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1 – 10 of over 11000Bashir Tijani, Jin Xiaohua and Robert Osei-Kyei
Mental ill-health among construction project professionals (CPPs) is a significant, persistent and unresolved problem that sparked the proliferation of literature…
Abstract
Purpose
Mental ill-health among construction project professionals (CPPs) is a significant, persistent and unresolved problem that sparked the proliferation of literature worldwide. Despite the diverse research publications, a systematic review to reveal forms of mental ill-health, cause of mental ill-health and coping is lacking.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper aims to systematically reviews the existing body of knowledge on mental health in the construction project by analyzing 60 papers published between 1989 and 2020 (years inclusive) using the preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Academic journals between 1989 and 2020 were selected for this study because the first published paper on the mental health of construction managers commenced in 1989 and current studies are published in 2020.
Findings
The findings show that stress, job burnout, depression, anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD) are prominent forms of mental ill-health among CPPs, with an absence of project-related measuring scales for evaluating the mental ill-health symptoms. Moreover, generic stressors including long working hours, time pressure and work overload were used to establish the root causes of mental ill-health by ignoring construction project related stressors for mental ill-health. Problem-focused coping is more efficient than emotional focused coping in mitigating work stress, job burnout, depression, anxiety, but little is known on the influence of coping strategies on SUD. Knowledge gaps and future research directions were identified. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the implications of mental health management on construction projects.
Originality/value
The findings of this study contribute toward understanding the need to investigate individual mental ill-health as against the existing practices of considering all forms of mental ill-health as one umbrella. It also challenges limitations in the utilization of generic stressors to determines factors for mental ill-health by the introduction of the Swisse cheese theoretical model.
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Joanna Fox and Roz Gasper
This study aims to review how the mental ill-health of academic staff is regarded in higher education institutions (HEIs) and explore the decision to disclose (or not) a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to review how the mental ill-health of academic staff is regarded in higher education institutions (HEIs) and explore the decision to disclose (or not) a mental health condition whilst working in this sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The choice to disclose is explored by using duoethnography undertaken by two female academics working in this context who both experience mental ill-health. Both authors recorded their experiences, which were then shared with each other and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The themes that emerged from the authors’ reflections comprise: a discussion of the connection between work-life identities and the impact of mental ill-health in the workplace; a consideration of the elements that influence our decision to disclose (or not) mental health diagnoses within HEI; and an examination of the additional burden of identity work for those who experience mental ill-health.
Originality/value
The study contributes to this evidence base by exploring the choice to disclose a mental health diagnosis in HEIs. It investigates this highly personal decision and suggests that this choice depends on the context in which we are located and how we experience our different identities in the workplace. Furthermore, it highlights the importance for HEIs to develop positive employment practices to support academic staff with mental ill-health to disclose a mental health condition and to achieve a good workplace environment whilst emphasising the need for more empirical work to explore the decision to disclose (or not) in this sector.
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Julia Lindgren, Solvig Ekblad, Maria Asplund, Robert Irestig and Bo Burström
The aim of this paper is to explore mental ill health among newly arrived immigrants to Sweden, in relation to their legal status and previous exposure to threats…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to explore mental ill health among newly arrived immigrants to Sweden, in relation to their legal status and previous exposure to threats, violence and separation and to investigate how their health care needs were met.
Design/methodology/approach
Records of health interviews and examinations performed January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011, in one of six eligible primary health care centers (PHCC) in Stockholm County, Sweden were analysed.
Findings
In total, 555 records were collected and reviewed with regard to: age, sex, legal status (asylum seekers and others), exposure to threats and/or violence, exposure to separation from family member, symptoms or diagnoses, and measures taken. Reported symptoms of mental ill health were labeled mental ill health. Where health interviews led to medical examination, records from these were retrieved to investigate the care offered and given. Reporting symptoms of mental ill health was common (43 percent) among the study population. Exposure to threats and violence and separation was more common among asylum seekers who also tended to be more vulnerable to mental ill health than others who had experienced similar exposure.
Practical implications
The health care system should consider the eco‐social conditions that favor recovery. A more generous policy of access to health care among adult asylum seekers is needed and could be an important part of the social stability during the asylum process and in the integration process.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates the need for more structured studies of mental health among asylum seekers in Sweden.
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– Questions whether organizational well-being strategies always recognize the differences between men and women when it comes to mental health.
