Need For Mental Health Services Research Articles

Assessing Mental Health During an Extreme Weather Event in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate mental health factors in individuals affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul from May 10 to June 6, 2024. A real-time survey was conducted with 1,552 participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) symptom checklist were used to assess mental health outcomes. Sociodemographic factors, trauma exposure, rescue participation, and psychological support were evaluated. Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, linear regression, and MANCOVA. High rates of depressive and anxious symptoms were found, with over half of the individuals with moderate to severe symptoms reporting no prior history of these conditions. Participants directly affected by the floods, and those with close ones affected, had higher PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ASD scores compared to the unaffected group. Moreover, younger age, female sex, lower family income, participation in rescues, and unmet psychological support needs were correlated with worse mental health outcomes. Individuals who participated in rescues had significantly higher rates of suicide ideation. Notably, psychological support had the largest effect size in mitigating mental health symptoms, regardless of trauma exposure status, when controlled for age, sex, and income according to MANCOVA. The findings highlight the critical role of psychological support in disaster response and the importance of community resilience. Real-time data collection during crises can inform targeted interventions, emphasizing the need for robust mental health services and community support networks. These efforts are essential to reduce long-term psychological morbidity and foster recovery in vulnerable populations.

Factors that influence the need for mental health services for older adults in Europe

Abstract Background Mental health is an integral component of health, and affects close to a 100 million Europeans. Little is known about the predictors of older adult’s mental health demand among health systems in European countries. This study is based on the Andersen’s Behavior Model, that predicts that predisposing characteristics, enabling factors, and behavioral factors, influence need or demand factors of healthcare services. Aim This study has two overall objectives: (i) to investigate the determinants of older adults’ mental health services demand; and (ii) examine the relationship between predisposing characteristics, and enabling resources, with services demand. Methods Data from Wave 9, of the of the cross-national panel dataset of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were examined using a sample of 47, 345 older adults. Analysis: The Omnibus test was used to evaluate the fit model and Multinomial Logistics Regression were performed to test the null hypothesis that predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and behavioral factors are not predictors of need or demand. Findings Predisposing characteristics such as gender (b=-.43, s.e.=.017, p<.001) and age (b=-1.96, s.e.=2.2, p<.001), and enabling factors such as homecare (b = 2.40, s.e.=0.1, p<.001), social support (b=-.26, s.e.=0.012, p<.001), financial support receiving (b=.51, s.e.=.086, p<.001), income (b=.09, s.e.=.009, p<.001), and behavioral factors such as use of technology are predictors of mental health services need or demand [Chi-Square= 3319.58, df = 15 and p <.001]. Implications for Policy and Practice Initiatives for the care of older adults should not only aim to increase access to care services for sub populations such as older adults with mental health but also consider enabling resources such as financial and social support and behavioral factors such as use of technology. Key messages • Demand for mental health services for older adults are influenced by predisposing, enabling and behavioral factors. • Investing in financial services, social support and technology may reduce the demand for mental health services among older adults.

How COVID-19 pandemic and Ukrainian crisis shaped mental health services for medical students in Poland?

The mental health of medical students is a crucial concern in contemporary medical education. This manuscript reports the availability and shape of psychological support for medical students in Poland in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis. A survey comprising 10 questions was distributed to 22 medical schools in Poland, with a 59% response rate. The findings reveal that psychological support programs are predominantly managed by internal university units. Funding sources vary, with some universities utilizing internal budgets and others leveraging European funds or external projects. The support modalities are primarily hybrid, catering to student preferences. Limitations exist in the number of consultations, although some universities provide extended support based on student needs. Assistance is offered in multiple languages, with additional programs like stress-reduction workshops and mindfulness training being available in several universities. A notable increase in demand for psychological support post-COVID-19 was reported, with some universities establishing their programs during or after the pandemic. The commentary highlights the rising need for mental health services among medical students and underscores the importance of flexible, inclusive, and well-funded support. The effective functioning of these programs aligns with the broader objective of fostering a resilient and emotionally balanced healthcare workforce.

