Sample Of Mental Health Professionals Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Educational Interventions for Mental Health Professionals in Reducing Stigmatization Toward People with Pedophilia: A Meta-Analysis.

Mental Health Professionals (MHP) often harbor strong negative attitudes toward people with a sexual attraction to children, hindering the provision of essential treatment. This reluctance stems from pervasive stigmatization, contributing to mental health issues among people with pedophilia and exacerbating risk factors associated with child sexual abuse. Limited research and small sample sizes in prior studies underscore the need to conduct a meta-analysis, examining the effectiveness of educational interventions as a tool for reducing stigmatization toward people with pedophilia in MHP. Eight studies meeting specific inclusion criteria were identified through a literature search. These criteria included (a) peer-reviewed empirical, (b) quantitative data, (c) a focus on attitudes toward people with pedophilia, (d) a sample of MHP that might come in contact with people with pedophilia (or the general public), (e) the intervention is educational, (f) the educational intervention is based on people with pedophilia, (g) pre- and post-test data, and (h) be written in English. Comparable variables within these studies encompassed dangerousness, social distance, intentionality, deviance, punitiveness, anger, sympathy, and motivation to treat. The intervention significantly improved perceptions of dangerousness (d = 0.65), social distance (d = 0.33), intentionality (d = 0.38), and punitiveness (d = 0.77). However, it showed non-significant effects on deviance (d = 0.22), anger (d = -0.22), sympathy (d = -0.12), and motivation to treat (d = -0.04). These findings indicate that educational interventions can reduce MHP stigmatization toward people with pedophilia, especially with contact-based and sufficiently prolonged interventions.

A psychometric evaluation of Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5) in a UK-based sample of allied mental health professionals

The Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5; Stamm, 2010) is often used to assess burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction in allied mental health professionals in the UK. However, vital empirical evidence assessing psychometric properties of this instrument for this occupational group or in this national context does not exist. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to validate ProQOL 5 in a sample of 366 UK-based clinical psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists recruited via online purposive sampling. The findings indicated that in alignment with existing research, the original three-factor structure demonstrated poor fit to data. Thus, the structure was investigated further with a novel technique in network psychometrics called bootstrapped exploratory graph analysis (bootEGA). The results indicated that 21 items from the original 30-item ProQOL 5 demonstrated satisfactory levels of item stability, i.e., all items were replicated in more than 80% of bootstrapped samples. The present study is the first to evaluate the internal structure of ProQOL 5 in a sample of mental health professionals based in the UK.

Samostigma med strokovnjaki na področju duševnega zdravja v Sloveniji

Public and self-stigma substantially hinder seeking of help during times of psychological distress. Stigma can occur during mental illness or be anticipated when mental illness is not yet present. An important and vulnerable group, but one that is often neglected, are professionals working in mental health field. Using a sample of mental health professionals from Slovenia (N = 93), we focused on the relationship between personal experiences of mental disorders and suicidal behavior and different types of anticipated self-stigma (mental illness and help-seeking self-stigma). About half of the participants (49%) had past or current experience of mental illness, and 56% of them sought help. One sixth of participants (16%) reported having had suicidal ideation in the past or currently, but only 20% sought help for this. Gender was not significantly related to any type of stigma. Age was negatively correlated with personal experience of mental illness and anticipated self-stigma of mental illness. Individuals with personal experiences of mental illness showed higher self-stigma of mental illness than individuals without such experiences. Self-stigma of mental illness correlated slightly with self-stigma in help-seeking. Based on the results we conclude that in mental health professionals, experiences with one’s own mental health issues are related to higher self-stigma of mental illness and this is related to higher self-stigma in help-seeking. Hence, specific interventions should be developed to destigmatize mental illness among professionals and promote help-seeking in this group. Further research is warranted.

