Mental Health Social Work Research Articles

Trends of Empirical Research in South Korean Mental Health Social Work

Since the introduction of evidence-based practice in South Korea, it has gained significant attention for its potential to promote the efficacy of social work services and to integrate knowledge and practice in mental health social work. In order to see how empirical research in South Korean mental health social work has changed, we examined publication trends found with the journal Mental Health and Social Work, analyzing a total of 402 articles published from 1994 to 2013. A content analysis was performed with a focus on research methods and results, and the types of research questions and the designs reported. We found that (1) the number of empirical research articles increased over the past 20 years, (2) research on factors affecting clients’ lives or service outcomes was found to be dominant, and (3) correlational studies were most prevalent. We conclude that while a quantitative basis for mental health social work has increased, the rigor of the research needs to be further developed. Several suggestions are included at the end of this article with an aim to help promote more balanced evidence research and utilization of evidence in the field of mental health social work in South Korea.

A Tricky Question: Spirituality and Mental Health Social Work Practice in Northern Ireland

The social work profession in the United Kingdom is criticized for its reluctance to engage with spirituality. Its absence in Northern Ireland is particularly significant given the role of religion in its political conflict. Drawing upon qualitative research with mental health service users and social workers about religion, spirituality, and mental distress, this article explores the ambivalence that exists around this subject in mental health social work practice. It appears that the political conflict continues to impact social work provision. Support is needed for practitioners and service users to give voice to this aspect of mental well-being. This study comprised one-to-one interviews with 12 mental health social workers and 12 mental health service users. Half of the participants from each group were invited to take part in a telephone interview. All of the participants were invited to bring an object which signified what religion and/or spirituality meant to them, to the interview.

Worry and Bother: Factors in Rural Women’s Health Decision Making

This exploratory study examined older rural women’s health decision making. Thirty-three rural women were recruited to participate in semistructured qualitative interviews. Major themes emerged that focused on rural women’s comments regarding their concerns about not worrying or bothering their children with personal health matters. Themes were discussed in the context of an ethic of care. Results suggest that it is important for mental health professionals, family physicians, social workers, and other practitioners to be aware of the sense of worry and concern for others that older rural women bring to bear in decision making about personal health issues.

Towards critical mental health social work: learning from critical psychiatry and psychiatry survivors

Towards critical mental health social work: learning from critical psychiatry and psychiatry survivors

정신장애인을 위한 프로그램 기획에의 컨셉트 맵핑(concept mapping) 적용 : 클라이언트 참여를 통해 사회복귀시설 종사자와 정신장애인의 기대성과 합의를 이룰 수 있는가?

본 연구는 정신장애인을 대상으로 이루어지는 프로그램에 클라이언트 참여와 자기결정의 가치를 실현하기 위하여 컨셉트 맵핑을 적용한 것이다. 컨셉트 맵핑이 적용되는 프로그램은 A광역시의 B사회복귀시설에서 시행되는 것으로, 정신장애인들이 독거노인과 함께 음식을 교류하며 소통하는 사업이였다. 컨셉트 맵핑을 통해서 정신장애인과 사회복귀시설 종사자가 기대하고 있는 프로그램의 성과가 무엇인지 서로 확인하고, 합의해 나가게 되었다. 정신장애인과 사회복귀시설 종사자 총 24명이 참여하였으며, 총 여섯단계를 거쳤다. 42개의 서술문이 수집되었으며, 분류화 결과, 정신장애인은 6개의 군집, 사회복귀시설 종사자는 3개의 군집이 도출되었다. 사회복귀시설 종사자보다 정신장애인들이 기대성과를 더 세분화시켜 분류하였다. 서로가 기대하는 성과의 차이를 확인하고 기대성과의 중요성을 측정하여 최종적으로 합의된 3가지의 기대성과를 도출하였다. 이번 연구를 통해서 정신장애인들의 프로그램 참여와 그에 따른 자기결정의 가치를 실현하는데 컨셉트 맵핑이 가지는 유용성을 경험적으로 확인할 수 있게 되었다. This study apply concept mapping to realize of client participation and self-determination in social welfare program for the mental disorders. They are relatively easily marginalized in decision-making process of their program. But realization of client participation and self-determination is directly connected with effect of service. For this reason, we confirmed the applicability of concept mapping in program planning that support client participation. Case of this study is social welfare program of B community psychiatric rehabilitation center located in the A city. This program is community interchange service for the mental disorders. Interchange type is to have a food with the mental disorder and the solitary elderly. We took advantage of the concept mapping to derive the outcomes that are expecting the mental disorders and mental health social workers. Concept mapping was proceeding in six steps; preparation stage <TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX> idea collection stage <TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX> structuralization stage <TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX> analysis stage <TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX> interpretation stage <TEX>${\rightarrow}$</TEX> application stage. Participants were a total of 25 people including the mental disorders and community psychiatric rehabilitation center employees. The participants produced 42 statements. Sorting results, the mental disorders produced 6 clusters; community psychiatric rehabilitation center employees produced 3 clusters. The mental disorders classified better detail than community psychiatric rehabilitation center employees. Two group were found gap of expected outcomes each other, went narrowed it. They agreed 3 expected outcomes finally. We identified empirically the usefulness of concept mapping to realize self-determination and program participation.

