute the subject can give rise to unplanned and unintended harm to some youngsters' mental health – especially in countries, such as Norway, where sport is a significant aspect of the group habitus and collective 'we-group' identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses experience moral distress when they cannot do what they believe is right or when they must do what they believe is wrong. Given the limited mechanisms for managing ethical issues for nurses in Japan, an Online Ethics Consultation on mental health (OEC) was established open to anyone seeking anonymous consultation on mental health practice. Research objective: To report the establishment of the Online Ethics Consultation and describe and evaluate its effectiveness. Ethical considerations: The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Research design: This evaluation describes the outcomes of 5 years of operation of the Online Ethics Consultation on mental health in Japan Participants: The Online Ethics Consultation received 12 emails requesting consultation. Consultees included mental health nurses, psychiatrists, and service users. Findings: The most common questions directed to the service were about seclusion and physical restraint. Response time from receipt of email to sending a reply was between 1 and 14 days. Despite the disappointing number of consultations, feedback has been positive. Discussion: The Online Ethics Consultation was established to assist morally sensitive nurses in resolving their ethical problems through provision of unbiased and encouraging advice. Mental health care in Japan has been less than ideal: long-term social hospitalization, seclusion, and restraint are common practices that often lead to moral distress in nurses and the questions received reflected this. The head of the Online Ethics Consultation sent a supportive, facilitative response summarizing the opinions of several consultants. Conclusion: This study provides key information for the establishment of an online ethics resource the adoption of which has the potential to improve the experience of nurses, allied health and clients of mental health services. This paper has implications for services concerned with improving patient care, managing nurses' moral distress, building ethics into decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Stress is prevalent among doctors, and interventions are offered, often as part of their continuing professional development, to help doctors learn in the workplace about the recognition, prevention and management of the harmful effects of stress. The aim of this review was to examine existing research to ascertain the features of successful educational interventions with practising doctors and any factors that may affect outcomes.Methods: We searched key databases for papers published between 1990 and 2017 on the themes of stress that included an education-based intervention and practising doctors. Using an inclusive approach to the review, a broad evaluation was made of the primary research using both quantitative and/or qualitative evidence where the study reported a positive outcome in terms of stress management.Results: Review criteria were met in 31 studies of 1,356 originally retrieved. Three broad categories of interventions emerged from the coding process: mindfulness-type (n = 12), coping and solutions focused (CSF) (n = 12) and reflective groups (n = 7). There is evidence that these interventions can be successful to help doctors deal with stress. Based on the results from this review, an original guide is advanced to help educators choose an educational intervention.Conclusion: Although evidence for some interventions may be 'hierarchically stronger', it is misleading to assume that interventions can be imported as successfully into any context. Factors such as medical specialty and health care systems may affect which intervention can be used. The guide offers an evidence base on which further research can be built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic overview of the literature on palliative care for people with severe persistent mental illness (SPMI) was conducted to inform clinical practice, research, and education. Empirical studies and nonempirical papers were included. Few empirical studies exist. There is even less information about the palliative care needs of, or the nature of palliative care provided to, people with SPMI. Mental health, primary care, and palliative care providers need to partner with people who have SPMI in developing and providing palliative care. The field of palliative care for people with SPMI is wide open and in need of methodologically sound studies that will help define the issues that exist for this vulnerable population. Recognizing the similarities between mental health and palliative care should lead to collaborative ventures and discussions in an attempt to address common and parallel issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There has been a burgeoning interest in arts and the environment in healthcare. While research has been undertaken on the clinical impact of disciplines, relatively little research has studied the impact of broader arts for health interventions. This paper reports findings from a systematic review of the arts for health literature, encompassing research on the impact of visual art, design and the environment on the well-being of patients and staff in mental healthcare settings.Methods: A systematic review of over 600 papers published between 1985 and 2005 on the impact of arts, design and environments in mental healthcare was undertaken. The review includes a discussion of contextual and policy literature, as well as 19 reports of quantitative and qualitative studies that met our inclusion criteria.Results: The largest number of studies focused on the aspects of art, design and environment that were relevant to mental healthcare. These studies suggest that this can affect health, including physiological, psychological, clinical and behavioural effects. Exposure to stressful visual and aural environments may reduce levels of stress and enhance recovery. Architectural design consideration is important in mental health settings, especially for patients with conditions such as dementia that can make wayfinding difficult. Exposure to art in healthcare environments has been found to reduce anxiety and depression. Environment features have also been found to affect staff, and improvements in visual and acoustic conditions may reduce risks of errors in some care settings. Qualitative studies provide insights into factors affecting the impact of arts, including issues of power and control, perceptions and influence of key stakeholders, and user participation. A key issue to emerge from this