Examining accurate diagnosis of complex PTSD in ICD-11

BackgroundComplex posttraumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD), the most frequently suggested new category for inclusion by mental health professionals, has been included in the Eleventh Revision of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Research has yet to explore whether clinicians' recognition of the distinct complex PTSD symptoms predicts giving the correct diagnosis. The present study sought to determine if international mental health professionals were able to accurately diagnose complex PTSD and identify the shared PTSD features and three essential diagnostic features, specific to complex PTSD. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to view two vignettes and tasked with providing a diagnosis (or indicating that no diagnosis was warranted). Participants then answered a series of questions regarding the presence or absence of each of the essential diagnostic features specific to the diagnosis they provided. ResultsClinicians who recognized the presence or absence of complex PTSD specific features were more likely to arrive at the correct diagnostic conclusion. Complex PTSD specific features were significant predictors while the shared PTSD features were not, indicating that attending to each of the specific symptoms was necessary for diagnostic accuracy of complex PTSD. LimitationsThe use of written case vignettes including only adult patients and a non-representative sample of mental health professionals may limit the generalizability of the results. ConclusionsFindings support mental health professionals' ability to accurately identify specific features of complex PTSD. Future work should assess whether mental health providers can effectively identify symptoms of complex PTSD in a clinical setting.

Estudio de las Propiedades Psicométricas del Inventario de Presencia Terapéutica en una Muestra de Profesionales de la Salud Mental en Argentina

This article reports the study of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Presence Inventory (TPI). The internal consistency and temporal stability of the scores are examined in a sample of mental health professionals in Argentina. Method: A non-probabilistic and voluntary sampling of 252 psychologists and psychiatrists was used. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, instrumental-type study was designed. Results: the results indicate an adequate internal consistency of the items equal to .78 and a test-retest stability, equal to .67. The factorial analysis carried out indicates the existence of three factors. Conclusion: The scale has adequate properties for use in the Argentine population

Prejudice towards people with mental illness, schizophrenia, and depression among mental health professionals and the general population

The aim of the study was to measure and compare prejudice towards people with specific mental illnesses between mental health professionals and the general population, and examine personality, ideological, and attitudinal antecedents of prejudice. To do so, we also aimed to validate three shortened scales of prejudice. A sample of mental health professionals (N = 299) and a sample from the general population (N = 427) completed shortened versions of the Prejudice towards People with Mental Illness, Prejudice towards People with Schizophrenia, and Prejudice towards People with Depression scales. They also completed measures of validity criteria and demographics. The scales demonstrated construct validity in both samples. Although prejudice was highest towards people with schizophrenia and lowest towards people with depression, mental health professionals demonstrated significantly less prejudice overall than the general population. Prejudice was associated with higher social dominance orientation, right wing authoritarianism, ethnocentrism, conservatism, and generalized prejudice, and lower agreeableness, openness to experience, and contact. These antecedents of prejudice were better predictors than any demographic or profession-related variables examined. This study contributes increased knowledge of the structure and correlates of prejudice towards people with mental disorders. This knowledge should inform more nuanced and effective interventions, therapy, and training.

Estudio de las propiedades psicométricas de la Escalas de Autocompasión (EAC) en una muestra de profesionales de la salud mental en Argentina

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) in a sample of mental health professionals in Argentina. Method : The sample used was non-probabilistic and voluntary of 252 psychologists and psychiatrists residing in CABA, Argentina. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, classical instrumental study was designed. Results : The confirmatory factor analysis performed allowed verification of the six-factor structure. In turn, the results reported negative and significant correlations between the dimensions theoretically considered as opposites. The internal consistency is adequate in all the subdimensions and in the total scale. Conclusion : The scale has adequate properties for its use in the population of CABA, Argentina.

Suicide-Related Knowledge and Attitudes among a Sample of Mental Health Professionals.

Inadequate knowledge of the potential signs and risk factors of suicide negatively affects the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patients at risk of suicide. The principal aim of the present study is to assess the attitudes and knowledge about suicide in a large sample of mental health professionals. We examined the relationship between Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire items and the experience of a patient dying by suicide. We also examined whether various healthcare professionals respond differently to the items of the Impact of a Patient’s Suicide on Professional and Personal Lives Scale. Results demonstrated that healthcare professionals who had experienced a patient suicide reported greater skills than professionals who had not experienced a patient suicide. However, 44% of professionals who had experienced a patient suicide felt that they did not have adequate training on this particular issue. Among those who had experienced a patient suicide, there was an increased tendency to hospitalize patients with suicide risk and an increased use of collegial consultation. Concerning personal emotions, healthcare professionals reported troubled relationships with family members and friends and the loss of self-esteem. In conclusion, better knowledge and attitudes about suicide are necessary for suicide-prevention strategies.

