parkrun participation, impact and perceived social inclusion among runners/walkers and volunteers with mental health conditions

Engagement in recreation can positively impact the physical and mental health of those experiencing mental health challenges; however, the impact of engaging in other aspects of such recreation, such as volunteering, remain largely unexplored in this population. Volunteering is known to have a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits among the general population; therefore, the impact of recreational-based volunteering for those with mental health conditions deserves to be explored. The current study sought to examine the health, social and wellbeing impacts of parkrun engagement among runners and volunteers living with a mental health condition. Participants with a mental health condition (N = 1661, M(SD)age = 43.4 (12.8) years, 66% female) completed self-reported questionnaires. A MANOVA was conducted to examine the differences in health and wellbeing impacts between those who run/walk vs. those who run/walk and volunteer, while chi-square analyses examined variables of perceived social inclusion. Findings suggest that there was a statistically significant multivariate effect of participation type on perceived parkrun impact (F (10, 1470) = 7.13; p < 0.001; Wilk's Λ = 0.954, partial η2 = 0.046). It was also found that for those who run/walk and volunteer, compared to those who only run/walk, parkrun made them more feel part of a community (56% v 29% respectively, X2(1) = 116.70, p < 0.001) and facilitated them meeting new people (60% v 24% respectively, X2 (1) = 206.67, p < 0.001). These results suggest that the health, wellbeing, and social inclusion benefits of parkrun participation are different for those who run and volunteer, compared to those who only run. These findings may have public health implications and clinical implications for mental health treatment, as they convey that it is not simply the physical engagement in recreation that may play a role in one's recovery, but also the volunteer aspect.

Occupational justice and social inclusion among people living with HIV and people with mental illness: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To explore ways in which occupational justice and social inclusion are conceptualised, defined and operationalised in highly stigmatised and chronic conditions of mental illness and HIV.

DESIGN

This scoping review protocol followed Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) Scoping Review Framework.

DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY

The following databases were searched for the period January 1997 to January 2019: Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Africa-Wide Information, Humanities International Complete, Web of Science, PsychInfo, SocINDEX and grey literature.Eligible articles were primary studies, reviews or theoretical papers which conceptualised, defined and/or operationalised social inclusion or occupational justice in mental illness or HIV.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS

We undertook a three-part article screening process. Screening and data extraction were undertaken independently by two researchers. Arksey's framework and thematic analysis informed the collation and synthesis of included papers.

RESULTS

From 3352 records, we reviewed 139 full articles and retained 27 for this scoping review. Definitions of social inclusion and occupational justice in the domains of mental illness and HIV were heterogeneous and lacked definitional clarity. The two concepts were conceptualised as either processes or personal experiences, with key features of community participation, respect for human rights and establishment and maintenance of healthy relationships. Conceptual commonalities between social inclusion and occupational justice were premised on social justice.

CONCLUSIONS

To address lack of clarity, we propose further and concurrent exploration of these concepts, specifically with reference to persons with comorbid mental health disorders such as substance use disorders and HIV living in low-income countries. This should reflect contextual realities influencing community participation, respect for human rights and meaningful occupational participation. From this broadened understanding, quantitative measures should be applied to improve the standardisation of measurements for occupational justice and social inclusion in policy, research and practice.

Mental health service user experiences of targeted violence and hostility and help-seeking in the UK: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research scoping review was to assemble an evidence base for the UK on mental health service user experiences and perspectives on mental health-related targeted violence and hostility ('disability hate crime'). It also aims to address some of the gaps in the knowledge on risk management, help-seeking and prevention from the perspectives of those who experienced targeted violence and hostility because of their mental health problems or psychiatric status.

METHODS

Seven key mental health and social care bibliographic databases were searched for relevant UK research studies from 1990 until 2016. Grey literature was identified through online searches. A scoping review charting approach and thematic analysis methodology were used to analyse the studies.