study is that arts interventions do not necessarily address the lack of control exercised by patients in healthcare environments.Conclusions: While there is extensive literature on the impact of design, environment and the arts on health, there is still a need for further research that addresses methodological challenges of evaluating complex interventions. Our review found evidence that environmental enhancements can have a positive impact on health and well-being of staff and patients in mental healthcare. Arts, when considered within this framework of evidence-based design, can also contribute to well-being, offering reassurance and creating identity in healthcare settings. Further research is needed in this area, as well as research that explores the contribution of other models of art that do not fit within the framework of `evidence-based design'. Finally, responses to the arts are contingent on a number of complex social and political factors; further understanding of these is needed in order to inform future research and evaluation of the arts in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently accompanied by low mood, the features of which may satisfy the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). Treatment of depressive symptoms in the absence of BPD-appropriate treatment is less effective and may cause iatrogenic harm. This paper briefly reviews the co-occurrence of BPD and depressive disorder and suggests ways of differentiating these disorders and optimising treatment within the Australian Mental Health context.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are present in the majority of people with BPD. To address the difficulty differentiating clinically distinct MDD from depressive symptoms that are integral to BPD psychopathology, it is suggested that depressive symptoms arising from a primary diagnosis of BPD (i) may exhibit transience and be stress reactive, (ii) lack a robust clinical response to antidepressant medication and/or electroconvulsive treatment and (iii) are responsive to BPD-appropriate psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performing autoethnography is a dynamic and dialogic exercise, transgressing and exceeding traditional expectations of academic papers. In this freely spoken piece—of narratives, thoughts, poems, and reflections—you will meet three international mental health scholar-researchers seeking and deepening connection through friendship. The article began as a single story and developed, as stories often do, to become many stories. It is conversational, shifting discursively across many topics, including diagnosis, medication, mental health demedicalization and recovery, cultural colonization, language, narrative and human abuse, identity, human connection, being outside the academic mainstream, ethnicity, time, and transitions. It is a story of telling stories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To critically examine a recent decision of the Victorian Supreme Court that found that the Mental Health Tribunal and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal erred in the application of the capacity test in the Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic) and that compulsory electroconvulsive therapy would infringe upon the human rights of two patients who had no insight into their chronic schizophrenia.Conclusions: After considering the concepts of insight and capacity to consent to treatment, the paper concludes that the decision in NJE and PBU v Mental Health Tribunal [2018] VSC 564 is problematic clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary speaks to several issues that arise from the papers in this special issue. Two articles--Kessler (2002) and Mirowsky and Ross (2002)--focus on a major measurement issue: dimensional versus diagnostic-type assessments. One topic requires greater attention: the correspondence of these measures with the underlying states they supposedly measure--constructs in the psychometric tradition and empirically defined illnesses in the medical or psychiatric tradition. Conclusions about the nature of these unobserved states remain tentative at this time. Three articles--Keyes (2002), Schwartz (2002), and Umberson, Williams, and Anderson (2002)--address the expansion of mental health outcomes. The existing reliance on emotional distress is problematic for sociological research because a single disorder is not a good proxy for estimates of the overall mental health consequences of social arrangements. Although these papers present diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives, collectively they demonstrate that no one approach to outcomes is best for all research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welcome to the second issue of the journal for 2017. In this issue, we again look at the mental health of students, followed by papers on career guidance and counselling in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper highlights the significant mental health vulnerabilities of people who have sought asylum in Australia and their additional adversities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Australia's policies in relation to asylum seekers result in multiple human rights violations and add significantly to mental health vulnerabilities. Despite a majority being identified as refugees, people spend years in personal and administrative limbo and are denied resettlement in Australia. Social isolation and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and recent reductions in welfare and housing support compound their difficulties. The clinical challenges in working with people impacted by these circumstances and the role of psychiatrists and the RANZCP in advocacy are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable implications for healthcare staff around the globe. During the pandemic, the frontline healthcare workers experience intense anxiety, stress, burnout, and psychological breakdown, with severe implications on their mental and physical well-being. In addition to these implications, anxiety and stress can hinder their productivity and ability to perform their duties efficiently. The literature indicates that hospital gardens and contact with nature can help alleviate psychological distress among hospital staff. However, few studies investigated the role of outdoor spaces as areas for respite and work breaks in healthcare facilities during the pandemic. The present opinion paper highlights the challenges of job stress and psychological distress health workers face during the pandemic. This article also underscores the role of hospital outdoor spaces and garden facilities in coping with the challenges. While other measures to reduce stress among hospital staff and ensure their