"I don't feel fully prepared": a qualitative study of recently graduated students' mental health experiences of the transition out of university.

This study aimed to better understand the mental health experiences of students as they prepared to transition out of university. Participants included 18 recently graduated students from a Canadian university. Virtual one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted and analyzed following the protocol for content analysis and using QSR NVivo. Four main themes were identified, including: distress and feelings of doubt, the importance of connections, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and experiences with mental health service use. Participants discussed feeling pressured to succeed and a fear of failure, uncertainty and unpreparedness for next steps, the importance of connections to peers and professors, a lack of motivation and feeling 'unfinished' due to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and the need for flexible and accessible mental health services to address immediate and longer-term needs. Results have implications for better support of students as they prepare for graduation.

Adapting Group Model Building for Mental Healthcare: A Participatory Co-Design Approach.

Countries around the world are experiencing both a growing need for mental health services and major gaps in the delivery of mental healthcare. The World Health Organisation's 2022 report on mental health emphasised co-designed and systems-level innovations responsive to the voice of those with lived experience. However, evidence for implementing such methodologies is sparse. Group model building (GMB), a participatory systems-based approach, has been used in various fields, but its application is limited within mental healthcare settings. It is recognised as a valuable tool for engaging stakeholders, including those with lived experience, in understanding and redesigning health systems and services. The participatory approach aligns with the mental health sector's shift towards co-design and person-centred care. This study assessed the acceptability of GMB as a method for co-design within mental healthcare, aiming to explore its potential for meaningful collaborative improvement and systems-level insights. Participants from a regional Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service (MHDAS) engaged in GMB workshops and focus groups. Eighteen individuals, including lived experience workers and healthcare professionals, provided feedback that informed adjustments to the workshops' design, language, timing and facilitation techniques, enhancing GMB's relevance for mental health co-design. The findings demonstrate the value and acceptability of the adapted GMB process in acute mental healthcare, marking a significant step towards evidence-based, person-centred service improvement. This study highlights the potential effectiveness of participatory methods in identifying and addressing systemic challenges, paving the way for future mental health reforms. Future work will focus on implementing and evaluating co-designed interventions, aiming for more inclusive and effective mental healthcare and advancing innovation and reform in the field.

The Effects of Psychological First Aid Training on Knowledge, Perceived Ability Using the Skill, and Quality of Life among Medical Students

INTRODUCTION: The response to the crisis in Malaysia in recent years has led to a growing need for mental health services and a general dependence on mental health professionals to address the issue. It is widely acknowledged that providing psychological first aid (PFA) to survivors in the immediate aftermath of a crisis or disaster is an effective first step toward meeting their psychosocial needs. This study aims to determine the impact of PFA training on medical students’ knowledge, perceived ability to apply skills, and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 136 medical students were recruited for this non-randomized single group pre-post study, and trained using the World Health Organization (WHO) PFA guidebook. Measures include PFA knowledge, perceived ability to use PFA skills, WHO Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), and Helping Attitude Scale. Participants were required to fill in the questionnaire before and one month after the training. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in PFA knowledge (p<.001, Cohen’s d = 0.60), perceived ability to use PFA skills (p<.001, Cohen’s d = 0.80), psychological health (p<.001, Cohen’s d = 1.52), and quality of life (p<.001, Cohen’s d = 0.44). Brief training with various interactive teaching methods helps participants master the skills while paying attention to their emotional needs. CONCLUSION: Brief PFA training is as effective as a whole-day PFA workshop. However, regular training should be provided to increase the level of confidence of responders in dealing with crises.