"Walking alongside:" collaborative practices in mental health and substance use care.

BackgroundAlthough the importance of collaboration is well established as a principle in research and in theory, what it actually means for practitioners to collaborate in practice, to be partners in a collaborative relationship, has thus far been given less attention. The aim of this study was to identify key characteristics of the ways in which mental health practitioners collaborate with service users and their families in practice.MethodsThis was a qualitative action research study, with a cooperative inquiry approach that used multi-staged focus group discussions with ten mental health care and social work practitioners in community mental health and substance use care. Thematic analysis was applied to identify common characteristics.ResultsWe identified three major themes related to practitioners’ experiences of collaborative practices: (1) walking alongside through negotiated dialogues, (2) maintaining human relationships, and (3) maneuvering relationships and services.ConclusionsIt appears that even with the rich knowledgebase that has developed on the merits of collaborative relationships, it continues to be challenging for practitioners to reorient their practice accordingly. The findings of this study indicate that the practitioners focus on two types of processes as characterizing collaborative practice: one focusing on conversations among practitioners and service users and their families and the other focusing on management and control among health care providers, service sectors, and service users (i.e., inter/intra-system collaboration).

Stigma as an organizing framework for understanding the early history of community mental health and psychiatric social work

ABSTRACTThe authors argue that stigma—both the forces that combat it and perpetuate it—can be viewed as an organizing framework for understanding the history of mental health care. This early history also provides a foundation for appreciating the roots of psychiatric social work and the uniqueness of our professional domain and identity. While hoping to build disciplinary pride, the article also points to work that remains to more deliberately oppose practices that perpetuate stigma, both subtle and overt, and instead embrace practices that humanize care for people with mental illness.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Mental Health Care for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families: Opportunities for Social Work

This special issue of Social Work in Mental Health focuses on the assets, challenges, and opportunities in improving the mental health and mental health care services for military service personnel...

Integrating professional social work identity and social justice advocacy: An analysis of the Australian campaign to restore Medicare rebates for accredited mental health social workers

Summary This study utilises a recent social action campaign undertaken by the Australian Association of Social Workers to examine the skills, motives and factors of success for social workers and professional bodies in undertaking social action activities. Findings The evidence suggests effective social action is likely to rely on several, interdependent factors. Social workers appear more likely to actively intervene in policy issues when their immediate client base, professional identity or personal livelihood is threatened. Peak professional bodies are more likely to succeed in lobbying when they are able to mobilise broad-ranging support, present a united media presence and form alliances with key stakeholders and influencers outside their organisation. Application Results from this study may be useful for professional associations, social work educators and students who are interested in understanding social action in the context of social work practice and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to fulfil their professional mandate as agents of social change.

‘Unsticking the Stuckness’: A Qualitative Study of the Clinical Supervisory Needs of Early-Career Health Social Workers: Table 1

This study investigates the clinical supervision experiences of early-career mental health professionals who were working in their first year as social workers and occupational therapists. As part of their employment, concurrently they were studying towards a postgraduate certificate in mental health. Using a qualitative research approach guided by themes in the clinical supervision literature, individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with twelve clinical supervisees. Five themes were found in the participant narratives. The relationship in clinical supervision was the most important feature of what clinical supervisees valued about their clinical supervision. This relationship was seen by the clinical supervisees as a way of maintaining their professional effectiveness with clients and colleagues within the hospital context by addressing personal responses and providing guidance. The clinical supervisory relationship was valued by supervisees as it identified gaps in training, directed career development, and provided checks on caseload and work/life balance. Lastly, the clinical supervisees discussed clinical supervision as encouraging self-care and referral to support and resources when critical incidents were encountered on the job. The implications for clinical supervision in mental health social work are discussed.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILD SEXUAL, PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL AND RITUALISTIC ABUSE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