health and safety are important, hospital administrators and relevant government agencies should also emphasize the provision of gardens and open spaces in healthcare facilities. These spaces can act as potential areas for respite for hospital staff to help them cope with the stress and anxiety accumulated through working under crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decades, there has been an increasing scholarly interest in understanding the development of psychiatry and mental health in non-Western worlds in the modern period. Several collective efforts have been made on the East Asian part, and this special issue has selected the examples of the countries of China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Articles have utilized social and political constructions of psychiatric discourse, as well as the use of case files to research patients' experiences in mental hospitals. Through these historiographies, connections and meanings of East Asian psychiatry are discussed in both global and local contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the processes undertaken to maximise cultural competence in a complex research project and illustrate how this enhanced the quality of the research and impact of the research outcomes.Methods: An epidemiological survey of the mental health of Indigenous people in custody in Queensland was conducted using culturally informed research processes.Results: The research process that enhanced cultural competence is described. The research outcomes were positive in terms of participant and community experiences, participation rates, publications and other research outputs, capacity building and translation of research findings.Conclusions: This paper describes in practical terms how to conduct culturally informed research and how this approach enhanced the scientific rigour of a complex Indigenous health research project. Indigenous health research should be conducted using a culturally competent method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the notion of time when undertaking interpreter-mediated Mental Health Act Assessments (MHAAs) from the perspective of Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs). It is based on one theme that emerged from a reflexive thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews with AMHPs undertaken as part of a larger corpus (Young et al., 2023). We found when carrying out interpreter-mediated MHAAs, AMHPs perceive time as luxury; something that they do not have in abundance, and which is made more problematic through the additional exigences when an interpreter is required. The luxury of time to which participants refer is determined ostensibly by resource availability underpinned by risk. Systemic and structural barriers also pertain. Driven by time’s omnipresence, these findings demonstrate fluctuations in how AMHPs use spoken/signed language interpreters and give rise to contradiction and sometimes passivity in practice. These findings are important considerations when undertaking any social work service that might require interpreter-meditation and are especially significant during a MHAA when a person’s liberty is at issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transition from primary to secondary school is a pivotal period in young people's lives and can significantly impact their mental health. However, the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during this crucial period of physical, social and emotional development are under-researched, limiting the evidence base for meaningful support. Objectives: This study explored the experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary school transition and co-designed ideas for culturally sensitive support. It explicitly focused on the intersection between ethnic and cultural identity, primary-secondary transition and mental health. Methods: The study employed participatory design to collaborate with seven young people from ethnically diverse groups and a peer researcher. Four online workshops mapped participant experiences and ideas concerning the primary-secondary transition, identity and mental health. These were developed into implications for practice, policy and research. Results: Participants highlighted feeling unprepared for the transition, with some experiencing poor mental health and difficulty navigating their ethnic and cultural identity during this time. Participants' ideas for future transition experiences included: supporting a longer transition period, schools promoting diversity among students and staff, enabling education on ethnicity and culture, breaking stereotypes, enabling mutual learning among staff and students and enabling an open and caring environment to support mental health. Conclusions: The study provides an in-depth understanding of experiences of young people from ethnically diverse groups during primary-secondary transition and suggests ways of supporting multi-faceted transitions and mental health, with a key focus on ethnic and cultural identity formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Few studies have used rigorous causal analysis to examine the difference in health effects between abrupt and gradual transitions from full-time employment to full retirement. Methods: Data were obtained from 10,253 individuals aged 50 years and older from the 2005–2019 Longitudinal Survey of Middle-aged and Older Adults conducted in Japan. An instrumental variable approach was used to determine the causal relationship between retirement pathways and health by exploiting the public pension eligibility age as the instrument. Results: Abruptly retired individuals were more likely to have physical limitation and less likely to have depression than those not yet retired. In contrast, those who fully retired through a gradual transition were less likely to have physical limitation and more likely to have depression than those not yet retired. Discussion: Retirement pathways have different effects on physical and mental health, providing important implication for labor and health policies in aging societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigates the associations between five types of childhood interpersonal trauma (CIT) and depression in mid-later life, as well as the mediation roles of social integration in the associations. Methods: Two waves of data from a nationally representative survey in China were used, with participants aged 45 years and older (N = 14,180). Measures of CIT included physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, bullying victimization, and exposure to interparental violence. Binary logistic regression and Karlson–Holm–Breen mediation analysis were used as statistical methods. Results: People who were bullied, physically