Mental Health Resilience Research Articles

The Role of the Media and Self-Compassion in Enhancing Mental Health and Preventing Suicide among Nigerian Youth: A Literature Review

In this review, we examine the impact of media and self-compassion on the mental well-being of Nigerian youth, particularly in suicide prevention and promoting positive mental health outcomes. Nigeria faces socioeconomic challenges contributing to poor mental health and high suicide rates among young people. Despite this, the influence of media and self-compassion interventions on mental health remains largely unexplored. The research questions centred on how media exposure enhances mental health awareness and resilience building, as well as the role of self-compassion in preventing suicide. Seven studies employing various methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and experimental designs were identified from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases and were analysed. The results indicated the significant role of media in health communication and education, while self-compassion interventions show promise in enhancing mental health resilience. Recommendations include utilising media for mental health education and support services, particularly targeting youth. This synthesis offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and educational institutions to integrate media-based mental health interventions into their strategies.

Online Teaching and COVID-19 era: Positive Experience Regarding Health-Education and Psychological Competencies of Education Students in the Context of Global Burden

The aim of this study was to estimate the level of knowledge, health-education and psychological competencies of education students regarding COVID-19 circumstances and to determine whether they can be improved if the teaching and facilitated discussions were delivered in a virtual way, employing online learning platform Microsoft Teams. The sample was composed of 43 participants, who were thought crucial topics essential for improving their knowledge and competences related to the most common infectious diseases (chain of infection, the concepts of epidemics/pandemics, prevention) and mental health (resilience, readiness to face various challenges). Wilcoxon‘s rank test revealed a statistically significant difference in all three subsets – knowledge segment, health-education competencies and psychological competencies. The magnitude of the impact was 0.6, 0.57 and 0.45 respectively, which is considered to be of great influence. The results demonstrated that online teaching during the pandemic was successful in the context of the acquired knowledge and competences.

Modifiable protective factors for mental health resilience in the offspring of depressed parents: A high-risk longitudinal cohort spanning adolescence and adulthood.

Several protective factors have been identified for mental health (MH) resilience in adolescent offspring of depressed parents. However, it is unclear if these effects persist into adulthood. Depressed parents and their offspring (N=188) from the Early Prediction of Adolescent Depression study were assessed four times (mean offspring ages 12.39, 13.77, 14.82, and 23.41). Mental health resilience was examined using residual scores (better-than-expected mood-, behaviour-, or anxiety-related MH at mean age 23 given risk exposure), and categorically as sustained good MH across adolescence and young adulthood. Only 9.2% of young adults demonstrated sustained good MH. Parents of resilient individuals showed lower comorbidity (anxiety, antisocial behaviour and harmful drinking) and higher depression remission. Considering adolescent protective factors, weak evidence was observed of associations of mood-resilience with adolescent peer-relationship quality (β=-0.20, 95%CI:-0.36, -0.04); friendship quality (β=-0.14, 95%CI:-0.31, 0.02); risk adjustment (β=-0.16, 95%CI:-0.34, 0.03) and dysfunctional attitudes (β=0.18, 95%CI:0.01, 0.35). There was weak evidence of behavioural-resilience association with parent positive expressed emotion (β=-0.15, 95%CI:-0.31, 0.02) and offspring exercise (β=-0.37, 95%CI:-0.77, 0.03). No adolescent protective factors showed an association with anxiety-resilience. For sustained good MH, there was weak evidence of an association with inhibitory control (OR=0.39, 95%CI:0.14, 1.07). Strong evidence was observed for associations between young adult-reported peer relationship quality and mood-resilience (β=-0.35, 95%CI:-0.53, -0.17), behavioural-resilience (β=-0.33, 95%CI:-0.51, -0.14) and anxiety-resilience (β=-0.34, 95%CI:-0.53, -0.14), while weak evidence was observed of an association of social activities with anxiety-resilience (β=-0.51, 95%CI:-0.97, -0.06). We found limited evidence for the long-lasting effects of adolescent protective factors on adult MH resilience. Social factors remained protective into young adulthood, while family factors did not. Early preventative intervention might not be sufficient to maintain good long-term MH, and young people will likely require more prolonged support.