Grief and bereavement beliefs among U. S. mental health professionals and the general public

The present study examined beliefs about grief and bereavement in a sample of mental health professionals and the general public in the United States. In part 1 of this study, we developed a 12-item questionnaire based on extant thanatology literature and expert review. In part 2, 210 participants rated their beliefs about grief and bereavement using this questionnaire. Participants rated most items accurately, and mental health professionals were more likely to answer items accurately compared to the general public. These findings provide support for increasing grief literacy in professional and public domains.

Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Burnout in Health Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparing Mental Health Professionals and Other Healthcare Workers.

The psychological impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers has been assessed worldwide, but there are limited data on how mental health professionals (MHPs) have been affected. Thus, this paper aims to investigate anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and burnout in a sample of MHPs. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study on 167 participants: 56 MHPs, 57 physicians working closely with COVID-19 patients, and 54 physicians not working closely with such patients. MHPs reported good overall mental health. Most MHPs reported no post-traumatic stress, and their scores were significantly lower compared to HPs working closely with COVID-19 patients. MHPs’ hyperarousal scores were also significantly lower compared to HPs working closely with COVID-19 patients, while their intrusion scores were statistically significantly lower than those of all other professionals. Multivariable logistic regressions showed that MHPs had lower odds of exhibiting state anxiety and low personal accomplishment compared to HPs not working closely with COVID-19 patients. In sum, MHPs seem to show almost preserved mental health. Thus, given the high mental healthcare demand during a pandemic, it would be useful to rely on these professionals, especially for structuring interventions to improve and support the mental health of the general population and other healthcare workers.

Predictors of stigma in a sample of mental health professionals: Network and moderator analysis on gender, years of experience, personality traits, and levels of burnout.

Stigma is one of the most important barriers to help-seeking and to personal recovery for people suffering from mental disorders. Stigmatizing attitudes are present among mental health professionals with negative effects on the quality of health care. Network and moderator analysis were used to identify what path determines stigma, considering demographic and professional variables, personality traits, and burnout dimensions in a sample of mental health professionals (n=318) from six Community Mental Health Services. The survey included the Attribution Questionnaire-9, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. The personality trait of openness to new experiences resulted to determine lower levels of stigma. Burnout (personal accomplishment) interacted with emotional stability in predicting stigma, and specifically, for subjects with lower emotional stability lower levels of personal accomplishment were associated with higher levels of stigma. Some personality traits may be accompanied by better empathic and communication skills, and may have a protective role against stigma. Moreover, burnout can increase stigma, in particular in subjects with specific personality traits. Assessing personality and burnout levels could help in identifying mental health professionals at higher risk of developing stigma. Future studies should determine whether targeted interventions in mental health professionals at risk of developing stigma may be effective in stigma prevention.

Psychotherapy preferences of laypersons and mental health professionals: Whose therapy is it?

What do patients prefer in their psychotherapy? Do laypersons and mental health professionals (as patients) want the same, or different, things? The authors systematically examined patients' psychotherapy preferences and quantitatively compared two samples of laypersons (N = 228, 1,305) with one sample of mental health professionals (N = 615) on the four dimensions of the Cooper-Norcross Inventory of Preferences: Therapist Directiveness Versus Client Directiveness, Emotional Intensity Versus Emotional Reserve, Past Orientation Versus Present Orientation, and Warm Support Versus Focused Challenge. On average, laypersons wanted therapist directiveness and emotional intensity. Robust differences were found between laypersons' and professionals' preferences on these two dimensions: Mental health professionals wanted less therapist directiveness than did laypersons (gs = 0.92 and 1.43 between groups) and more emotional intensity (gs = 0.49 and 1.33). Women also wanted more warm support than men (gs = 0.40 and 0.57). These findings suggest that psychotherapists should be mindful of their own treatment preferences and ensure that these are not inappropriately generalized to patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Satisfaction and burden of mental health personnel: data from healthcare services for substance users and their families.