abused, and witnessed interparental violence during childhood were more likely to develop depression in mid-later years. The associations between CIT and depression were mediated by satisfaction with marriage, satisfaction with children, and perceived social support. Discussion: Although CIT elevates the risk of depression in later life, effective interventions that strengthen integration across family and social domains could benefit mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firearms are the leading cause of pediatric deaths. Few studies have identified protective factors that reduce the risk of firearm violence. Interpersonal factors, including school connectedness and social support, protect against multiple health-affecting risk behaviors. Therefore, this study examines associations of school connectedness and social support with firearm and weapon violence involvement. Data were gathered through an anonymous survey conducted across 13 high schools within an urban school district in 2018 (n = 2,604) modeled on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Separate hierarchical logistic regression models examined associations between school connectedness and social support, and the outcomes of firearm carrying and engaging in violence with a weapon on school property in the past 12 months. Models were adjusted for age, race, and covariates representing basic needs, education, and mental health. The mean age was 15.7 years, and 57.5% of youth were female. 5.8% of youth had carried firearms and 5.5% engaged in violence with a weapon on school property in the past 12 months. School connectedness was significantly inversely associated with engaging in violence with a weapon on school property (odds ratio [OR] 0.225, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.080, 0.632] and high levels of social support were significantly inversely associated with firearm carrying (OR 0.522, 95% CI [0.313, 0.870]). School connectedness and social support may be important in protecting youth from firearm and weapon-related violence. Interventions that strengthen safe and supportive interpersonal relationships within school environments and broader support systems across contexts may help reduce firearm and weapon violence involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of perceived parenting styles, causal attributions for academic success/failure, and perceived school performance (PSP) on adolescents' psychological well-being (PWB). Participants were 200 Brazilian adolescents who answered the Parenting Styles & Dimensions Questionnaire, the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Rating Scale of Causal Attributions for Academic Success/Failure (RSCA). The results showed that adolescents' PWB was predicted by authoritative parenting style (APS), internal and controllable attributions (appropriate motivations to cope with academic success/failure; ICASF), and PSP. In addition, we tested a mediation model showing that the ICASF mediated the relationship between APS and PSP, which in turn led to better PWB. These results highlighted the relevance of parenting styles and school-based causal attributions for the understanding of adolescents' mental health. Our findings can support interventions that enable more effective teaching–learning processes, which are associated with higher levels of mental health for the adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the intersecting experiences of perceived racial discrimination, poverty-related stress (PRS), and civic efficacy with psychological functioning in preadolescents. The sample consisted of 129 low-income, racially and ethnically diverse preadolescents. Hierarchical linear regression analyses found that perceived racial discrimination and PRS were associated with greater psychological problems, as reported by parents and youth. High levels of both perceived racial discrimination and PRS together resulted in even higher psychological problems, as reported by parents. Lastly, civic efficacy significantly moderated the relationship, where higher civic efficacy in the presence of both discrimination and PRS was associated with fewer psychological problems. In conclusion, these findings suggest that considering both stressors as intersecting rather than additive stress may better explain the mental health disparities among low-income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth. Additionally, empowering resources, such as civic efficacy, may promote positive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased loneliness associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported, with healthcare workers at increased risk compared to the general population. Pre-pandemic research indicates that loneliness has long-term detrimental effects on mental well-being, but the effect of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 is not clear. We conducted an online survey of healthcare workers (HCWs) at a large teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia after the peak of the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. Over one-third experienced loneliness at the peak of the first wave. An observed association with high psychological distress in subsequent months was attenuated after adjusting for status of mental well-being during the peak and before the pandemic. Mental well-being during the peak of the pandemic and, to a lesser extent, mental well-being before the pandemic were the strongest predictors of later distress. Increased conflict at home was also predictive of later distress. The mental health of HCWs is an important consideration at any time and is especially so in the face of crises such as the current global pandemic. Strategies to enhance baseline mental well-being and bolster well-being during crisis situations should assist HCWs cope with unexpected stressors and reduce the associated detrimental psychological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients receiving palliative care often face psychological distress, which can be challenging for clinicians to manage. Therefore, reflexive and visual journaling can be used as powerful techniques for clinician selfreflection and personal development. These journals are a form of practice wisdom, providing insights into psychological health in palliative care. Aim: This study aims to describe how patients receiving palliative care experience psychological health, explore the meaning of a palliative care clinician's work and contribute to the understanding of psychological health in palliative care through the reflexive and visual journals of clinicians. Design: Using Gibb's reflective cycle as a framework for journaling, this study employs reflexive and visual journaling through the lenses of a psychiatrist