Transdiagnostic factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining the role of childhood abuse and neglect in establishing latent profiles of risk and resilience

BackgroundAmple studies have focused on the negative consequences of COVID-19 on mental well-being, but fewer have explored the specific role of childhood abuse and neglect in the context of risk and resilience during this unprecedented crisis. ObjectiveWe aimed to identify distinct profiles of individuals based on their experiences of childhood abuse and neglect, coping strategies, and psycho-social transdiagnostic risk and protective factors, using a person-centered approach. Participants and settingA convenience sample of 914 Israelis completed self-report questionnaires during the second wave of COVID-19. MethodsLatent Profile Analysis was employed based on levels of childhood abuse and neglect, coping strategies, and established factors underpinning risk and resilience in mental health: dissociation, self-criticism, self-efficacy, self-compassion, attachment insecurity, psychological resilience, mentalizing, distress disclosure, psychopathology, and relationship satisfaction. Profiles were compared in COVID-19-related distress and well-being using ANOVAs. ResultsA four-profile solution was found to be optimal for describing individuals with different profiles of risk and resilience: “risk” (5.1 %)–individuals with meaningfully high levels of childhood abuse and neglect and dissociation; “vulnerable” (14.2 %)–individuals high in risk factors and low in protective factors; “moderately resilient” (47.6 %)–those with moderate levels of protective and risk factors; “highly resilient” (33.1 %)–individuals high in protective factors and low in risk factors; groups differed in mental well-being and COVID-19-related distress. ConclusionsResults highlight the importance of childhood abuse and neglect in differentiating between the two distinct profiles of at-risk individuals. Implications for risk assessment and treatment in the context of potential traumatic stress are discussed.

Hope in hardship: charting a new course for mental health in Afghanistan.

The long legacy of upheavals and deprivations in Afghanistan and the associated mental health impacts on its people are well documented. A systematic review undertaken by Alemi et al (2023) presents the most comprehensive synthesis to date on this topic. Drawing on their findings, this editorial examines the complex mental health and psychosocial challenges confronted by neglected vulnerable groups such as pregnant and postnatal women, LGBTQ individuals, older adults, ethnic minority groups and Afghan refugees living overseas. It explores the potential challenges in rebuilding a resilient mental health system following the mass exodus of Afghanis. It calls for a whole-of-society approach that extends beyond clinical interventions to address the broader sociocultural and economic factors influencing mental health.

Nostalgic tourists acquiring resilience and emotional solidarity through self-congruity and functional congruity

From the perspective of stimulus–organism–response theory (S-O-R), this study explores whether self-congruity and functional congruity cause tourists to form positive nostalgic emotions toward heritage destinations and whether the nostalgic emotions elicited by tourists’ experiences at heritage destinations promote their physical and mental health resilience, as well as their emotional solidarity with local residents. Data were collected from Daxi Old Street, Lukang Old Street, and Anping Old Street, located in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, respectively. A total of 959 respondents were collected. The research results reveal that self-congruity and functional congruity positively impact tourists’ nostalgic emotions in heritage destinations. Product involvement does not moderate self-congruity's effect on nostalgia, but it does moderate functional congruity's impact. The study also supports the positive influence of nostalgic emotions on both tourist resilience and emotional solidarity in heritage tourism. These findings are crucial for governments and stakeholders planning and managing heritage tourist destinations.

Association between sports participation and resilience in school-attending students: a cross-sectional study.

This research sought to identify the association between sports participation and resilience in children and adolescents as a means to enhance mental health. A comprehensive survey was carried out, encompassing primary, middle, and high school students from chosen educational institutions. The analytical sample comprised 67,281 students of school age. Sports participation and resilience were evaluated using validated assessment tools, while relevant covariates, such as sex and school grade, were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Generalized Linear Models were applied to ascertain the association between sports participation and resilience for the entire sample, and separately for subgroups divided by gender or school grade, after controlling for covariates. Among the 67,281 school students, males constituted 51.9% of the sample. Approximately 47.1% of the entire sample reported no sports participation, and the average resilience score was 24.7. The regression model analysis revealed that, in the entire sample, increased in sports participation was linked to higher resilience scores (odds ratio [OR] for 1-3 times per month: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.16-1.24; OR for 1-2 times per week: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.33-1.43; OR for 3 times or more per week: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.65-1.79). Analyses stratified by gender and school grade indicated that sports participation was consistently associated with greater resilience. This study provides cross-sectional evidence supporting the positive association between sports participation and the resilience of children and adolescents, underscoring the potential of encouraging sports participation as a strategy for promoting mental health resilience. The findings presented herein should be subject to further confirmation or refutation in future research endeavors.