Adjusting the risk-adjustment: Accounting for variation between organisations in the responsiveness of their expenditure to need

There is concern that basing healthcare budgets on risk adjustment estimates derived from historical utilisation data may reinforce patterns of unmet need. We propose a method to avoid this, based on a measure of how closely local health organisations align resources to the needs of their populations. We refer to this measure as the ‘responsiveness of expenditure to need’ and estimate it using national person-level data on use of acute hospital and secondary mental health services in England. We find large variation in responsiveness in both services and show that higher expenditure responsiveness in mental health is associated with fewer suicides. We then re-estimate the national risk-adjustment model removing the data from the organisations with the lowest expenditure responsiveness to need. As expected, higher need individuals are estimated to have higher expenditure needs when less responsive organisations are removed from the estimation of the risk-adjustment. Removal of organisations with below-average responsiveness results in the neediest deciles of individuals having an extra £163 (7%) annual need for acute hospital care and an additional £79 (27%) annual need for mental health services. The application of this approach to risk adjustment would result in more resources being directed towards organisations serving higher-need populations.

Tailored Strategies for Mental Health Support: Distinctions-Based Approaches for the Red River Métis Community

Objective and ApproachThe study investigates attitudes of Red River Métis (RRM) Citizens towards existing mental health services to assess satisfaction levels and enhance support and accessibility. Employing a Community-Based Participatory Research and Collective Consensual Data Analytic Procedure (CBPR/CCDAP) framework, a survey was conducted during health consultations in 2022 and 2023. It explored participant perspectives on existing programming, service availability, and future needs. Analysis of participant responses, stratified by demographics, offers insights into mental health attitudes among the RRM Community. ResultsA total of 144 RRM Citizens participated in the survey, reporting "addiction," "trauma," and "stress" as primary causes of mental health issues. Presently, only 20% (n = 29) utilize mental health services, with over 40% (n = 58) expressing dissatisfaction with available services. Moreover, more than 90% (n = 130) of Citizens emphasized “an urgent need for additional mental health services tailored to the RRM Community”. Common barriers to accessing mental health services included lack of awareness and financial constraints. ConclusionThe study highlights RRM Citizens’ dissatisfaction with existing services and inadequate awareness of available mental health services and their protocols, presenting significant barriers to accessing services. Further investigations are warranted to determine whether these challenges stem from communication discrepancies, service inadequacies, or a combination of both factors. ImplicationsFindings from the study inform the development of distinctions-based mental health services for the Red River Métis Community, enhancing access, engagement, and policy development to address mental health disparities.

Student Perceptions of Carleton University Mental Health Services

This Honours thesis is an exploration of student perceptions of Carleton University’s mental health services. There are a variety of issues facing emerging adults, such as the transition to post-secondary education, changing social roles, and difficulties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and online learning. These factors increased the need for effective mental health services. The research questions revolved around if participants accessed mental health services, if they found them helpful, and what stopped participants from accessing them. The data were examined using the thematic analysis. Results were collected during COVID-19 restrictions and revealed that most students did not access mental health services. Students who did access these services accessed two forms of mental health services: the disability centre and counselling services. The disability centre was largely found to be helpful, whereas opinions of counselling services were mixed. Forty-three percent of participants who did not access mental health services stated this was because they accessed services elsewhere or did not need them. This demonstrates that at least some of the remaining 57% may have not been able to access services when they needed them. This Honour’s thesis addresses how these services can better meet student needs and improve accessibility. This is novel research, which has not yet been discussed, which provides important information about improving these vital services.

Mind4Health: decolonizing gatekeeper trainings using a culturally relevant text message intervention.

When a person dies by suicide, it takes a reverberating emotional, physical, and economic toll on families and communities. The widespread use of social media among youth and adolescents, disclosures of emotional distress, suicidal ideation, intent to self-harm, and other mental health crises posted on these platforms have increased. One solution to address the need for responsive suicide prevention and mental health services is to implement a culturally-tailored gatekeeper training. The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) developed Mind4Health, an online gatekeeper training (90 min) and text message intervention for caring adults of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth. The Mind4Health intervention was a multi-phase, single-arm, pre-and post-test study of users enrolled in the intervention that is available via text message (SMS) or via a 90 min online, self-paced training. We produced four datasets in this study: Mobile Commons, pre-survey data, post-survey data, and Healthy Native Youth website's Google Analytics. The analysis included data cleaning, basic frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis methods and hand-coding techniques with two independent coders. From 2022 to 2024, 280 people enrolled in the Mind4Health SMS training, and 250 completed the 8-week intervention. Many messages in the sequence were multi-part text messages and over 21,500 messages were sent out during the timeframe. Of the 280 subscribers, 52 participated in the pre-survey. Pre-survey data show that 94% of participants were female, and nearly one-fourth lived in Washington state, 92% of participants in the pre-survey were very to moderately comfortable talking with youth about mental health (n = 48). Most participants interact with youth in grades K-12. Post-survey data demonstrate changes in knowledge, beliefs, comfort talking about mental health, and self-efficacy among participants. Mind4Health improved participant's skills to have mental health conversations with youth and refer youth to resources in their community.