and an art therapist. Journal data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Setting/participants: The two first authors journaled 107 clinical encounters and created 36 pieces of response art detailing encounters with patients and their families, and clinical conversations in two palliative care centres. Results: Patient attributes and the clinical environment were observed to influence psychological health in palliative care. The patient's ability to navigate dying, maintain personhood, exert resilience and experience satisfying relationships contribute to psychological health. A clinical environment comprising clinicians with holistic competencies, systems promoting interdisciplinary collaborations and a values-based culture that promotes patient centricity strengthens the delivery of psychological care. Conclusions: Good psychological health in palliative care extends beyond psychopathology and is influenced by the cardinal elements of being human, value systems and systemic elements in the therapeutic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the journal including its performance metrics in 2023, authorship of journal's 2023 published content, and topics of the journal articles published in 2023.

Background: Experiencing food allergies and food insecurity has been linked to socioeconomic, physical, and mental health-related challenges, but less is known about the intersection of these experiences. This study aims to better understand the impact of food insecurity on food allergy patients and their caregivers, with the intention of informing ongoing efforts to improve screening for food insecurity and mental health concerns and reducing their burden among households managing food allergy. Method: As part of a community needs assessment, a cross-sectional survey was administered to a large, national sample (N=5,940) of US households with at least one food-allergic individual, The Hunger Vital Sign was utilized to assess food insecurity, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) were leveraged to measure psychosocial outcomes. Results: Among respondents, 69.9% screened at-risk of food insecurity on the Hunger Vital Sign, while 5.6% reported very low food security. Both adults and children with food allergy (FA) from households at risk for food insecurity were more likely to report FA-related anxiety, anger, loneliness, fear of eating, and bullying victimization than their counterparts from households not at risk of food insecurity (p <.0001 for all). Among these specific experiences, FA-related anxiety was the most common (25.4%/30.1% of children/adults). Perceived risk of food allergy-related fatality was positively associated with food insecurity status. Conclusion: Individuals with food allergies who are concomitantly experiencing food insecurity are at greater risk of a variety of mental health concerns, including those specific to food allergy as well as more general anxiety and depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing education on sexual health and other health promotion topics is critical as young people transition into adulthood. A "booster" round of education may be an effective strategy to reinforce information previously taught and expand to additional topics relevant later in adolescence. In partnership with a Youth Advisory Council, we co-designed READY, Set, Go!, a booster curriculum for older adolescents with modules covering adult preparation skills, sexual identity, relationships, reproductive health, and mental health. From November 2021 to January 2023, we provided the curriculum to 21 cohorts of 12th grade students (N = 433) in rural communities of Fresno County, CA, and conducted an implementation evaluation to assess its feasibility in school settings, acceptability by participants, and changes in short-term outcomes. Health educators completed implementation logs to track program adaptations. Youth completed pretest/posttest surveys to assess changes in outcomes and participant satisfaction. We used descriptive statistics to examine program adaptations and satisfaction. We used multivariable regression models to examine changes in outcomes, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Health educators completed most activities as planned, with adaptations occurring in response to youth needs and scheduling limitations. Sexual health knowledge, confidence in adult preparation skills, awareness of local sexual and mental health services, and willingness to seek health services all increased significantly from pretest to posttest. Youth feedback was strongly positive. We conclude that booster sexual health education is a promising strategy to address critical knowledge gaps and support health promotion, especially in rural and other under-resourced communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, psychological science has contributed to maintaining the hegemony of white normativity and a fallacious belief in objective science that speaks to one singular truth about race. Due to a widespread unfamiliarity with critical theories and research methods in the field, novel approaches to psychological scientific inquiry are warranted to support scholars in pursuing racially-just empirical inquiries with socially-just implications. This manuscript aims to (1) introduce an evolution from critical race theory in psychology to a set of principles to guide research praxis: PsyCrit and (2) demonstrate its utility through use in an exemplar qualitative study. Qualitative coding analysis of semi-structured interviews with four Black mothers and one Black father (n = 5) participating in the Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race intervention was conducted to model the use of PsyCrit in practice and deepen our understanding of parent factors in Black families. This manuscript unpacks four aspects of the exemplar study utilizing four of the seven tenets of PsyCrit. The depth of analysis provided by the framework suggests that these principles may serve in guiding psychological researchers toward more nuanced investigations, especially as they relate to issues of race or racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about service utilization among female entertainment workers (FEWs) after experiencing gender-based violence (GBV). This study explored factors associated with post-GBV service utilization among FEWs in Cambodia. We included 299 FEWs, who experienced any forms of GBV in the past 12 months. This study highlights low access (14.05%) to post-GBV services among FEWs. Factors associated with post-GBV services utilization were marital status, living conditions, mental health, and types of entertainment venues. To improve post-GBV services utilization, ensuring quality, and availability of