Mental health among U.S. College students: implications of COVID-19 and roles of institutional and individual characteristics

Previous research on college campus environments, student mental health, and COVID-19 has primarily focused on individual-level factors, with limited attention to the broader institutional characteristics. Objective and Methods: Using the national survey data from the American College Health Association, this study examines the influence of both individual-level and institutional-level characteristics on college students’ stress, psychological distress, and psychological well-being, before and during COVID-19. Results: (1) COVID-19 significantly impacted students’ mental health; (2) institutional-level factors, such as school size, locale, region, and religiously affiliation, were significant predictors of mental health outcomes; and (3) individual-level variables, including gender, age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, moderated the relationship between COVID-19 and mental health. Conclusion: This study suggests the need to consider various institutional contexts in future efforts to understand predictors of mental health conditions and resilience.

Effects of Parenting Methods and Parent-Child Relationships on Adolescents’ Personality and Psychological Resilience

Currently, the mental health and developmental status of adolescents have not received sufficient attention, playing a crucial role in their education and social adaptation. Parenting methodss and parent-child relationships are among the most critical factors influencing the mental health and growth of adolescents. This study, involving 328 urban middle school teenagers of various ages, utilized a questionnaire to investigate the mental health and psychological resilience of adolescents at different ages. It explored the impact of parent-child closeness, parent-child conflict, and the changing relationships between parenting methodss and parent-child relationships with age on the development of adolescent mental health and their Big Five personality traits. The findings revealed that (1) mothers have a greater influence on the growth of adolescents, especially during the teenage years, and (2) a close parent-child relationship positively affects the psychological growth of adolescents, while conflicting parent-child relationships have the opposite effect.

Watch Me Play!: protocol for a feasibility study of a remotely delivered intervention to promote mental health resilience for children (ages 0–8) across UK early years and children’s services

BackgroundHalf of mental health problems are established by the age of 14 years and 75% by 24 years. Early intervention and prevention of mental ill health are therefore vitally important. However, increased demand over recent years has meant that access to child mental health services is often restricted to those in severest need. Watch Me Play! (WMP) is an early intervention designed to support caregiver attunement and attention to the child to promote social-emotional well-being and thereby mental health resilience. Originally developed in the context of a local authority mental health service for children in care, it is now also delivered online as a low intensity, scalable, preventative intervention. Although WMP shows promise and is already used in some services, we do not yet know whether it is effective.MethodsA non-randomised single group feasibility study with embedded process evaluation. We propose to recruit up to 40 parents/carers of children aged 0–8 years who have been referred to early years and children’s services in the UK. WMP involves a parent watching the child play and talking to their child about their play (or for babies, observing and following signals) for up to 20 min per session. Some sessions are facilitated by a trained practitioner who provides prompts where necessary, gives feedback, and discusses the child’s play with the caregiver. Services will offer five facilitated sessions, and parents will be asked to do at least 10 additional sessions on their own with their child in a 5-week period. Feasibility outcomes examined are as follows: (i) recruitment, (ii) retention, (iii) adherence, (iv) fidelity of delivery, (v) barriers and facilitators of participation, (vi) intervention acceptability, (vii) description of usual care, and (viii) data collection procedures. Intervention mechanisms will be examined through qualitative interview data. Economic evaluation will be conducted estimating cost of the intervention and cost of service use for child and parents/carers quality-adjusted life years.DiscussionThis study will address feasibility questions associated with progression to a future randomised trial of WMP.Trial registrationISRCTN13644899. Registered on 14th April 2023.

Gifted Children and Psychiatric Disorders: Is the Risk Increased Compared With Their Peers?

This study examined the prevalence and correlates of psychopathology in gifted children (GC) and explored whether giftedness confers protection or risk for mental health problems. We used a comparative design to analyze a population-based sample of 100 GC and 100 controls matched by age and sex in Turkey. We assessed psychiatric diagnoses with the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA), a valid diagnostic tool for child and adolescent mental health, and measured resilience and temperament with standardized scales. GC and controls did not differ significantly in the frequency of psychiatric disorders. However, GC showed lower resilience and higher negative reactivity and activity than controls. Negative reactivity was a significant predictor of psychopathology in GC. Sex did not moderate the effects of giftedness on mental health outcomes, resilience, or temperament. Our findings suggest that GC may have increased vulnerability to stress and reduced coping skills. We highlight the need to identify and support GCs who experience mental health problems and face psychological challenges. Our results emphasize the importance of early intervention and prevention to enhance resilience and well-being in this population. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and develop tailored strategies to support the mental health and well-being of GC.