The unmet mental health needs of adolescents with HIV in eastern Tanzania: Experiences of healthcare providers, adolescents, and caregivers.

Adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are at greater risk for mental health problems than their HIV-negative counterparts. However, there is a dearth of evidence on the need for mental health services, including interventions for depression in adolescents with HIV (AWHIV), in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study's objective was to explore the unmet mental health needs of AWHIV to inform the development and implementation of a psychological intervention for depression in AWHIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study design was used. Consultative meetings with providers and 45 in-depth interviews were conducted with AWHIV, caregivers, and healthcare providers (HCPs) to explore their experiences and unmet mental health needs for AWHIV. Data from the consultative meetings were triangulated to validate the obtained information with those from interviews. Data were organized and managed with the aid of NVIvo-11. The thematic analysis framework guided data analysis. Five major themes emerged: Experience of complex symptoms, unmet need for services, impact of the unmet needs, ways utilized in managing symptoms, and preferred intervention. Complex depressive symptoms expressed as physical, behavioral, or somatic complaints adversely affected ART adherence and academic performance, led to substance use, and compromised overall quality of life in AWHIV. HIV-Care and Treatment Centers (HIV-CTCs) did not conduct formal mental health screenings. Instead, caregivers and HCPs addressed the symptoms of mental health problems with death threats and corporal punishments. No evidence-based depression interventions existed in HIV-CTCs for observed symptoms. This study reports on unmet mental health needs with a clear impact on the lives of AWHIV, which may have significant implications for treatment adherence. There is an urgent need to develop and implement effective and scalable interventions to address these mental health needs.

Differences and similarities in patient-reported outcomes among men and women with haemophilia.

Both men and women can be diagnosed with haemophilia and the experience with haemophilia may be different between men and women. This study aimed to compare patient-reported outcomes in men versus women with haemophilia. This cross-sectional study is a post-hoc analysis of data collected as part of the Haemophilia-related Distress Questionnaire validation study. Adults aged ≥18 years with haemophilia A or B were recruited from one of two haemophilia treatment centres between July 2017 and December 2019. Outcomes included quality of life, measures of mental and physical health, and overall health. Unadjusted and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine potential mediators of sex-based differences in outcomes. Of the 139 study participants included (21 women, 118 men), the mean age was 36.9 years and most (89.2%) had haemophilia A. Approximately 85.7% and 26.3% of women and men had mild haemophilia, respectively. PHQ-9 depression and PROMIS-29 Profile anxiety and fatigue scores were significantly higher in women than men in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes. Women with haemophilia are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and fatigue than men with haemophilia. This study highlights the need for mental health services to be integrated into the care of women with haemophilia. Future research is needed to understand whether women with haemophilia are more or less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and fatigue than women without haemophilia as well as determine the impact of reduced mental health on clinical outcomes.

Health care needs and barriers to care among the transgender population: a study from western Rajasthan