services are required. Further research is needed to develop pathways toward a supportive environment for FEWs to access these services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article explored Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge of Complementary and Alternative Interventions (CAI). Method: We utilized a cross-sectional online survey among a sample of 193 LCSWs. Results: Approximately 60% of LCSWs assessed for and utilized CAI professionally, and 90% personally utilized CAI. LCSWs had moderately positive beliefs, neutral attitudes, and high baseline knowledge of CAI. Age and years of practice were the only significant correlates, and the only significant predictor for assessment and utilization of CAI was positive attitudes. Discussion: As the largest group of mental health providers, we found that it is vital for LCSWs to have a solid understanding of CAI to provide effective and safe services to the clients they serve. It is hoped that the results of this study will serve as a starting point for future research on CAI among social workers, with the goal of enhancing client-centered practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feelings of loneliness can impact the relationships between the generations and family members. Loneliness among immigrant family members and its generational transmission are attracting more and more attention from academics. Nonetheless, existing research is frequently lacking theoretical foundations. I provide the life-course approach as a framework for enhancing future studies and theories of intergenerational loneliness in members of immigrant families. Particularly, the life-course perspective emphasizes the significance of considering the influence of both an individual's life course, societal factors, linked lives across generations, and the historical context. I review key dimensions of the life-course perspective and make recommendations for future directions in immigrant research on loneliness, generational loneliness disparities, and the transmission of loneliness across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the high prevalence of perceived stress and mental health problems among medical professionals (MPs), their professional help-seeking is extremely low. This qualitative study explored MPs' stressors, stress-coping, barriers and facilitators of professional help-seeking. 10 MPs (30% male, M age = 34.8 years) were recruited by purposive-sampling for views from different roles/settings. Thematic analyses revealed five central stressors: emerging novel diseases, challenges from technology-advancement, patient-communication difficulties, lack of workplace mental health care culture, excessive workload/manpower shortage. Participants predominantly used peer support/supervision and de-stress activities for stress-coping. Five factors affecting professional help-seeking were time constraint versus flexibility, mental health stigma versus de-stigmatization, concern over confidentiality/anonymity versus sense of privacy, worry about damage on professional role versus least work disruption, doubts of service providers versus perceived efficacy. All participants indicated a preference for online mental health service delivery. Results reflected unmet needs and service gaps from MPs' perspectives for the development of future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayahuasca has gained the attention of researchers over the past decade as psychedelic-assisted therapy for MDMA and psilocybin have progressed through FDA approved clinical trials. In spite of the increase in research, there are relatively few clinical studies of ayahuasca and little qualitative research on the therapeutic or healing uses of psychedelics in general. The present study included 41 Western participants who were interviewed about their participation in facilitated group ayahuasca experiences (e.g., in shamanic, neoshamanic, spiritual, and religious settings). Participants were interviewed about their intentions for participating, along with the perceived impact of the experiences. In particular, we focused on impacts that participants perceived to be sustained and enduring. We identified an impressive range of beneficial impacts, including improvements in areas that are often a focus of psychotherapy, such as mental health and substance use, health behaviors, interpersonal relationships, sense of self, attitude. Extratherapeutic effects were also observed in areas such as changes in creativity, somatic sensations, physical health/pain, sense of connection to nature, spirituality, and concern for the greater good. Two participants also reported problematic experiences, apparently related to set and setting. Implications for research and practice, along with a humanistic framework for interpreting these findings is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than cisgender individuals due to unique stressors related to their stigmatized gender identity and/or expression. This meta-analysis examined the associations between gender minority stressors and resilience factors, as measured by the Gender Minority Stress and Resilience Measure (GMSR; Testa et al., 2015), and two types of mental health symptoms (i.e., depression and anxiety). A comprehensive literature search and study inclusion process following PRISMA guidelines identified 69 sources, representing 47 unique samples. Mean effect sizes revealed significant positive associations between all GMSR minority stress subscales and anxiety and depression symptoms (r s =.22 to.40) with larger correlations for proximal stressors compared to distal stressors. The GMSR resilience subscales were significantly negatively correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms (r s = −.07 to −.16). These findings highlight the robust relationship between gender minority stressors and mental health symptoms among TGD individuals and indicate a need for addressing these stressors both by reducing exposure to external stressors and by addressing the internalization of those stressors in clinical settings. The small effects for the resilience subscales suggest a need to examine additional resilience factors that may be more pertinent to mental health among TGD individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that autistic children have a higher probability of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) compared to their non-autistic peers. This meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42022262635) aimed to quantify the association of autism and ACEs. Eight databases and Google Scholar were searched for studies that reported dichotomous outcomes regarding the associations between ACEs and autistic individuals, compared to non-autistic individuals. A