Objective:To evaluate satisfaction and burden of mental health personnel providing mental health services for substance users and their families.Method:Five hundred twenty-seven mental health workers who provide treatment for substance users in five Brazilian states were interviewed. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and measures of satisfaction (SATIS-BR) and burden of mental health personnel (IMPACTO-BR) were collected.Results:Type of mental health service and educational attainment were associated with degree of satisfaction and burden. Therapeutic community workers and those with a primary education level reported being more satisfied with the treatment offered to patients, their engagement in service activities, and working conditions. Workers from psychosocial care centers, psychosocial care centers focused on alcohol and other drugs, and social care referral centers (both general and specialized), as well as workers with a higher education, reported feeling overburdened.Conclusion:This study offers important information regarding the relationship of mental health personnel with their work. Care providers within this sample reported an overall high level of job satisfaction, while perceived burden differed by type of service and educational attainment. To our knowledge, this is the first study with a sample of mental health professionals working with substance users across five Brazilian states.

Exploring the relationships among personality traits, burnout dimensions and stigma in a sample of mental health professionals

A sample of mental health professionals (n = 215) from six Community Mental Health Services was examined using a short version of the Attribution Questionnaire-27, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Ten Items Personality Inventory to detect possible associations among stigma, burnout dimensions and personality traits. The role of demographic and professional variables was also explored. Perception of workplace safety resulted to significantly affect attitudes toward patients. The concern about being assaulted and a low level of Personal Accomplishment were both related to avoidant attitudes, while the presence of procedures for managing the violent patient was associated with a higher level of Personal Accomplishment. Conversely, Emotional Stability and Openness to new experiences were inversely correlated with burnout dimensions and avoidant attitudes, respectively. Overall, our study supports the view of a significant association among some dimensions of stigma, burnout and personality factors. In particular, avoidant attitudes toward patients may be influenced by Personal Accomplishment and Openness to new experiences.

The role of boldness in psychopathy: A study of academic and clinical perceptions.

The relevance of boldness to psychopathy has recently become a major flashpoint of scientific controversy. Although some authors have contended that boldness is a necessary (although insufficient) component of psychopathy, others have asserted that it is largely or entirely irrelevant to psychopathy. We addressed this issue by examining clinical perceptions of the relevance of the 3 triarchic dimensions (boldness, disinhibition, and meanness) to psychopathy among a sample of mental health professionals and graduate students (N = 228) using a vignette-based, person-centered methodology. A vignette comprising boldness descriptors afforded statistically significant and moderate to large (Cohen's ds ranged from .47 to .99) increases in perceived resemblance to overall psychopathy above and beyond the other triarchic dimensions, both singly and jointly; these findings extended largely to clinical perceptions of Factor 1 (i.e., interpersonal and affective aspects of psychopathy) but not Factor 2 (i.e., impulsive and antisocial aspects of psychopathy) resemblance. Contrary to the claims of some recent authors, boldness alone was perceived as being as relevant to psychopathy as was disinhibition, although both dimensions were perceived as less relevant to psychopathy than was meanness. These findings offer strong support for the contention that boldness is regarded as a key feature of classical psychopathy and are broadly consistent with interpersonal models of psychopathy. (PsycINFO Database Record

Research watch: is social inclusion for service users increased when mental health professionals “come out” as service users?

PurposeThis paper discusses two recent studies of mental health professionals who have experience of mental distress, one in the USA and one in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to highlight different experiences, first of largely concealing their experience, and second of disclosing and using it.Design/methodology/approachThe Australian study examined the barriers experienced by mental health professionals, including trainees, in relation to seeking help. The USA study reported on a sample of mental health professionals who were doing well, including leaders of services, despite current or past mental distress.FindingsBoth studies included more psychologists than other mental health professionals. Australian mental health professionals reported similar fears and barriers to those found in other studies, in addition to concern about their colleagues’ duty to report impairment to the regulating body. Professionals in the USA-based study were described as potentially helpful in reducing stigma about mental distress because their achievements demonstrated that recovery is possible. However, many of them were also cautious about who they disclosed to, and wanted further reduction in stigma and discrimination.Originality/valueThe Australian study highlighted specifically that the requirement to report impairment to the regulator deterred people from disclosing distress at work, making it less likely that they would get help. The USA-based study was ground-breaking in documenting achievements of a substantial sample of mental health professionals with experience of mental distress. Potentially more professionals being “out and proud” might help increase recovery and social inclusion for service users more generally.