BackgroundTransgender people comprise an estimated 0.3–0.5% (25 million) of the global population. The public health agenda focuses on understanding and improving the health and well-being of gender minorities. Transgender (TG) persons often have complex healthcare needs and suffer significant health disparities in multiple arenas. The international literature suggests that this community is at a higher risk of depression, and other mental health problems, including HIV. Many transgender people experience gender dysphoria and seek specific medical needs such as sex reassignment surgeries, implants, hormonal therapies, etc., but are unable to access these services due to financial or social reasons. The objective of this study was to assess the healthcare needs and associated barriers experienced by transgender people in Western Rajasthan. Methodology: A qualitative study was carried out in which multilevel stakeholder interviews were conducted using interview and focus group discussion guides. Data was analyzed using the qualitative thematic analysis technique. Results: Findings reveal that transgender people have expressed their need to access health services for general health needs, including but not limited to mental health, non-communicable diseases, and infectious diseases. Barriers to healthcare services were identified on 3 levels: health system, social and personal. Health system barriers include policy, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability issues. Social factors such as inadequate housing, education, and job opportunities also play an important role in affecting the individual’s health-seeking behavior. The knowledge of healthcare providers in this context was also limited in context of health insurance schemes, package of services available for transgenders and the importance of gender sensitive healthcare. Conclusion: Transgender people expressed the need for mental health services, programs targeting nutritional improvement, gender-affirmation procedures besides regular screening of non-communicable diseases as operational for males and females. Levels of barriers have been identified at various levels ranging from absence of targeted policies to individual behavior.

Health Service Utilization Patterns Among Medicaid Enrollees With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Pandemic Response and Recovery Efforts.

To assess the impact of COVID-19 on health service utilization of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) through an analysis of Medicaid claims data. Retrospective cohort study of Medicaid claims. Medicaid members aged 25 to 64years from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2021, from the states of Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. We analyzed data from two 12-month time periods (pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19) and assessed the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health service utilization and service intensity for 3 cohorts: (1) IDD with preexisting mental health diagnoses, (2) IDD without mental health diagnoses, and (3) all other Medicaid members. Health service utilization determined by specific claims data classifications. The analysis showed reduced utilization for nonmental health service types with differing utilization patterns for IDD with preexisting mental health diagnoses, IDD without mental health diagnoses, and all other Medicaid members. Change in utilization varied, however, for mental health service types. Measures of service intensity showed decreased numbers of members utilizing services across most service types and increased Medicaid claims per person across most mental health service categories but decreased Medicaid claims per person for most nonmental health services. Results suggest a need for mental health services among all Medicaid members during the COVID-19 pandemic. By anticipating these needs, communities may be able to expand outreach to Medicaid members through enhanced case management, medication checks, and telemedicine options.

Ingredients of successful therapeutic relationships with foster youth according to key stakeholders in child welfare: A grounded theory analysis.

Foster youth reportedly have a significant need for mental health services and the quality of the therapeutic relationship can influence service engagement. We employed grounded theory methods to conduct interviews and focus groups with 48 key stakeholders in child welfare to deepen our theoretical understanding of therapeutic relationships with foster youth. The central theory that emerged was that a successful therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient of the healing process for current and former foster youth. Participants identified hindrances to a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when therapist mishandles countertransference or inappropriately uses self-disclosure, as well as what therapists can do to build a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when a therapist fosters a secure attachment and promotes client agency. The findings offer insight into some of the important facets of building and maintaining a trusting and successful therapeutic relationship with current and former foster youth.

Utilization and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Homeless Seniors.

Homeless seniors confront distinct challenges regarding their mental health needs and service access. This study aims to illuminate the mental health landscape of homeless seniors by examining the prevalence of mental illness, utilization of mental health services, and perceived need for mental health care. The study comprises 177 homeless seniors in New York, NY. Findings indicate 10.2% experiencing depression, 10.2% schizophrenia, and 5.7% bipolar disorder. Despite high prevalence, there is a significant gap between diagnosed mental health conditions and service utilization, with only 50% of those with depression seeking care. Perceived need for mental health services emerges as a critical aspect of the study, with over half of those suffering from depression (61.1%; n = 11), PTSD (75%; n = 3), schizophrenia (77.8%; n = 14), and other mental illnesses (100%; n = 1) expressing a need for mental health care. Also, mental health conditions, loneliness, and levels of social support play significant roles in a need for mental health services.