This study is an investigation into the relationship between child sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and ritualistic abuse among high school students in the Northern Province (South Africa). Gender and urban-rural differences are also examined in relation to child sexual abuse. The method of secondary data analysis was used to analyse the same data used by Madu and Peltzer (1998, 2000) and Madu, Peltzer and Mashego (1998). Logistic Regression Analysis shows that among all the participants child sexual abuse correlates positively with psychological and emotional forms of child abuse. No gender correlated significantly with child sexual abuse. Chi-Square analysis for village-urban difference shows that child sexual abuse occurs more often in the urban areas than in the villages. The authors conclude that mental health workers and social workers should take note of the above relationship in planning preventive and therapeutic strategies for victims of child abuse in the area.

Obesity and children with special healthcare needs: special considerations for a special population.

The high prevalence of childhood obesity continues to persist, especially in children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations are appropriate frameworks related to increasing physical activity and healthy eating habits among CYSHCN. This review aims to provide pediatric providers with recommendations in the assessment, treatment, and management of obesity in CYSHCN. Personal, environmental, and parental factors contribute to participation of CYSHCN in physical activity and consumption of healthy foods. Findings demonstrate that physical activity among CYSHCN is possible with proper guidance and supervision from families, healthcare providers, and community recreation staff. Proper direction from parents can help CYSHCN with food restrictions consume healthier food options. Creative solutions for promoting physical activity and healthy foods are vital for this special population. Promoting healthy weight and addressing health behaviors can contribute to favorable health outcomes and quality of life in CYSHCN. Pediatricians are encouraged to assess risks contributing to obesity in collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams (specialists, psychologists, primary care providers, mental health professionals, social workers, physical therapists, and dieticians), providing their patients (CYSHCN) with essential skills and resources to prevent and manage obesity.

Psychological distress among mental health social workers

This study employs the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in order to examine psychological distress among Greek mental health social workers. The findings are examined in the light of the respondents' demographics, professional characteristics (educational background and work experience), work perspectives (job satisfaction and perceived work efficiency) and perceived financial strain. The study took place two years after austerity measures were imposed in the country. A self-addressed questionnaire employing 4-point Likert-type scale items was posted to 154 mental health social workers residing in an urban area in Greece. A statistical analysis of the 65 returned questionnaires identified frequencies and correlations in the corpus of the data. According to the findings, 15% of the practitioners were within the psychological distress range. When compared to their non-psychologically distressed counterparts, the psychologically distressed respondents were clearly differentiated according to their professional characteristics, work perspectives and perceived financial strain.

Special Issue on Mental Health Social Work, Risk, and Regulation

Special Issue on Mental Health Social Work, Risk, and Regulation

THEORETICAL CONCERNS IN APPLYING THE DIAGNOSIS OF PTSD TO PERSONS WITH HIV AND AIDS

Increasingly, mental health professionals, including psychologists, counsellors and social workers, are called upon to assist persons living with HIV to negotiate the mental health consequences of their condition. It has been suggested that serious mental health consequences following diagnosis with HIV are likely to occur and that developing countries may be “heading towards a mental health and social disaster” (Freeman, 2004). Freeman (2004) has identified various categories of persons affected by HIV who may experience psychological difficulties, including those recently diagnosed with HIV. Among recently diagnosed persons, it is thought that several psychiatric conditions may ensue, namely major depressive disorder (Gore-Felton, Koopman, Spiegel, Vosvick, Brondino & Winningham, 2006), generalised anxiety disorder (Pence, Miller, Whetten, Eron & GaGaynes, 2006) and posttraumatic stress disorder (Myers & Durvasula, 1999; Martinez, Israelski, Walker & Koopman, 2002; Olley, Zeier, Seedat & Stein, 2005). This article examines some theoretical concerns regarding the viability of a diagnosis of PTSD for persons who have received a diagnosis of HIV in terms of its implications for mental health counselling.