Compassion Fatigue and Mindfulness: Comparing Mental Health Professionals and MSW Student Interns

ABSTRACTThe relationship between compassion fatigue and mindfulness in mental health professionals compared to Master of Social Work (MSW) students is explored. A convenience sample of mental health professionals (n = 40) and MSW students (n = 111) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Professional Quality of Life Scale. Results indicate a medium, negative correlation between compassion fatigue and mindfulness, with high levels of compassion fatigue associated with lower levels of mindfulness. There was no statistically significant difference between mental health workers and MSW students on the combined dependent variables. Results suggest that mindfulness protects against compassion fatigue regardless of professional or student status.

Vicarious Trauma in Mental Health Professionals Following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Introduction: Some research evidence has suggested that mental health clinicians who provide services following massive disasters are at risk for developing symptoms of vicarious trauma (VT). This pilot study was conducted following the unprecedented terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001. Objectives: 1) To identify risk and protective factors of VT in a sample of mental health professionals who provided services to victims of 9/11. 2) To compare and contrast the findings of the survey with other published studies. Method: A group of mental health professionals who provided services to New York City residents affected by 9/11 were surveyed on the first year anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Risk and protective factors of VT were identified using correlation and chi-squared analyses. Findings of this survey were compared with other published studies on VT in mental health clinicians who worked with 9/11 survivors. Results: History of personal trauma, fewer years of professional experience, fewer hours of individual supervision, and larger caseloads were identified as probable risk factors for VT. Conclusions: An increased risk of VT was associated with a number of work-related and personal variables. Enhanced professional and social supports may decrease the risk of VT in mental health professionals who provide services in the context of disasters and mass psychological trauma.

Priorities of Staff and Service Users in Mental Health Assessment: A Q Methodological Study

Service users’ first contact with UK National Health Service (NHS) mental health services has been shown to impact on treatment and outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to what constitutes Initial Assessment (IA) and there appear to be disparities between professionals’ and service users’ views. Using a Q methodology approach, the research aims to explore clinicians’ and service users’ views of IA within community mental health services. Four service user consultants and six clinicians completed a questionnaire to elicit views on the topic. In conjunction with a search of the literature on IA, this produced a set of fifty five statements derived by content analysis, which provided the basis of the Q sort. A sample of mental health professionals and services users (N = 21) completed the Q sort. Factor analysis identified four factors which represented the different points of view about IA. These were interpreted and named as “standardised and person-centred”, “efficiency of process”, “positive and self-contained relationship”, and; “supply vs. demand”. The findings highlighted differences in how participants viewed the clinician’s role, decision making, and topics discussed within IA. However, in contrast to previous research there were similarities across different professional groups and service users. The clinical impact of these findings is also explored.

2725 – The impact of perceived insecurity on patients' well-being: a study in 24 mental health centres

The recent global crisis as well as the increasing crimes’ rates have been claimed to be a factor of mental distress and disturbance. To describe the levels of insecurity and the fear of crime in a sample of patients with mental disorders with a sample of mental health professionals. The study has been carried out in 24 Italian mental health centres. In each centre 20 patients and 20 mental health professionals have been recruited. Clinical status and social functioning have been evaluated with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), the Hamilton Anxiety scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D). Fear of crime and insecurity have been assessed by Perceived Insecurity Questionnaire (PIQ). The final sample consists of 426 patients. They are mostly female (70%), employed and married, with a diagnosis of mood disorder (52%). High levels of worries/insecurity at the PIQ are reported by 42% of patients. Perceived insecurity is associated with higher levels of HAM-A and HAM-D. Nearly all respondents report to have worries or fears about the future (93%), in particular as regards bereavement or loss (41%), economic difficulties (28%), mental or physical illness (26%). In multiple regression model, worries about the economic situation are more frequent in person who are male, young, married and with more than two children. The results suggest an association between perceived insecurity with anxiety and depression. Further studies are needed to better understand this association and to develop educational programs on stress and mental disorders.