Abstract
Purpose
Questions whether organizational well-being strategies always recognize the differences between men and women when it comes to mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
Shows why men’s mental health is an area of concern and reveals how to ensure that an organization’s well-being strategy looks after men, as well as women.
Findings
Describes how the limited research that exists regarding the mental health of men paints a picture of men experiencing mental ill health in a different way from women. This makes it less likely that it will be identified, recognized or addressed using the current “female model” of mental health.
Research limitations/implications
Advises organizations to: train their managers to recognize the different symptoms of reduced mental health that men present with, so that they can identify when male staff are experiencing mental ill health; raise awareness of the fact that men experience mental ill health and that it is alright to talk about feelings; and remember that men may be very reluctant to talk to someone in the workplace about how they feel and may not want to talk to their doctor for the same reasons.
Practical implications
Advises organizations to: train their managers to recognize the different symptoms of reduced mental health that men present with, so that they can identify when male staff are experiencing mental ill health; raise awareness of the fact that men experience mental ill health and that it is alright to talk about feelings; and remember that men may be very reluctant to talk to someone in the workplace about how they feel and may not want to talk to their doctor for the same reasons.
Social implications
Considers that there has been a wealth of research into the mental health of women but still relatively little into the mental health of men.
Originality/value
Provides a set of practical recommendations for organizations to ensure that they are taking account of the mental health of their male employees.
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Mohamed S. Mahfouz, Abdulwahab Aqeeli, Anwar M. Makeen, Ramzi M. Hakami, Hatim H. Najmi, Abdullkarim T. Mobarki, Mohammad H. Haroobi, Saeed M. Almalki, Mohammad A. Mahnashi and Osayd A. Ageel
The issue of mental health literacy has been widely studied in developed countries, with few studies conducted in Arab countries. In this study we aimed to investigate…
Abstract
The issue of mental health literacy has been widely studied in developed countries, with few studies conducted in Arab countries. In this study we aimed to investigate mental health literacy and attitudes towards psychiatric patients among students of Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students using a validated Arabic-version questionnaire. A total of 557 students were recruited from different Jazan university colleges. The majority of students (90.3%) have intermediate mental health literacy. Regarding the etiology of mental illness, students agreed that genetic inheritance (45.8%), poor quality of life (65%) and social relationship weakness (73.1%) are the main causes of mental illness. The majority thought that mentally ill people are not capable of true friendships (52.5%) and that anyone can suffer from a mental illness (49.4%). Students' attitudes towards psychiatric patients were mixed, with 68.7% reporting that they could maintain a friendship with a mentally ill person and that people with mental illness should have the same rights as anyone else (82.5%). Mental health literacy among university students was intermediate. There is an urgent need for health educational programs to change the attitudes of students regarding this important health issue.
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This paper aims to outline the extent and cost of work‐related mental ill health and the challenges it causes in the workplace. It focuses on what employers can do to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline the extent and cost of work‐related mental ill health and the challenges it causes in the workplace. It focuses on what employers can do to facilitate an early return to work for those absent from work. It argues for a proactive approach to the management of mental ill health in the workplace and highlights the important role of the line manager. Good practice from Europe is reported.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews evidence from the HSE, EU_OSHA and IOSH.
Findings
Rather than only dealing reactively with cases of mental ill health in the workplace, it is more effective for an employer to adopt a proactive approach, recognising that employees are a valuable asset, assessing psychosocial risks and promoting health and wellbeing. This involves not only protecting their employees from work‐related health and safety risks, but also helping employees with minor conditions to stay at work, for example, by negotiating flexible hours. Employees also need opportunities to look after their own health and wellbeing at work. Finally, it is important to create a culture where working with a mental health condition is accepted by other employees as normal.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the importance of a proactive management approach to managing mental ill health.
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This paper considers how the quality of wound care delivered to people experiencing mental ill health can be improved at the system level in line with the global focus on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper considers how the quality of wound care delivered to people experiencing mental ill health can be improved at the system level in line with the global focus on improving population health. The purpose of this paper is to identify how the quality of wound care delivered to mental health care service users can be improved at a population level through system thinking informed by boundary theory.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a critical analysis of practice underpinned by systems thinking and boundary theory.