Navigating the Storm: Coping with Conflict and Political Change for Mental Health Resilience

The severe impact of conflicts-which often occur in chaotic and unstable environments-has on mental health, both for people and communities. South-East Asia incurs a disproportionately significant invisible cost to mental health due to persistent political instability, global conflicts, and terrorism.1 These events may induce anxiety and stress, which may culminate in an array of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorders. These circumstances are rendered more catastrophic by the continuous threat of violence, displacement, and loss, which makes it challenging for people to retain their resilience in terms of mental health. For example, the prolonged conflict in Kashmir has had a significant impact on people’s mental health in the region.2 Several psychological wounds are the result of sustained violence and uncertainty. Similarly, millions of people in the region have experienced suffering and grief because of terrorism and political unrest.2 Communities impacted by these crises in these areas have a cumulative strain on their mental health.3 The general well-being of these communities is declining due to various factors, including increased stress levels, restricted access to healthcare, and an atmosphere of uncertainty.4 The visible psychological impact on people and their neighbours underscores the importance of acknowledging the broader implications of these crises on mental health. To develop and maintain mental health resilience amid these challenges, people must learn coping mechanisms.5 Recognizing the seriousness of this issue is crucial, but so is offering those impacted resources and assistance. Numerous therapies and coping mechanisms may be helpful. Teaching individuals about the psychological consequences of political unrest and violence is one of academia’s most essential roles. Academic institutions may reduce stigma, increase awareness, and encourage people to seek assistance by conducting research and implementing educational programmes.6 To assist people and communities in overcoming trauma and developing resilience, mental health practitioners can provide psychosocial interventions like counselling and therapy.7 For those impacted, establishing support systems within communities may be a beneficial resource. These networks may allow people access to mental health experts and a safe atmosphere to discuss their feelings and experiences. Mental health professionals can conduct workshops on resilience building, and these sessions can offer valuable strategies and skills to improve psychological resilience in the face of hardship.8 Access to Services for Mental Health is imperative for governments and non-governmental organizations to guarantee that mental health treatments are easily accessible to individuals who require them.9 This involves encouraging the education and placement of mental health specialists in conflict-affected regions. Understanding and resolving the mental health issues brought on by political unrest and violence are critical tasks for academia. Research in this area is crucial to clarify the intricate relationship between political instability and mental health. Scholars can make the following contributions: Research and Data Analysis: Academic institutions might research to understand better the psychological impacts of political unrest and violence in Pakistan and South-east Asia.10 We can determine patterns and risk factors by gathering information and examining the mental health conditions of impacted groups. Policy Recommendations: Based on their research, academia might advocate policies to facilitate better access to mental health care in places affected by violence.11 When tackling the mental health problem, countries and international organizations can follow these guidelines. Public Awareness Initiatives: To de-stigmatize mental health concerns and motivate people to seek therapy, academia may initiate public awareness initiatives. Advertisements might also inform the public about the distinct symptoms and signs of diseases linked to trauma. Training and Capacity Building: Educational establishments have the potential to provide instruction to mental health professionals who can work in areas of conflict. The training may concentrate on culturally aware methods and the difficulties brought on by trauma associated with conflicts.9 There cannot be denying the relationship between political unrest, global conflicts, and terrorism and the impact they have on mental health. These situations have a profound impact on people and communities, frequently resulting in severe mental health problems. In addition to academia’s active participation, coping methods and treatments can assist in lessening these difficulties and support individuals who require it. Prioritizing mental health as the foundation of resilience is crucial as we address the ongoing conflicts in these areas. To address this critical issue and ensure that people and communities can manage the storm of political transition with their mental health, academic research, community support, and government policy must collaborate.

Youth mental health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: A critical review

