Occupational Therapy Student Experiences and Transformations During Fieldwork in Mental Health Settings

The purpose of this study is to better understand the transformative experiences of occupational therapy students during fieldwork. In occupational therapy education, fieldwork provides students with an in-depth experience in the field. Thirty-one students submitted narratives following completion of Level II fieldwork in a mental health setting. Concepts from transformative learning theory guided the analysis. The themes that emerged were: (1) understanding clients with mental illness; (2) understanding occupation and occupational therapy; (3) feeling like a professional; and (4) changing as a person. The results highlight the importance of understanding the transformative process and fieldwork in mental health settings.     

A Longitudinal Study of Factors Influencing Occupational Therapy Students' Practice Preference from Pre-Admission Through Job Selection

Abstract

The number of occupational therapists and students choosing to practice in the area of mental health continues to decline. A longitudinal comparative study was conducted using a class of 27 Bachelor's and 20 Master's students, to examine the factors that influence the students' practice area preference at three points from pre-admission to job selection. The major influential factors were similar for both groups. At pre-admission, observation, volunteer work or a job in OT or a related field was reported to be the most influential factor in choosing a practice area preference. At level II fieldwork, positive influences on practice area preference were generally higher for physical disabilities, and negative influences were higher for mental health. At job selection, availability of a job and patient population were the most important influencing factors. Pre-admission experiences, level II fieldwork, and professionally challenging aspects of the practice area preference were the most important retrospective experiences influencing preference for practice area. In order to maintain or increase a presence in mental health the profession may need to expand OT students' pre-admission experiential expectations, professional mental health supports, and job opportunities in mental health.     

Support for students with mental health difficulties in higher education: the students' perspective

A massive expansion in student numbers in higher education, coupled with an overall reduction in funding, has led to higher staff-student ratios and a reduction in the amount of staff time available to support students. This has been linked to rising demands being placed on student support services. This article draws on case studies of five students experiencing mental health difficulties, to provide insight into these issues from the student perspective. The students confirmed that aspects of the higher education environment had exacerbated their difficulties. An innovative model of support is described. Traditionally interventions for students with mental health difficulties have focused at the individual level. We argue that attention also needs to be paid to changing aspects of the environment and that this would improve the learning experience for all students.     

学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征结构及测量

摘要 本研究旨在分析我国学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征结构并编制适合我国学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征测量问卷。在文献分析基础上,通过开放式问卷,行为事件访谈,确立了学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征理论结构。采用项目分析、探索性和验证性因素分析对860名学校心理健康教育教师进行施测,形成了《学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征问卷》。该问卷共57个题项,包含专业知识、普通文化知识、宜人性、尽责性、职业价值观、学生观、评估反思能力、协作沟通能力、专业发展能力9个维度,编制的我国学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征问卷信效度良好,适合用来分析我国学校心理健康教育教师胜任特征状况。     

高中生心理健康水平及其影响因素的研究

采用ＳＣＬ－９０量表评定了５００名高中生的心理健康状况,运用因素分析的方法探讨了影响高中生心理健康的主要因素。结果表明：有１０．８％的高中生存在着各种明显的心理健康问题;高中生的心理健康问题主要表现为强迫、敌对、偏执、人际关系敏感和忧郁等症状;影响高中生心理健康的主要因素为学校教育、家庭环境、社会文化及学生自身等方面的生活事件;高中生不同的心理健康问题有其不同的影响因素。     

Expanding Mental Health Services to Older High-Utilizing HMO Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: Expanded mental health benefits were offered to older HMO patients who were high medical utilizers. Outcomes of interest were use of services, subjective well-being, and psychopathology. Methods: Sixty-nine (25 male, 44 female) patients age 55 or above seeking frequent outpatient medical care completed the SF-36 health survey and the revised Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R). Patients were assigned to usual care, health education, or expanded mental health benefit conditions. Results: Patients showed high initial levels of psychopathology and distress. Over the 6 months of the study, patients in the expanded benefits group made a mean of 11.5 visits to mental health professionals versus a mean of 3.4 visits by usual care patients. Patients in the expanded benefits group showed significant improvement in SF-36 General Health and Mental Health well-being scores. Patients in the health education group showed no improvement. Patients in the usual care group showed improvements in Vitality scores. Psychopathology summary scores showed improvement for both usual care and enhanced benefit groups. Conclusions: Mental health treatment may improve well-being and reduce psychopathology in older high-utilizing patients. Creativity will be needed in expanding access to mental health services for this population.     

