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Conceptualizing mental health among diverse Americans

Ethan Haymovitz (Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)
Kelly Barrett (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA)
Brianda Torres-Conley (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA)
Allison Schaefer (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA)
Rebecca Zimmerman (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA)
Yaara Zisman-Ilani (College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)
Debora M. Ortega (Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA)

Journal of Public Mental Health

ISSN: 1746-5729

Article publication date: 26 May 2022

Issue publication date: 16 August 2022

183

Abstract

Purpose

A single conceptualization of mental health based on empirical research has yet to be adopted by researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to explore how diverse Americans define mental health. The aim of the study was to build a conceptualization of the term “mental health”, using qualitative and quantitative methods, on the basis of definitions provided by an ethnically diverse sample of lay-people and professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Concept mapping methods, including multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, were applied to 146 statements generated by 125 participants of diverse American racial and ethnic groups. The resulting concept map was inspected visually, quantitatively and qualitatively.

Findings

Out of the 146 statements, 8 overarching themes emerged from multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Themes include Well-being, balance, coping, adaptability, relational, self, lack of mental illness and physical. T-tests revealed statistically significant differences on ratings of importance for statements within the theme “Lack of Mental Illness” from those included in “Well-Being”, “Balance” and “Coping.” Statements included in the theme “Lack of Mental Illness” were rated least essential to the construct of mental health. The “Self” cluster appeared at the center of the data visualization, suggesting that Americans believe that self is essential to the construct in question.

Practical implications

This mixed-method study is consistent with prior evidence that mental health and mental illness might best be considered separate constructs (Westerhof and Keyes, 2010). A logical follow-up might examine why the concept of “Self” emerges centrally as it would help mental health practitioners and policymakers to focus their understanding of mental health to improve mental health interventions.

Originality/value

Understanding that the concept of “Self” is central to Americans’ conceptualizing of mental health may help mental health practitioners and policymakers to focus their efforts in delivering targeted mental health interventions.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Declaration of Interests Statement: This research was funded in part by a grant from the University of Denver Latinx Center.

Citation

Haymovitz, E., Barrett, K., Torres-Conley, B., Schaefer, A., Zimmerman, R., Zisman-Ilani, Y. and Ortega, D.M. (2022), "Conceptualizing mental health among diverse Americans", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 199-207. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2021-0148

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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