Search results

1 – 7 of 7
Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Aileen O’Brien, Julia Hutchinson, Nik Bin Fauzi, Michael Abbott, James Railton, Darren Bell, Sarah White, Jared Smith and Simon Riches

There is evidence that both hypnotherapy and virtual reality (VR) can be helpful in reducing perceived stress in the general population. This is a feasibility and acceptability…

Abstract

Purpose

There is evidence that both hypnotherapy and virtual reality (VR) can be helpful in reducing perceived stress in the general population. This is a feasibility and acceptability trial of an intervention combining hypnotherapy and VR to establish its acceptability in students. This study aims to establish whether students found the experience acceptable, described any adverse effects and whether they reported feeling calmer after the experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was testing the hypothesis that students would attend the sessions and find the experience acceptable. A secondary hypothesis was that preliminary qualitative and quantitative evaluation of measures of stress and wellbeing would signal potential improvements.

Findings

All participants completed all three sessions. No side effects were reported. Visual analogue scales recorded each day assessing the immediate effect improved. At the end of the intervention, there was an increase in wellbeing of 2.40 (95% CI: 1.33, 3.53, p = 0.006), and a decrease in depression of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.40, 1.07, p = 0.010), reflecting large effect sizes of 0.76 and 0.83, respectively. Qualitative feedback was generally very positive.

Research limitations/implications

This study is small with just 15 students and was over a short period of time. The recruitment method meant there was no way to establish whether the volunteer students were representative of the general student population in terms of mental wellbeing. There was no control arm.

Practical implications

The preliminary results suggest that a larger controlled trial is justified.

Social implications

This VR experience may have benefit to university students and to the wider population.

Originality/value

This described the evaluation of a novel intervention for perceived stress combining hypnotherapy and virtual reality in a group of healthcare students, with promising results suggesting further evaluation is needed.

Details

Mental Health and Digital Technologies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-8756

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of bullying victimization in predicting psychopathology, encompassing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risk of developing prodromal psychosis and emotional and behavioural problems, among in-school Nigerian adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 351 junior secondary students (n = 173 males, 178 females; age range: 9–17 years) were recruited from five randomly selected public secondary schools in Nigeria. Students completed a variety of self-report measures, including a socio-demographic questionnaire, the prodromal questionnaire – brief version, the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and the multidimensional peer victimization scale. They were also interviewed using the PTSD module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Kid Version.

Findings

Although bullying victimization was not found to predict the presence of PTSD, it predicted the risk of developing prodromal psychosis. All SDQ subscales also held significant positive associations with bullying victimization. This indicates that higher levels of victimization are associated with increased behavioural and emotional difficulties among adolescents.

Practical implications

The study findings add support to whole system approaches involving relevant stakeholders in health, education, social and criminal justice sectors via protective policies to address the problems of bullying in schools.

Originality/value

The study contributes to evidence demonstrating a need for improved understanding regarding the role of exposure to bullying victimization in predicting various forms of psychopathology. Furthermore, there is specifically a need for research with this focus in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Nigerian education system.

Details

The Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Adrian Ierna, Heather Tolland, Abi McGinley and Laura Mathieson

People with intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk than the general population for experiencing a wide range of adverse and potentially traumatic events…

Abstract

Purpose

People with intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk than the general population for experiencing a wide range of adverse and potentially traumatic events. This paper aims to explore the incidence of experiences of lifetime trauma across this population in one Forensic Intellectual Disability Service. Risk management recommendations and psychological risk formulations were also examined for their consideration of traumatic experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Risk assessment reports (n = 39) were reviewed for evidence of traumatic experiences and the consideration of trauma in patient risk formulations and risk management treatment recommendations.

Findings

Trauma was rated as present or partially present in 84.6% (n = 33) of risk assessment reports reviewed. None of the patients had received a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Recommendations regarding trauma were identified in 39.4% (n = 13) of the risk assessment reports where trauma was rated either “present” or “partially present”.

Practical implications

Findings suggest a need for diagnostic tools to be used to measure trauma symptoms and potential cases of PTSD to best support needs of patients. Trauma-focused interventions should also be considered. Further investigation is needed to clarify the disparity between the consideration of trauma in formulations and treatment recommendations.