Academic Stressors and Anxiety in Children: The Role of Paternal Support

We examined the role of paternal support in the relation between academic stress and the mental health of primary school children in Hong Kong. The participants of this cross-sectional study were 1,171 fifth and sixth graders. The results indicated that academic stress was a risk factor that heightened student anxiety levels and that parental emotional support was a protective factor that contributed to better mental health among children. However, paternal informational support delivered to children during times of high academic stress appeared to heighten student anxiety levels. The practical implications of the findings on parent education are discussed.     

Behavioral Health Competence: An Exploration of Army Reserve Occupational Therapists

In this study the behavioral health competence of Army Reserve occupational therapists (OTs) was examined by the authors through electronic survey to determine current levels of competence and highlight pre-deployment training needs. Results indicated that while Army Reserve OTs report high levels of behavioral health competence, many questions regarding diagnosis, assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, intervention, and progress arose throughout deployment. OTs often relied on skills from Level II fieldwork education and entry-level didactic education for competency. Perceived competencies may be compromised by curriculum changes in entry-level education, available fieldwork settings, and a lack of adequate training currently available prior to deployment.     

Supported Education Practitioners: Agents of Transformation?

Interviews with adult mental health in- and out-patients attending a psychiatric hospital-based supported education program, and their program staff and volunteers, demonstrated that while an informal program structure had initial success in increasing student confidence and independence, the subsequent expansion of the program requires formalizing it using adult and transformative education protocols to increase literacy gains. We argue that professional development in adult education showing the value of transformative learning for staff can complement their occupational therapy and mental healthcare training, so that the empowerment and identity transformation can be increased for these vulnerable students.     

心理弹性对大学生心理应激与心理健康关系的中介作用*

采用梁宝勇、程诚编制的“中国成年人心理弹性量表”、梁宝勇和郝志红编制的“中国大学生心理应激量表”和郑日昌、邓丽芳和张忠华等编制的“中国大学生心理健康量表”,对4所大学620名在校大学生进行测试,探讨心理弹性在大学生心理应激与心理健康关系中的作用。研究结果表明,心理弹性可以缓冲心理应激对大学生心理健康的消极影响,心理弹性部分中介心理应激与心理健康之间关系。     

老年人的消极交往与心理健康

积极交往和消极交往分别会对老年人的心理健康产生有利和不利影响, 然而, 探讨消极交往的负面作用及其机制的研究相对较少。目前研究主要涉及消极交往的类型(社会隔离、丧偶或离婚)、来源(配偶、子女或朋友)及强度, 并探讨感知评估、自尊的中介作用及性别、婚姻、受教育水平等变量的调节作用。社会情感选择理论、优劣势整合理论、社会交换理论及镜中我理论在一定范围内对消极交往的负面作用做出了合理解释。采取“原谅”或“认知疏远”的应对策略能有效缓解消极交往的负面影响。未来研究应进一步考察不同文化背景及社会网络背景下消极交往对老年人心理健康的影响, 同时加强对消极交往的理论研究和线上研究, 并关注相关的干预研究。     

Health-Related Quality of Life and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services in Adolescent Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

The purpose of the current investigation was to assess interest in mental health services among parents of adolescent solid organ transplant recipients and the relationship between parent perceived need for mental health services and patient health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Sixty-three parents rated interest in receiving 10 mental health services, and patient HRQOL ratings were gathered from adolescent transplant recipients and their parents. Ninety-four percent of parents expressed some level of interest in at least one of the proposed services, with over 40 % indicating maximum interest. Parents’ perceived need for mental health services was inversely related to adolescent and parent reports of HRQOL on the behavior, mental health, family cohesion, and parental impact-emotional domains. Results suggest that parents of adolescent solid organ transplant recipients are interested in receiving mental health services for their families. Assessment of need for mental health services and HRQOL may inform the medical team of families requiring intervention.     

Towards an evidence‐base for student wellbeing and mental health: Definitions,developmental transitions and data sets

Against a background of huge changes in the world of university and college students since the turn of the millennium, together with a multitude of reports on student mental health/wellbeing, this article argues that the field of student mental health is hampered by the imprecise use of terms, a rush to action by universities in the absence of a robust evidence‐base, and a lack of overall coordination and collaboration in the collection and use of data. In response, we argue for clearer and more consistent use of definitions of, as well as differentiations between, student wellbeing and mental health, for a longitudinal approach to the student body that captures their developmental transitions to and through university, and a strategic and systematic approach to the use of bona fide measures in the collection of data on wellbeing and on the process of outcomes in embedded university counselling services. Such a coordinated approach will provide the necessary evidence‐base upon which to develop and deliver appropriate support and interventions to underpin and enhance the quality of students’ lives and learning while at university or college.     

