Browsing by Subject "mental health challenges"

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    Innovations in Addressing Mental Health Needs in Humanitarian Settings: A Complexity Informed Action Research Case Study
    (Frontiers, 2020-12) Parrish-Sprowl, Susan; Parrish-Sprowl, John; Alajlouni, Samia; Communication Studies, School of Liberal Arts
    Addressing mental health challenges in humanitarian settings, where needs are many and resources are scarce, requires innovative solutions. In this manuscript, we describe a quantum complexity informed intervention, Communication for Whole Health (CWH), developed at the request of a large Jordanian healthcare NGO to address mental health needs of patients and staff. In the humanitarian aid context, this health domain is referred to by the acronym MHPSS (mental health and psychosocial support). The focus of this participatory action research project, presented here as a case study, was the collaborative elaboration of an MHPSS intervention in an urban primary healthcare clinic serving mostly Syrian refugees. The intervention capitalizes on the synergistic effects generated from the systemic nature of communication where every interaction is an intervention, and the health implications of research demonstrating communication is bioactive. Rather than treating mental health as an add-on medical specialty targeting patients with “psychiatric disorders,” systemic MHPSS starts from the premise that everyone has mental health, which is inextricably linked to physical and social health. Emphasis is on integrating awareness of mental health as part of whole health and taking advantage of every interaction to facilitate well-being for patients and staff. The intervention facilitated the transformation of the communication ecology of the clinic from a culture of reactivity to a culture of receptivity by strengthening communication resources and practices. Staff reported feeling more empowered to help patients and displayed increased motivation to find innovative ways to use available resources. They felt better equipped to manage their own stress response and support coworkers. Patients learned basic stress management skills, helping them better manage chronic health conditions, and reported sharing this information with family members. Staff reported many examples of patients responding positively to interventions to reduce patient reactivity, leading to beneficial behavior change and improved health outcomes. Results suggest a systemic MHPSS approach can contribute to ameliorating health inequities by expanding resources for patients and staff, empowering them to act into their current circumstances to support whole health. The CWH approach has potential in similar contexts to address mental health needs in a cost-effective and impactful way.
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    Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges in College Student-Athletes
    (2022-06) Allen, Morgan Rae; Hensel, Devon J.; Daday, Jerry; Foote, Carrie E.
    Mental health concerns among NCAA student-athletes have increased in the past decade. Prior research demonstrates the intense environment student-athletes reside in and the negative impact it can have on one’s mental health. However, little is known about the prevalence of mental health symptoms and the choices student-athletes make in regard to their mental health. We aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes in this population and the subsequent consequences it can have on collegiate student-athletes. Additionally, we examined how the demographic characteristics and behavior factors can affect their mental health, mental health stigma, and help-seeking behavior. Our sample consisted of 236 student-athletes participating in NCAA institutions across the country, with a target audience of Horizon League competing institutions. We utilized descriptive statistics, linear regression, and ordinal regression to examine the prevalence of each predictor and outcome variable. The following scales were utilized to assess various mental health outcomes: Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale (CD-RISC2). Data show that a higher cumulative GPA was associated with lower mental distress and significantly more likely to have higher resilience. Additionally, athletes who were injured, were significantly more likely to experience mental distress compared to their non-injured peers. Furthermore, cisgender females reported significantly higher mental distress compared to their cisgender male counterparts. Student-athletes reporting an increase in public stigma revealed lower mental well-being and higher levels of mental distress. These findings indicate that participant characteristics do impact the adverse mental health outcomes student-athletes experience. The public and/or self-stigma one experiences can impact the overall well-being of the individual when it comes to mental health. We recommend that future studies examine how stigma can affect the choices of how student-athletes navigate their personal mental health. Future research should investigate new ways to combat the negative consequences of mental health challenges to improve the overall student-athlete experience.