Psychological Service Utilization Research Articles

Psychological Service Utilization and its Impact on Return to Work in Vocational Retraining Centers: A Cohort Study

Psychological Service Utilization and its Impact on Return to Work in Vocational Retraining Centers: A Cohort Study

ASSESSING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP-SEEKING ATTITUDES AMONG MALAYSIAN AND INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

ABSTRACT Mental health issues have become prevalent among youth, particularly among university students. However, the utilization of psychological services remains low. Despite the mismatch, limited studies explored the psychological help-seeking attitudes and their barriers in a cross-cultural context. This study aimed to examine the differences of in terms of gender, openness, value and need in seeking professional help among Malaysian and International university students. The findings of this study will aid in the implementation of better policies to ensure the wellbeing of both Malaysian and International university students. The data was collected in May 2022 using a cross-sectional survey questionnaire distributed at one of the public universities in Malaysia (n=54). The results revealed that the psychological help-seeking attitudes among International students and Malaysian are similar and low, albeit the insignificance. However, males and females are found to have a significantly small difference in the value and need in seeking professional help. Broadly, the results of this work inform that psychological help-seeking attitudes are most likely the same for both Malaysian and International students. Therefore, it is crucial for researchers to explore the current factors that hinder students from perceiving psychological help as a need. Keywords: Mental Health, Help-seeking attitudes, Cross-Cultural, University Students, Undergraduate Students

Mental Health Disparities Among Cisgender, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming College Students in the United States

Compared to cisgender men and women, transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals receive very littl.e attention on their experiences related to mental health. This study examines gender differences in mental health-related outcomes and their relationship to mental illness diagnoses, psychological service utilization, help-seeking attitudes, and overall health among students attending universities in the United States. A survey of 1,034 college students indicated psychological health significantly varied by gender such that mental health-related outcomes, mental illness diagnoses, and psychological service utilization were worse for TGNC individuals than for cisgender women or men. These healthcare outcomes were also reported to be worse for cisgender women than for cisgender men, except for resilience, loneliness, and overall health, for which TGNC participants reported worse outcomes, but cisgender men and women did not differ. Implications for mental health counselors and recommendations for future research are provided.

Investigating psychological service utilization employing an integrative sociostructural, cultural, and behavioral framework.

Investigating psychological service utilization employing an integrative sociostructural, cultural, and behavioral framework.

The Differences in Attitude Toward Mental Health Services Between Japanese and American College Students

To examine the different patterns in utilization of psychological services between Japanese and American college students, a total of 316 American students (122 men and 194 women) and 362 Japanese students (147 men and 215 women) participated in this study. We used the following psychological instruments: Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale, Interpersonal Openness (openness regarding professional psychological help) and Confidence Self-construal scale, Sex Role Inventory, and Recognition of Psychological Help. This study concluded that collectivism is a significant predictor of recognizing the need for mental health services in the U.S., while it is not in Japan. Compared to American and female participants, Japanese and male participants feel greater stigmas toward mental health professionals. Openness to psychological help collectivism was a significant predictor for openness among the American sample, while it was not in the Japanese sample. Collectivism was a significant predictor for openness among the American sample, while it was not in the Japanese sample. Individualism was a significant predictor for confidence in America, but it was not in Japan. As predicted, Japanese participants feel greater stigma and less recognition, openness, and confidence toward mental health services than Americans. It is important for mental health professionals to educate college students that individual who seek help have high masculine traits to ameliorate the negative attitude toward mental health professionals.

Expectations and Preferences for Psychotherapy Among African American and White Young Adults.