Feasibility assessment of using ChatGPT for training case conceptualization skills in psychological counseling

This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of using ChatGPT for training case conceptualization skills in psychological counseling. The novelty of this research lies in the application of an AI-based model, ChatGPT, to enhance the professional development of prospective counselors, particularly in the realm of case conceptualization—a core competence in psychotherapy. Traditional training methods are often limited by time and resources, while ChatGPT offers a scalable and interactive alternative. Through a single-blind assessment, this study explores the accuracy, completeness, feasibility, and consistency of OpenAI's ChatGPT for case conceptualization in psychological counseling. Results show that using ChatGPT for generating case conceptualization is acceptable in terms of accuracy, completeness, feasibility, and consistency, as evaluated by experts. Therefore, counseling educators can encourage trainees to use ChatGPT as auxiliary methods for developing case conceptualization skills during supervision processes. The social implications of this research are significant, as the integration of AI in psychological counseling could address the growing need for mental health services and support. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of case conceptualization, ChatGPT can contribute to better counseling outcomes, potentially reducing the societal burden of mental health issues. Moreover, the use of AI in this context prompts important discussions on ethical considerations and the evolving role of technology in human services. Overall, this study highlights the potential of ChatGPT to serve as a valuable tool in counselor training, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of psychological support services.

Interventions to promote mental health in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Palestinian refugees: A scoping review.

The long history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has resulted in a public and mental health crisis. Despite the significant mental health burdens facing the Palestinian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and refugee camps, this issue remains comprehensively unexplored. This scoping review identified mental health interventions and assessed their effectiveness among populations in the OPT and Palestinian refugee camps, while addressing delivery challenges. A scoping review was conducted using 14 databases to include relevant studies published through March 2024 using PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Analyzing 31 intervention studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, revealed varied outcomes in interventions targeting post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and overall mental well-being. While some interventions showed potential, others had limited effectiveness, underscoring the complexity of mental health needs in conflict zones. Gender- and risk-specific effectiveness was observed, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches. Challenges like low attendance rates and systemic barriers hindered intervention success. The profound impact of war on children stresses the urgency for targeted interventions. Empowerment and community connectedness are vital for resilience, along with the importance of family and community involvement and research that balances the need for strong evaluation designs with the need for ongoing mental health services. Advocacy for systemic changes is crucial to implement the complex sustainable interventions necessary to assure mental health in any population. This review highlights the importance of holistic, contextually relevant approaches for mental health intervention in OPT and refugee camps, emphasizing rigorous evaluations and community-driven approaches.

The challenges and needs of male victims of intimate partner violence in Nigeria: what victims and professionals say

ABSTRACT Historically, interventions have focused on female victims due to intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionate occurrence. Consequently, male victims face significant challenges and unmet needs due to lack of tailored interventions. In under-resourced countries like Nigeria, where male victimization is under-researched and under-documented, the situation is even worse. Using the grounded theory methodology, this study examined the needs and challenges of male victims from the perspective of victims, and professionals who served as key informants. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews from 35 male victims aged ≥18 across 12 states in the southern region of Nigeria, and four professionals were interviewed based on their availability. Data were analysed using content analysis based on category development of the grounded theory method. The challenges and needs identified include balance in the law, need for mental health services, creating a safe space, communal involvement, and victims need to speak up. They were all discussed around an overarching theme of masculinity and societal stereotypes. Re-examination of the existing laws as they apply to male victims, enlightenment campaigns, establishment of tailored institutions or rebranding of existing institution, and creation of support groups were recommended.

We are all Sentenced: The Lived Experience of Mothers With an Adult Incarcerated Daughter

The vast majority of research on the impact of familial incarceration focuses on its effect on children, even though one in eight adults in the United States has had a child in prison. While some studies have examined the lived experiences of mothers with an incarcerated adult son, no research has explored the effect of an adult daughter’s incarceration on their mother. Using in-depth interviews with four mothers who have adult daughters in prison, this study finds that these mothers were significantly affected by their daughter’s incarceration. They experience painful emotions, face significant barriers and challenges, and highlight the pressing need for mental health services. Along with other prior works, our findings can be used to inform policy and clinical recommendations for those working with and advocating for incarcerated populations and their impacted loved ones.