Healthy students in the college environment

What model of healthy student personality should be the goal of higher education? How are various college resources being used to attain this goal? The concept of mental health was reexamined, and it was argued that consensual identification of healthy individuals is quite feasible. To facilitate student growth in this direction, both vertical and lateral modes of education need careful examination, development, and coordination. Students and faculty together must face the challenge of creating a viable scholarly community underlined by a sense of common fate and commitment.     

Ethical issues in exercise psychology

Exercise psychology encompasses the disciplines of psychiatry, clinical and counseling psychology, health promotion, and the movement sciences. This emerging field involves diverse mental health issues, theories, and general information related to physical activity and exercise. Numerous research investigations across the past 20 years have shown both physical and psychological benefits from physical activity and exercise. Exercise psychology offers many opportunities for growth while positively influencing the mental and physical health of individuals, communities, and society. However, the exercise psychology literature has not addressed ethical issues or dilemmas faced by mental health professionals providing exercise psychology services. This initial discussion of ethical issues in exercise psychology is an important step in continuing to move the field forward. Specifically, this article will address the emergence of exercise psychology and current health behaviors and offer an overview of ethics and ethical issues, education/training and professional competency, cultural and ethnic diversity, multiple-role relationships and conflicts of interest, dependency issues, confidentiality and recording keeping, and advertisement and self-promotion.     

Hmong Mental Health Needs Assessment: A Community-Based Partnership in a Small Mid-Western Community

The overall goal of this assessment was to verify the mental health needs of Hmong living in a mid-west community in order clarify the format, content, and feasibility of providing mental health services for Hmong in the future. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) model, we held four focus groups with 36 men, women, adolescents and professionals, all of Hmong descent, as well as interviewed 28 individual medical, mental health, education, and social service providers in the Eau Claire community. Our Hmong sample was frequently unclear about what “mental” health meant, indicating a low level of mental health literacy. Results confirmed that there are significant mental health needs in this refugee and immigrant population. Participants described problems consistent with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, and severe social stress and acculturation difficulties in every generation. Elder people and male adolescents were described as the most disaffected and in need of immediate services. It will be critical to address mental health literacy before designing future interventions. Treatment suggestions were provided with the intention of removing barriers and incorporating culturally sensitive methodologies, while continuing to work closely with our local mental health providers and Hmong leadership.     

What Does Self-Care Look like for Online Graduate Mental Health Counseling Students?

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this article is to highlight what self-care looks like for online graduate mental health counseling students and implications for counselor educators. Results come from a program evaluation examining self-care practices for online mental health graduate students. Furthermore, these results will guide the examination of best practices to meet student reported needs while integrating self-care into the program’s mission, program objectives, and curriculum.     

Comparing cognitive fusion and cognitive reappraisal as predictors of college student mental health

Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral interventions target different cognitive processes to promote mental health, including cognitive fusion and cognitive reappraisal. Determining the relative impact of cognitive fusion and reappraisal on a range of student mental health concerns could help interventions target psychopathological cognitive processes more effectively. Therefore, this study examined the longitudinal impact of cognitive fusion and reappraisal on mental health and functioning outcomes. A series of hierarchical regression models tested the effects of cognitive fusion and reappraisal in a sample of college students (n = 339). When controlling for reappraisal and baseline symptoms, fusion predicted distress, depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, hostility, academic distress, and student role problems 1 month later. Reappraisal predicted only student role problems longitudinally when controlling for fusion. These results suggest that cognitive fusion is a stronger predictor than reappraisal for a range of student mental health concerns and may be a particularly important target for improving student mental health.     

Teacher-student relationships and mental health help seeking behaviors among elementary and secondary students in Ontario Canada

This study examined associations between teacher-student relationship quality at school and teachers' responsiveness to students' emotional concerns in a classroom and (a) students' intention to seek help at school for mental health concerns and (b) mental health-related service use. Data for analyses came from the School Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 31,120 grade 6–12 students, in 1968 classrooms, attending 248 schools in Ontario, Canada. Three-level (student, classroom, school) binary logistic regression was used to address the study objectives. Student ratings of the quality of teacher-student relationships and teachers' responsiveness were included as predictors, both at the individual student level and aggregated to represent a contextual level characteristic at the school and classroom level, respectively. At the student level, both teacher-student relationship quality and teacher responsiveness were positively associated with intentions to seek help at school among both elementary and secondary students (ORs ranged from 1.14–1.19 for relationships and 1.06–1.08 for responsiveness). Aggregated to the school level, teacher-student relationship quality was positively associated with mental health service use for secondary students (OR = 1.36, 95% CI [1.10, 1.69]). Positive and responsive teacher-student relationships were associated with help-seeking behaviors among students. Longitudinal studies are warranted to disentangle the temporality of these associations.