This study examined beliefs, expectations, and preferences related to mental health problems and treatment in a sample of young adults who are in a developmental period when many types of psychopathology emerge. Prior studies on this topic have primarily included samples that are older and predominately White. It is not clear whether results from that research generalize to diverse samples of young adults. Participants were 370 undergraduate students (41.3% African American; 76.5% female) who completed questionnaires about expectations and preferences for psychotherapy and therapists. Findings regarding racial differences include African Americans having less experience with mental health services and different goals for psychotherapy than did Whites. Additionally, African Americans, relative to Whites, demonstrated stronger preferences for couple, family, and group psychotherapy, a male therapist their same race, and a therapist who is assertive and structured in session. The results of this study provide information about young adults' perceptions, expectations, and preferences related to mental health problems and psychotherapy. Findings suggest some barriers to treatment that might be addressed to improve treatment engagement and utilization of psychological services among young adults in general and among African American young adults specifically.

Prevalence and Predictors of Medication Use in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence from a Community-Based Longitudinal Study.

To determine, in a community-based sample of primary school-aged children meeting diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), (1) the proportion of children with ADHD treated with medication; (2) predictors of medication use; and (3) the association between medication use and psychological service utilization. Grade 1 children with ADHD were recruited through 43 schools in Melbourne, Australia, using a two-stage screening and case confirmation procedure. Parent report of medication treatment, clinician diagnosis, and psychological service use were collected at ages 7 and 10 years. Medication use was analyzed by ADHD subtype. Predictors of medication treatment examined included ADHD symptom severity and persistence, externalizing comorbidities, poor academic performance, and social disadvantage. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression were used to identify the predictors of medication status. One hundred seventy-nine children with ADHD were recruited. At baseline, 17.3% had been clinically diagnosed with ADHD, increasing to 37.7% at age 10 years. At baseline, 13.6% were taking ADHD medications, increasing to 25.6% at age 10. Children with the combined and hyperactive-impulsive subtypes were more likely to be taking medication than those with inattentive subtype (age 7: p = 0.002; age 10: p = 0.03). ADHD symptom severity (Conners 3 ADHD Index) at baseline was concurrently and prospectively associated with medication use at both ages (both p = 0.01), and ADHD symptom severity at age 10 was also associated with medication use at age 10 (p = 0.01). Baseline area-level disadvantage was associated with medication use at age 7 (p = 0.04). At 10 years, children receiving medication were more likely, compared with those who were not, to be receiving psychological services (p = 0.001). In this study, only a minority of children meeting diagnostic criteria for ADHD were diagnosed clinically or treated with ADHD medication by age 10. The strongest predictors of medication treatment were ADHD symptom severity and area disadvantage.

Adherence to Recommended Care Guidelines in the Treatment of Preschool-Age Medicaid-Enrolled Children With a Diagnosis of ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Clinical guidelines recommend behavior therapy as the first-line treatment for preschool-age children with ADHD. This study evaluated longitudinal patterns of services received by Medicaid-enrolled children ages 2 to 5 with ADHD in seven southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina). A discrete sequence clustering analysis was used with 2005-2012 Medicaid Analytic eXtract data to profile patient-level utilization for each state, with a focus on receipt of psychological services and medication. The model output was used to assess utilization behaviors longitudinally relative to recommended care guidelines and to characterize sources of variation in utilization patterns by demographic and ecological factors. Five states had a utilization profile with a high probability of receipt of psychological services before medication among children with ADHD, covering 16% of the total study population. Most young children's ADHD care experience in the seven states (65%) fit utilization profiles characterized by a high probability of receiving any ADHD medication. Black race was significantly associated with higher utilization of psychological services in three states. About 16% of Medicaid-enrolled preschool-age children with ADHD received care during 2005-2012 that appeared to be consistent with 2011 recommended care guidelines. State-level and subpopulation variations in utilization for ADHD-related clinical care were found. The findings indicate that there were major gaps in treatment for ADHD among young children and that the gaps are wider for some states and subpopulations of children.

Multidimensionality of the Langner Symptom Survey and Replication of a Cutoff Score in Emerging Adults.