random-effects model was used to calculate the average Odds Ratio (OR) of the relationship between a diagnosis of autism and ACEs. A total of 40 studies with 5,619,584 participants were included, generating an overall average OR 2.11 (CI 1.61, 2.77). Significant differences in the magnitude of association were found across studies with regards to the type of ACEs studied, comparison groups, and population type. Overall, moderate certainty evidence (downgraded for bias) indicates that autistic individuals are at greater risk of experiencing ACEs, compared to non-autistic individuals. Appropriate support for autistic individuals and their families are required to prevent ACEs and treat the impact of ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human trafficking leaves victims with long-term social, psychological, and health effects. Research in this area is still nascent, and there are limited studies that show the effectiveness of existing services for survivors. This study fills the gaps in knowledge of the effectiveness of existing programs through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Inclusion and exclusion criteria retained 15 studies using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method, containing 16 populations. Included studies examined programs and/or interventions providing direct services to human trafficking survivors using quantitative pre- and post-intervention measurements published from January 2010 to June 2022. Outcomes among survivors were grouped into five categories: (a) mental health, (b) physical health, (c) social support or social behavior, (d) personal development, and (e) other. Roughly half (n = 31, 51.66%) of the outcomes across the 15 studies were statistically significant. Most measured constructs showed a moderate effect size (E.S.; n = 31, 51.67%). In all, 21 constructs (27.91%) met high E.S. levels, and eight (13.33%) met the criteria for a low-level effect. Analyzing different intervention types, physical-based interventions represented the smallest subset and the largest mean effect size (n = 5, g = 1.632, 95% CI [0.608, 2.655]) followed by standardized therapy (n = 23, g = 1.111, 95% CI [0.624, 1.599]), wrap-around services (n = 14, g = 0.594, 95% CI [0.241, 0.947]), and peer and support group modalities (n = 18, g = 0.440, 95% CI [0.310, 0.571]). A meta-regression showed that non-U.S.-based interventions were significantly more effective than U.S.-based interventions (z = −2.25, p = 0.025). While only 15 studies contributed to this analysis, the current study ushered in new avenues regarding future research, policies, and practice in services for survivors of human trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review examines the impact of parental preconception adversity on offspring mental health among African Americans (AAs) and Native Americans (NAs), two populations that have experienced historical trauma and currently experience ethnic/racial mental health disparities in the United States. PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies that included at least two generations of AAs or NAs from the same family, measured parental preconception adversity and their offspring's mental health, and examined the association between these variables. Over 3,200 articles were screened, and 18 articles representing 13 unique studies were included in this review. Among the studies with samples that included AAs (n = 12, 92%), 10 (83%) reported a significant association between parental preconception adversity and adverse offspring mental health. The only study with a sample of NAs (n = 1, 8%) also reported a significant association between these variables. Although the literature suggests that parental preconception adversity is associated with offspring mental health among AAs and NAs, it must be interpreted in the context of the small number of studies on this topic and the less-than-ideal samples utilized—just one study included a sample of NAs and several studies (n = 6, 46%) used multi-ethnic/racial samples without testing for ethnic/racial disparities in their results. A more rigorous body of literature on this topic is needed as it may help explain an important factor underlying ethnic/racial mental health disparities, with important implications for interventions and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young people who grow up in care and then exit care around the age of 18 (care-leavers) are a particularly vulnerable group, at increased risk for mental health problems even relative to other care-experienced groups. Yet, little is understood about the factors underpinning this association. We used scoping review methods to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative literature on factors that are associated with mental health problems for care-leavers. Following rigorous methods, we systematically searched three scientific databases spanning psychology and social care and identified 23 peer-reviewed studies for inclusion. This review highlights the heterogeneity of this research, in terms of methodology and topics investigated. Topics included are as follows: pre-care maltreatment, care-related experiences, psychological factors (emotion regulation), social support, education, and adult functioning (e.g., housing, finances, employment). We found mixed and inconsistent findings across research studies. The strongest evidence-base is around the influence of social support upon the mental health of recent care-leavers, though methodological problems are discussed. The field benefits from several large-scale observational and longitudinal research studies. However, there is an over-reliance upon retrospective reporting, and the use of unvalidated measures is common. It is apparent that there are significant gaps in our current understanding of the mental health of care-leavers, in particular around modifiable factors. We discuss potential directions for future empirical research, both in terms of methodology and factors investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to care emerging in research and in practice that involves addressing the needs of individuals with histories of trauma. The aim of this scoping review was to examine the current literature relating to TIC interventions used in pediatric mental health inpatient and residential settings. We sought to answer the following two research questions: (a) What are the TIC interventions used in pediatric inpatient and residential treatment mental healthcare settings and what are their components? and (b) What are the implementation goals and strategies used with these TIC interventions? We conducted this scoping review according to JBI (formerly Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology for scoping reviews. We