Findings
Tissue viability care and mental health care have different professional cultures and identities that are manifest in the way that they are organised and deliver care. If improvements in wound care-related outcomes at a population level are to be achieved, then it is important that the wound care needs of people experiencing mental ill health are addressed. Systems thinking and boundary theory provide a useful conceptual framework for informing quality improvement for people experiencing mental ill health at a population level. Integrated care plans are a useful mechanism for delivering comprehensive care that brings about wound healing and recovery from mental ill health.
Social implications
Integrated wound and mental health care plans transcend the professional boundaries that exist between tissue viability and mental health care services. Improvements in the quality and safety of care delivered to people with wounds who also utilise mental health services can be achieved through the use of integrated care plans. Health care policy and organisation need to meet the wound-related needs of people using mental health services.
Originality/value
There has been a focus on improving many aspects of wound care in line with the global focus on grand convergence in population health, but there has been very little emphasis on improving the wound-related outcomes of people that use mental health services. Systems thinking and boundary theory provide a useful framework for understanding how wound care for people experiencing mental ill health can be improved at a population level. Integrated care plans are a useful way of ensuring that safe high-quality wound care is consistently delivered to people experiencing mental ill health.
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J Trivedi, Puneet Narang and Mohan Dhyani
Mental health legislation codifies and consolidates fundamental principles, values, goals, objectives and mental health policy. Such legislation is essential to guarantee…
Abstract
Mental health legislation codifies and consolidates fundamental principles, values, goals, objectives and mental health policy. Such legislation is essential to guarantee that the dignity of patients is preserved and that their fundamental rights are protected. This article considers legislation in south Asia, specifically the Mental Health Act in India, and argues that the act has shortcomings that serve as a barrier to mental health services. The authors argue for a modern mental health law that gives priority to protecting the rights of people with mental disorder, promotes development of community‐based care and improves access.
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Supporting the mental health of children and young people is a global priority. The issue is not specific to England. However, evidence suggests that one in ten children…
Abstract
Purpose
Supporting the mental health of children and young people is a global priority. The issue is not specific to England. However, evidence suggests that one in ten children and young people in England has a mental health need. This represents approximately three students in every classroom. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the role of schools in supporting children and young people’s mental health. Whilst the paper acknowledges that teachers are not trained health professionals, it is argued that a whole-school approach to mental health can support individuals in schools to remain mentally healthy. The elements of a whole-school approach are identified and discussed and some of the challenges in relation to implementation are considered. Critical to the development of a whole-school approach is the commitment from the school leadership team to promoting student and staff wellbeing.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a policy paper not an empirical study.
Findings
This paper has outlined the policy context in the UK in relation to children and young people’s mental health. It has addressed the risk and protective factors which can cause or mitigate against mental ill health and it has outlined the elements of a whole-school approach to mental health.
Originality/value
This paper explores the contribution that schools can make to supporting students’ mental health. There is limited research which addresses mental health in young people from a non-therapeutic angle.
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Anne-Marie Laslett, Robin Room and Paul Dietze
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the diagnosis of both carers’ mental health problems and substance misuse increase the likelihood of recurrent child…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the diagnosis of both carers’ mental health problems and substance misuse increase the likelihood of recurrent child maltreatment over and above the individual effects of these factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Retrospective secondary data analysis of 29,455 children where child maltreatment was confirmed in the Victorian child protection system between 2001 and 2005. Recorded mental health, alcohol misuse and other drug misuse variables were entered into multivariate logistic regression models predicting repeated child maltreatment. Interactions and a range of other child, carer and socio-economic factors were included in these models.
Findings
Carer alcohol misuse, other drug misuse and mental ill health all independently predicted recurrent child maltreatment. The presence of both other drug misuse and mental ill health increased the likelihood that recurrent child abuse was recorded over the likelihood that mental health alone predicted recurrent child maltreatment, and while alcohol misuse had an effect when there was no mental health condition recorded it did not have an additional effect when there was evidence of mental health problems.
Research limitations/implications
Children in families where there is both mental health problems and other drug use problems are at greater risk of repeated maltreatment than where there is evidence of mental health problems or other drug use alone. Where there was evidence of carer mental health problems, alcohol misuse did not add to this likelihood. However, the effect of mental health and other drug use was similar in size to the effect of alcohol misuse alone.
Originality/value
These findings add to understandings of the effects of co-occurring mental health problems and substance misuse on recurrent child maltreatment and differentiate between cases that involve alcohol and other drug misuse.
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