This study investigated the dimensionality of the Langner Symptom Survey and replicated a recent finding regarding a clinically validated cutoff score in emerging adults. Nine hundred thirteen (631 females and 282 males) students at a private university in the Midwestern United States participated online as part of a larger study and completed the Langner Symptom Survey and a demographic questionnaire. Results from exploratory principal components and confirmatory factor analyses provided support for both a six- and three-factor model of the Langner Symptom Survey, with the three-factor model offering marginally better confirmatory fit indices and greater parsimony of interpretation. A cutoff score of 5 denoting clinically significant psychological distress and need for treatment was supported through analysis of receiver-operating characteristic, sensitivity, specificity, and total classification accuracy based on psychological service utilization, and this result successfully replicated a recently published finding. The Langner Symptom Survey may function as a multidimensional measure of psychological distress and need for treatment in emerging adults that may need a lexical update.

Development and piloting of a brief intervention for suicidal American Indian adolescents.

American Indian (AI) adolescents have the highest suicide death and attempt rates of any U.S. group, yet few interventions have been developed or evaluated for this population. This paper presents the first adaptation of a brief evidence-based intervention for AI adolescents from one reservation who made a suicide attempt. We describe our community-driven approach to intervention development and a small pilot study (n = 13). Preliminary findings indicate reductions in adolescents' negative thinking, depression, and suicidal ideation, and an increase in psychological service utilization. Key innovations include delivery by AI paraprofessionals and potential to strengthen the continuum of care between emergency department and outpatient settings.

Psychological support for children with diabetes: are the guidelines being met?

The significant role of psychosocial factors in the management of type 1 diabetes in youth has been well documented. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) therefore published the Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines for psychological care of young patients. However, it is unclear if and how these guidelines are being implemented. A questionnaire was created to assess implementation of the guidelines and directed to physicians through the ISPAD listserve via a web-based survey. One hundred fifty-five participants from 47 countries completed the survey. Ninety-six percent of respondents reported that they work in a team with other professionals, and 95 % of teams discuss psychological difficulties associated with diabetes management. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported having "easy access" to a mental health specialist (MHS). In 56 % of practice settings, the MHS is considered to be part of the team; 43 % participate in routine clinic visits and 26 % see all patients. Seventy percent screen for psychological problems and 57 % assess family functioning. Psychosocial or behavioral interventions addressing psychosocial and regimen adherence difficulties are offered by 79 % of teams. Psychological care is available for many children with diabetes worldwide. Yet, nearly 30 % of teams do not have access to a MHS. More training in the recognition of psychosocial problems and counseling skills is warranted. More advocacy is needed to increase availability and utilization of psychological services in routine diabetes care.

To attend or not attend? A critical review of the factors impacting on initial appointment attendance from an approach–avoidance perspective

BackgroundA large proportion of initial therapy appointments are not attended. Whether this reflects service-user choice or an unmet need for therapy, non-attendance can impact on patients, therapists, services and research evaluation.AimsTo understand the complexities of this phenomenon, this paper reviews the mental health literature to gain further insight into how predictor variables can influence professional help-seeking decisions.MethodsThis review reveals a modest success at identifying specific demographic and psychological factors, yet methodological issues surrounding data collection techniques have often led to contradictory and inconclusive findings.ConclusionsThis paper examines the possibility that approach–avoidance conflict [Kushner, M.G. & Sher, K.J. (1989, 1991). Fear of psychological treatment and its relation to mental health service avoidance. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 20, 251–257; The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview. Professional Psychology: Research and practice, 22, 196–203] could explain the contradictions in the literature because, in this model, different factors involved in driving engagement versus avoidance become more salient depending on a dynamic interplay of timing, the individual and their service context. The core principles behind this approach–avoidance conceptualisation are explained and further avenues for research are identified.