included any primary study describing a TIC intervention that was implemented at a specific site which identified and described implementation strategies used. Of 1,571 identified citations and 54 full-text articles located by handsearching, 49 met the eligibility criteria and were included, representing 21 distinct TIC interventions. We present the reported aim, ingredients, mechanism, and delivery (AIMD) of TIC interventions as well as the implementation goals and strategies used, which varied in detail, ranging from very little information to more detailed descriptions. In the context of these findings, we emphasize the complexity of TIC and of TIC interventions, and the importance of identifying and clearly reporting TIC intervention goals, intervention details, and implementation strategies. We suggest applying intervention frameworks or reporting guidelines to support clear and comprehensive reporting, which would better facilitate replication and synthesis of published TIC interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unpredictable and widespread threat of mass shootings make them a concern that could affect anyone, anywhere. As such, being able to interrupt the process of planning and conducting a mass shooting represents a matter of public safety. Willingness to report, particularly on loved ones or associates, ultimately requires the public to be supportive of the interventions they think will be applied. In this study, we analyzed responses to an online "opt-in" survey (n = 274) that measured public opinion regarding how punitive (or therapeutic) the public at large suppose the sanctions for planning (but not [yet] conducting) a mass shooting should be. Our findings suggest the public is supportive of a balanced justice approach for both juveniles and adults, with and without mental illness, who plan a mass shooting when given the option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family violence and mental health are pervasive and wicked problems, and the state of Victoria (Australia) has emphasised these areas of focus through two dedicated Royal Commissions. Despite the increased prioritisation of mental health and family violence and recognition of existing systems and policy failures, research into the overlap of these two areas remains limited. This article examines the unique and elevated risk factors of mental health consumers experiencing coercive control and poor system experiences/intervention outcomes as victim-survivors. Utilising lived experience accounts from the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, this study qualitatively analyses 60 submissions and draws compelling parallels between consumer and victim-survivor experiences, and examines how they intersect at critical junctures to exacerbate risk. The findings suggest that mental health consumers have existing experiences and identity aspects that put them at high risk of being targeted by coercive control and experiencing unique tactics of abuse related to their mental health diagnoses. This article highlights that lived experience expertise is essential for bridging the gap in policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rape myths play a role in rape denialism, in which individuals deny the prevalence and severity of sexual assault. This project aimed to address two common rape myths: that rape is uncommon and its effects are exaggerated. To test these claims, we explored two archival samples consisting of undergraduate women. Study 1, a 5-year chart review of university counseling center intake forms (n = 883), demonstrated that 30.2% of clients had experienced "sexual violence," "sexual contact without consent," or both. Study 2, a re-analysis of an emerging adulthood resilience survey dataset (n = 359), demonstrated that 20.6% of subjects had a history of sexual assault, and that those women reported lower life satisfaction and more severe psychological symptoms than those who did not. These findings are in line with previous literature debunking harmful rape myths that contribute to the perpetuation of rape culture. Our data help validate these rape notions as mythical; rape is indeed common and devastating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United Kingdom, the prevalence of children and young people (CYP) accessing acute paediatric inpatient care with mental health problems is increasing, with self-harm and eating disorders particularly prevalent. This study evaluated CYP experiences of being in receipt of acute paediatric inpatient care following either self-harm or crisis stemming from an eating disorder to inform domains for a person-centred outcome measure (PCOM). A series of stakeholder engagement events were conducted between April and July 2015 where creative approaches were used to explore stakeholder experiences of care and to identify outcome domains that were subsequently prioritised using a Nominal Group Technique. Data were analysed using inductive thematic approach, with significance scores calculated for domain statements. Ninety-six stakeholders (15 CYP, eight parents and carers, and 73 professionals) participated. Findings showed five priority PCOM domains: privacy and surveillance; holistic care; making choices, appropriate communication; working together to achieve care goals; and respect and empowerment. This single centre evaluation highlights the need for a PCOM to be developed for this patient group that comprehensively reflects stakeholders' expectations in order to inform improvements to quality of acute paediatric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culture influences responses to psychological measurements in ways unrelated to target constructs, thus biasing test scores and potentially contributing to under- and over-diagnosis of mental health problems in populations for which measures have not yet been normed. We conducted a systematic review of publications addressing response style among Latinx population groups in North and South America. In a final corpus of 24 studies, Latinx/Latin American populations were generally found to exhibit higher levels of extreme response style (n = 17), acquiescent response style (n = 10), and socially desirable responding (n = 5). The few publications (n = 3) that investigated midpoint responding reported no differences. Seven publications (29%) attempted to adjust scores to mitigate response style bias, using both scale design and statistical techniques. Findings suggest that researchers and clinicians should directly assess culturally patterned response style as a construct, rather than inferring style indirectly using other measures. For clinicians, knowledge of response style represents another facet of case conceptualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]