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health worldwide because of complex societal disruptions and neuropsychiatric consequences stemming from SARS-CoV-2 infection. All age groups have been affected by this pandemic, with particular focus on the vulnerabilities faced by children and adolescents who have experienced multiple stressors. These stressors involve various emotional, physiological, and behavioral challenges stemming from different factors, such as mandatory social distancing due to school closures, increased parental stress caused by the incessant spread of the pandemic, severe trauma from losing family members, a surge in cyberbullying linked to higher online activity, and a worrying rise in unreported incidents of child abuse. Empirical reports document an increase in suicidal tendencies and suicide attempts among adolescents during this crisis.ObjectivesThis study conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature focused on the mental health of individuals aged 0-24 years in both pre-pandemic and pandemic eras. This study conducted comparative analyses to identify significant changes.MethodsAdhering strictly to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted comprehensive searches on Google Scholar and PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English.ResultsMost studies revealed deteriorating mental health conditions among adolescents and young adults following pandemic onset. These conditions were characterized by high rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Furthermore, several studies have identified a notable increase in negative emotions and heightened feelings of loneliness. Primary school children experienced a decline in attention span, emotional regulation, hyperactivity, and enthusiasm for academic engagement.ConclusionsBased on the analysis of data from both the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, it is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on the mental well-being of children and young individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the risk factors and protective measures linked with pandemics to enhance mental health resilience and better equip societies to cope with future health emergencies and other crises.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Easy access to youth mental health services in the Netherlands

AbstractMental health problems have increased following the pandemic and are associated with considerable health, economic and societal outcomes, particularly affecting youth. In co-creation with young people several European prevention and early intervention strategies to promote mental wellbeing of youth are currently being developed. The development and implementation of easy-access youth mental services across Europe will be presented and discussed. In addition pilot data of online, hybrid treatment platforms and self-management ecological momentary intervention apps will be presented. Ultimately the aim is: 1) to develop clinical guidelines, best practices, and policy recommendations to mitigate the youth mental health challenges and 2) improve (cost-) effectiveness of early intervention strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health, including enhancing mental health literacy, resilience and self-management, while 3) actively involving young people in the process of these innovative developments. To amplify the reach, campaigns designed in co-creation with young people, to increase awareness, literacy, wellbeing and help-seeking among young people, targeting schools, further-education colleges, universities and other specific settings will need to be developed, specifically paying attention to high-risk groups within this young population, including children of parents with mental disorders, migrants, young people growing up in poverty, those in/leaving care, and the LGBTQ+ community, with coordination across domains: schools, general practitioners, and specialized mental healthcare facilities.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Workplace mental health resilience: usability and impact study of a mental health coping mobile app on a corporate setting

IntroductionMental health resilience is crucial to professional wellbeing and productivity, being that 57% of company employees are reporting burnout. Additionally, early-stage preventive mental health interventions are not common, and typically employees only have access to mid-stage professional care.ObjectivesThe aim of this project is to provide employees with a preventive self-coping tool, enabling open and inclusive care. Specifically, the aim is to assess the receptivity, usability and impact of the usage of a mobile app that provides coping strategies based on positive psychology and a burnout-risk screening.MethodsA mobile app was used with the purpose of being accessible to everyone, independently of their financial capacity. The app also promotes inclusiveness, by aggregating several approaches and methods for mental health coping, which are recommended given the needs of each user. The app was released to a large Portuguese company with 700 employees, in which employees could download it voluntarily.ResultsAfter 7 months, the results showed 37% receptivity rate, 24% improvement on anxiety levels, 36% improvement on workplace wellbeing, 23% increase on mental health self-coping skills, and 21% improvement on burnout-risk levels. These metrics were acquired via app’s back-end, self-reporting, and our model for burnout-risk screening.ConclusionsFirst results showcase the positive impact of adding such a mobile solution to the employees’ mental healthcare. Next steps will be conducting a longer study, adding control groups and productivity assessment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

MENTAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE AMONG PAKISTANI WOMEN SUFFERING FROM POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with multiple mental health issues, however resilience can work as a buffer against mental illnesses. The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between mental health and resilience and to compare mental health and resilience between working and non-working women suffering from PCOS. Method: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the gynaecological wards of government and private hospitals and clinics from January to June 2023. Two hundred women suffering from PCOS were selected through non-probability sampling. The data was collected through two reliable measures: the Mental Health Inventory 38-Urdu (MHI-38) and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale-Urdu. Data was analyzed on SPSS-26 by means of Cronbach alpha reliability, Pearson correlation, Mean±SD, and t-tests. Results: Psychometric properties showed high reliability of the study scale for MHI 38-U (?=0.87) and for CDRS-U (?=0.82, p<0.001). There was a significantly positive correlation between mental health and resilience (r=0.85, p<0.001). Non-working women experience lower mental health (Mean±SD 85.37±9.91) than working women (Mean±SD 136.50±12.94), (p<0.001). Working women experience higher resilience (Mean±SD 65.06±8.71) than non-working women with PCOS (Mean±SD 47.55±12.17), (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant positive relationship between mental health and resilience. Non-working women reported compromised mental health and low resilience compared to working women suffering from PCOS. Pak J Pysiol 2024;20(1):45-47