Impact of Abstinence Self-Efficacy and Treatment Services on Physical Health-Related Behaviors and Problems Among Dually Diagnosed Patients

Objective: Physical health problems are pervasive among patients with co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Yet, drug treatment programs often ignore tobacco use and its association with health. Abstinence self-efficacy has been associated with improved outcomes for co-occurring disorders, which in turn may also impact physical health. This study had the goal of assessing whether abstinence self-efficacy for drugs and alcohol and availability and use of services would influence tobacco use and other health-related outcomes among 351 individuals with co-occurring disorders in residential drug treatment. Methods: Structural models tested the impact of baseline abstinence self-efficacy and treatment service characteristics on 6-month outcomes of health problems, functional limitations, health perceptions, and cigarette and heavy alcohol use. Demographics and baseline values for outcome variables were included as covariates. Results: Correlations within time for poor health, cigarette use, and heavy alcohol use were substantial. A longer time in drug treatment was associated with less cigarette and heavy alcohol use at a 6-month follow-up. Baseline health problems were associated with more cigarette use and functional limitations at 6-months. Abstinence self-efficacy did not predict less cigarette use but predicted less heavy alcohol use and fewer functional limitations. Availability of specialized dual diagnosis groups and more on-site psychological services were not directly associated with outcomes but had an impact through indirect effects on more psychological service utilization which predicted better subjective health. Conclusions: Improving overall treatment retention and services utilization among patients with co-occurring disorders may generalize to improved health perceptions, but specific health promotion and smoking-cessation interventions are warranted to improve health outcomes.

Awareness and utilization of psychological services among athletes in some West African universities

This study examined the concept of awareness and utilization of psychological services among some university athletes in West Africa. The sample (n=111) was the selected athletes who participated in 2001 West African universities games (WAUG) held in Accra, Ghana. The design was a descriptive survey and the instrument was a self developed questionnaire measuring awareness and utilization of psychological skill (AUSPSK). It has an established r=0.72. The Chi-square (X2) statistics test confirmed that the participants were not aware and did not utilize these psychological skills. (5.63 p>0.05 df=2; X2 = 4.06, p>0.05 df=2). The implications of these findings were discussed and some recommendations forwarded for implementation. African Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Sport Facilitation Vol. 6 2004: 87-90

Utilization of psychological services in the treatment of tempromandibular joint disorders

Utilization of psychological services in the treatment of tempromandibular joint disorders

Utilization of psychological services in the treatment of tempromandibular joint disorders

Utilization of psychological services in the treatment of tempromandibular joint disorders

Psykoterapi med eldre—en meningsfull modell for klinisk gerontopsykologi?

Nordhus, I.H. (1994). Psychoterapy with older adults—a meaningful approach? Nordisk Psykologi, 46, 47–58. It has been well documented that older adults (persons aged 65 and older) are underserved by mental health professionals relative to other age groups. The reasons for this have been attributed to characteristics of the elderly, as well as to therapists and referral sources being influenced by cultural stereotypes implying that older adults are less flexible and have a poorer prognosis than younger clients. The present article argues that in order to ensure the utilization of psychological services with older adults, these services must be offered in such a way that they are accessible and responsive to the diversity of needs presented by the elderly.

The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview.

The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview.

The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview.

The relation of treatment fearfulness and psychological service utilization: An overview.

What a Man Has Learned about the Business of Psychology and Will Now Share with Women

This paper summarizes a speech presented at the American Psychological Association and involves looking at the profession of psychology as business. As long as one maintains a sense of professionalism and is responsible to the ethics of the profession, there are many business opportunities in which the psychologist can engage in psychology-related businesses. The dissemination of psychological knowledge into this society is one of the goals of the various programs developed by the Psychological Service Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. By selling psychological services to many markets, including the consumer markets, public acceptance of psychology will ultimately result in job opportunities for more psychologists in the years to come. Current customer utilization of psychological services is now limited to the small proportion of the population in emotional cases. By tapping this vast population of non-psychology service users, we simultaneously improve the quality of life in our society and employ more psy...