Counseling with Muslim Refugees: Building Rapport

Recent social work literature has stressed the importance of considering culture when working with individuals with mental health problems. This paper presents my personal experience, journaling, reflections, and research as a mental health social work practitioner and researcher working with refugee clients with mental health problems from a Muslim background. It also draws on my research experience in cross-cultural mental health. The paper emphasizes the significance of building rapport especially in the earlier stages of the professional relationship.

The attitudes of mental health professionals towards patients’ desire for children

BackgroundWhen a patient with a serious mental illness expresses a desire for children, mental health professionals are faced with an ethical dilemma. To date, little research has been conducted into their strategies for dealing with these issues.MethodsSeven focus groups with a total of 49 participants from all professional groups active in mental health (nurses, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists) were conducted in a 330-bed psychiatric hospital. Group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed by the documentary method described by Bohnsack.ResultsMental health professionals did not feel that their patients’ desire for children was as important in daily practice as were parenting issues. When discussing the desire for children on the part of patients, the following themes emerged: “the patient’s own decision”, “neutrality”, “the patient’s well-being”, “issues affecting the children of mentally ill parents” and “appropriate parenthood”. In order to cope with what they perceived as conflicting norms, mental health professionals developed the following (discursive) strategies: "subordination of child welfare", "de-professionalisation", "giving rational advice" and "resignation".ConclusionsThe theme of “reproductive autonomy” dominated mental health professionals’ discourse on the desire for children among psychiatric patients. “Reproductive autonomy” stood in conflict with another important theme (patient’s children). Treating reproductive issues as taboo is the result of the gap between MHPs’ perceptions of (conflicting) norms when dealing with a patient’s desire for children and the limited opportunities to cope with them appropriately.In order to support both patients with a desire for children and mental health professionals who are charged with providing counselling for such patients, there is a need to encourage ethical reflection and to focus on clinical recommendations in this important area.

A Study on Factors Affecting the Mental Health Social Workers’ Perception Towards Sexual Minorities

본 연구는 임상 현장에서 일하는 정신보건사회복지사의 성적 소수자에 대한 전반적 인식과 호모포비아에 영향을 끼치는 변인을 살펴봄으로써 성적 소수자를 위한 사회복지적 실천의 토대를 모색해 보기 위한 목적으로 수행되었다. 인구사회학적 변수와 함께 사회복지실천경력, 성적 소수자관련 지인 및 교육 경험, 지식, 정치적 성향, 성역할 인식과 호모포비아의 관계를 분석하였으며, 이를 위하여 서울 경기 지역 정신보건사회복지사 211명을 편의표집하여 수집한 자료 167부를 활용하였다. 연구 결과, 성별, 성적 소수자 관련지인경험 유, 보수적 성역할인식, 보수적 정치성향은 호모포비아와 상관관계를 가지고 있는 것으로 나타났고, 성별과 성적 소수자 관련지인경험, 정치성향이 정신보건사회복지사의 호모포비아에 유의미하게 영향을 끼치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 연구결과를 바탕으로 성적 소수자를 위한 정신보건사회복지사의 임상실천 방안 등을 제언하고자 하였다.<BR><BR>

Moral Regret in Mental Health Social Work

This paper discusses ethical issues related to social work practice in the area of mental health. It does so via the use of a case study taken from my practice whilst I was on placement. Ethical issues are explored within a practice context that is becoming increasingly proceduralised and risk averse, and where protectionist responses contribute to undermining the rights of service users to self-determination. The paper explores the relationship between utilitarian and Kantian ethical theory and ethical decision-making as well as commenting on the usefulness of an anti-oppressive ethical perspective.

Translating Daoist Concepts into Integrative Social Work Practice: An Empowerment Program for Persons with Depressive Symptoms

Chinese people display different usage patterns of mental health service, while mental health social workers report encountering cultural difficulties in delivering traditional Western psychosocial interventions. Culture and behavior of Chinese people are heavily influenced by Daoist philosophy and practices. This article discusses the application of Daoist concepts in working with people with mental illness, and reports the development of a pilot empowerment program for Chinese people with depressive symptoms. In an uncontrolled study, participants (N = 61) after the program reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety. They also reported reduced affliction and increased equanimity, two concepts pertinent in the Chinese conception of mental well-being. The findings suggest culturally sensitive integrative social work interventions can complement the existing mental health care system in Chinese communities.