Originality/value

This study highlights the different traumatic experiences that forensic patients across three settings have been exposed to during their lifetimes.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8824

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Hamka Hamka, Aniq Hudiyah Bil Haq, Aulia Ramdani, Alfiza Fakhriya Haq, Muslimin Nulipata and Desita Dyah Damayanti

High levels of mental health disorders in students can affect their academic activity. Students should think positively to control the mental health disturbances they experience…

Abstract

Purpose

High levels of mental health disorders in students can affect their academic activity. Students should think positively to control the mental health disturbances they experience. This study aims to address the mental health problems of students by increasing their gratitude because gratitude is the key to facing the problems that a person faces. Therefore, the study focuses on finding the influence of gratitude on student mental health disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects in this study were 420 students in Eastern Kalimantan using quantitative methods with gratitude scales GQ-6 and DASS-21. Data collection method with online questionnaires to be analyzed with regression analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study empirically show that gratitude has a significant and positive effect on mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). This shows that gratitude has an important effect on mental health in students. If gratitude is higher, then anxiety and stress decreases significantly. This study aims can serve as a foundation for student mental health improvement programs.

Research limitations/implications

This study was cross-sectional, which makes it impossible to conclude a causal relationship between the variables. Therefore, future research should use more advanced research methods, including longitudinal and experimental studies. Another potential limitation that could bias the results is the fact that the data were based solely on self-reports. Then, the study group included a larger proportion of female students than male students.

Practical implications

This study provides a deeper understanding of the importance of gratitude in maintaining mental health. Gratitude has been shown to have a positive correlation with increased psychological well-being, decreased levels of depression and increased resilience in the face of everyday stress and challenges in college students at private univesity and state university.

Originality/value

This research changes students' mindset to always be grateful by thinking positively during the teaching and learning process at university. Many students complain about the current conditions, especially related to study assignments, differences in the teaching and learning process at school. This study is useful for students to reduce mental health disorders at university.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2024

Astrid Ancely, Sara Laurencin-Dalicieux, Catherine Baussois, Anthony Blanc, Cathy Nabet, Charlotte Thomas and Géromine Fournier

The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of inmates. The secondary aims were to compare recidivists with first-time offenders and also study the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status of inmates. The secondary aims were to compare recidivists with first-time offenders and also study the impact of psychoactive drugs on the oral health status.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective study included 120 male inmates from a French prison. Data from the medical and the dental questionnaires and examinations were collected and analyzed.

Findings

The results showed that overall, the inmates had a poor oral health despite their young age. This population was at high risk regarding caries and periodontal diseases due to sedentary behaviors, improper diet, drug, alcohol and tobacco consumption. In total, 93% of inmates had at least one decayed untreated tooth and 95% had periodontal disease. The use of psychoactive drugs seemed strongly related to oral health status degradation. However, the comparison between recidivists and first-time offenders showed few differences.

Practical implications

The need for periodontal and dental care is considerable in this population and increased in this environment where risk factors such as addictive behaviors and poor eating habits are common. The impact of psychoactive drugs on oral health should also be taken into consideration.

Social implications

Unfortunately, even though strategies for the prevention and management of oral health in prisons have been put in place for some years, the results still seem insufficient.

Originality/value

There are still few studies that analyze the impact of this medication on oral health in prisons.

Details

International Journal of Prison Health, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2977-0254

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Lakindra Mitchell Dove

Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The study’s aims were to (1) Explore challenges, barriers and successes of students of color, as a result of the…

Abstract

Purpose

Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The study’s aims were to (1) Explore challenges, barriers and successes of students of color, as a result of the instructor’s approach to teaching in a remote learning environment; and (2) Determine what types of practices and approaches students of color found supportive in adjusting to a remote learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of students of color, reflecting on in-person and remote learning environments. A total of 18 students from a large public university participated in the study.

Findings

The findings suggest significant adjustments were made by both students and professors during the pandemic. Although academics were important to students, there was an emphasis on the impact on social interactions with peers and the ability to build meaningful relationships with professors. Students displayed a sense of compassion and empathy toward professors and themselves.

Practical implications

The results from the study provide some insight into how higher education can move forward, potentially conducting future research that includes the perspectives of both students and professors to determine how to best provide support in the aftermath of a pandemic.

Originality/value

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of students of color, reflecting on in-person and remote learning environments.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Helen Parr and Gaia Cetrano

Violence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Violence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the community, yet little research has explored practitioner experiences of workplace violence (WPV) outside of inpatient settings. This study aimed to explore how mental health professionals in a UK community mental health team (CMHT) perceive, experience and cope with WPV.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten multidisciplinary professionals based in a CMHT in a UK city. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Three interconnected themes emerged. WPV was accepted as inevitable: participants carried on working despite its impact, and feeling unheard by management they gave up on change, perpetuating the perceived inevitability of WPV. Peer support and organisational resources like debriefing, counselling and occupational health improved coping. Stigma and ideas of professional responsibility were barriers to access.

Originality/value

To mitigate against the negative consequences of WPV, CMHTs could offer peer support initiatives, improve communication and availability of organisational resources and involve staff in post-incident decision-making. Recommendations are made to shift the attitude of acceptance of WPV and encourage help-seeking.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

1 – 7 of 7