A Scar in Each of Us: LGBTQ+ College Student Well-Being in Texas During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this article is to highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, access to care, housing, education, employment, and food security among LGBTQ+ college students in Texas. An online survey was distributed during the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Inequalities were examined across outcomes based on age, ethnicity, and income. A qualitative analysis of narrative responses was also completed. Significant impacts were noted during the pandemic across all factors studied. Self-perceived mental health was particularly affected, including measures of depression, sleep disturbance, anxiety, anger, personality functioning, and suicidal ideation. Age, race/ethnicity, and income were associated with significant differences in housing, food security, employment, and access to mental healthcare. Four major themes arose from the narrative responses which focused on instability, educational challenges, mental health implications, and resilience and coping strategies. The unique geographic and political factors in Texas during this time are also discussed as exacerbating factors. As public health entities prepare to better care for vulnerable populations, this study identifies multiple factors where change is needed to improve overall health in LGBTQ+ college students.

Social media: A double-edged sword for LGBTQ+ youth

Social media has been described as both a safe and toxic space for LGBTQ+ youth. This mixed-methods online study examined whether differences in youth's open-ended narratives moderate associations between quantitative measures of online discrimination and mental health and substance use. Three thematic groups emerged from open-ended responses of 406 LGBTQ+ 14–18-year-old participants: social media as a source of connection, refuge, or rejection. Moderation analyses indicated that at higher levels of discrimination, youth in the connection narrative group experienced elevated associations between measures of discrimination and depression, anxiety, and substance use compared to the rejection group. The results highlight the significance of a mixed-methods approach, as narratives from LGBTQ+ youth about their social media experiences illuminated the quantitative findings. Findings also call for practices that acknowledge the dual-faceted nature of social media and promote connections within LGBTQ+ communities to increase LGBTQ+ youth's mental health resilience against online discrimination.

Optimizing military mental health and stress resilience training through the lens of trainee preferences: A conjoint analysis approach

ABSTRACT Effective mental health and stress resilience (MHSR) training is essential in military populations given their exposure to operational stressors. The scarcity of empirical evidence supporting the benefits of these programs emphasizes the need for research dedicated to program optimization. This paper aims to identify the relative importance of MHSR training attributes preferred by military members. Conjoint analysis (CA), an experimental method used to prioritize end-user preferences for product feature development, was conducted using an online survey with 567 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. Participants made a series of choices between hypothetical MHSR training options that were systematically varied across seven training attributes. Each training attribute consisted of 3–4 variations in the nature of the attribute or its intensity. Participants also completed questions on health beliefs, mental health and previous MHSR training experiences, and demographics, to assess whether preferences varied by individual characteristics. CA demonstrated that instructor type, leadership buy-in, degree of skills practice, and content relevance/applicability were attributes of highest and relatively equal importance. This was followed by degree of accessible supplemental content. Lowest importance was placed on degree of behavioral nudging and demographic similarity between the trainee and trainer. Sociodemographic factors were not associated with MHSR training preferences. Programs that incorporate expert-led instruction, demonstrate leadership buy-in, embed practical applications within simulated stress environments, and provide a digitally-accessible platform to augment training may be well-received among military members. Understanding and accommodating personal preferences when designing MHSR training programs may increase relevance, foster acceptance and trust, and support sustained engagement.

The Stability of Mental Health During War: Survey Data from Ukraine

Identifying psychological resources that can protect against the impact of war on mental health is an important endeavor. The aim of this study was to determine the stability of correlations between positive and negative indicators of mental health in a sample of Ukrainian citizens during the ongoing war, and to assess possible gender differences. A total of 359 respondents aged 18–61 from all regions of Ukraine completed self-reported surveys at two time points eight months apart (June–July 2022 and February–March 2023). Surveys included three scales reflecting positive aspects of mental health (resilience, self-efficacy, and hardiness) and two reflecting negative aspects (PTSD symptoms and pressure of physical complaints). Significant negative correlations (r values ranged from −.23 to −.47; p < .001) between two positive indicators (resilience and self-efficacy) and the two negative indicators remained practically unchanged over the eight-month period. These relationships were almost equally stable in men and women. Findings expand current knowledge on the consequences of war for mental health and highlight resilience and self-efficacy as potential protective factors against the deterioration of civilian mental health during war.