RESULTS

In total 13 studies were finally included, over half of which used survey methods. All studies included people with experiences of mental health problems. The studies provide information on: the types of potential hate crime; indicate where incidents take place; give some insight into the victims' relationship with the perpetrators; the location of incidents as well as the psychological, social, financial and physical impacts on the victim; the types of help-seeking behaviours adopted by the victims; a range coping strategies that people with mental health problems adopted in response to experiences of targeted violence or abuse.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review provides a UK-based overview of mental health service user concepts and experiences of mental health-related targeted violence and hostility ('disability hate crime'). It reveals some specific issues relating to mental health and disability hate crime. Further investigation into disability hate crime with a specific focus on mental health is required. This is a UK-based overview, which offers a useful comparator for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers internationally.

From the rhetoric to the real: A critical review of how the concepts of recovery and social inclusion may inform mental health nurse advanced level curricula - The eMenthe project

OBJECTIVES

This critical review addresses the question of how the concepts of recovery and social inclusion may inform mental health nurse education curricula at Master's level in order to bring about significant and positive change to practice.

DESIGN

This is a literature-based critical review incorporating a rapid review. It has been said that if done well, this approach can be highly relevant to health care studies and social interventions, and has substantial claims to be as rigorous and enlightening as other, more conventional approaches to literature (Rolfe, 2008).

DATA SOURCES

In this review, we have accessed contemporary literature directly related to the concepts of recovery and social inclusion in mental health.

REVIEW METHODS

We have firstly surveyed the international literature directly related to the concepts of recovery and social inclusion in mental health and used the concept of emotional intelligence to help consider educational outcomes in terms of the required knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to promote these values-based approaches in practice.

RESULTS

A number of themes have been identified that lend themselves to educational application. International frameworks exist that provide some basis for the developments of recovery and social inclusion approaches in mental health practice, however the review identifies specific areas for future development.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first article that attempts to scope the knowledge, attitudes and skills required to deliver education for Master's level mental health nurses based upon the principles of recovery and social inclusion. Emotional intelligence theory may help to identify desired outcomes especially in terms of attitudinal development to promote the philosophy of recovery and social inclusive approaches in advanced practice. Whilst recovery is becoming enshrined in policy, there is a need in higher education to ensure that mental health nurse leaders are able to discern the difference between the rhetoric and the reality.

Occupational possibilities in a Brazilian mental health service: The perspective of users

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial care centers (CAPS) are a type of service that redirects care to people with mental health problems in Brazil, de-emphasizing the asylum model and promoting the psychosocial model.

AIM

To understand and analyze how CAPS contribute to the possibilities of occupational engagement of users.

METHODS

A qualitative research methodology was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 users of CAPS and 12 people from their social networks, totaling 29 interviews. Discourse analysis was used as a reference for data analysis.

RESULTS

CAPS provide opportunities, and, as users engage in the activities offered by CAPS, they can find the types of occupations that they want to perform and what they like to do, as their range of opportunities and access are expanded. However, promoting these occupational opportunities and choices in the community remains a challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPS have been able to help users improve their occupations in everyday life. Occupational therapists must build their clinical strategies in association with the opportunities offered by the health services and the community.

Group Decision Making in an Intersectoral Mental Health Community Partnership

Background:

In a major Canadian jurisdiction that includes several regions, an intersectoral working group with community partners was formed to enable change in systems and policies for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The top priority of the working group was housing.

Purpose:

The study explored how the working group members experienced decision-making power in their efforts to enable change in housing policies.

Method:

The research used a qualitative single-case design to study the decision-making processes as experienced by the group members. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, two focus groups and review of key public documents. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method, with critical reflection on group decision making and the contextual influences of system-level policies. Group members contributed to the analysis.

Findings:

Amid positive experiences of working together, group members experienced challenges related to power differentials between service providers, government personnel and consumers, and the impact of the systemic environment on the group processes.

Implications:

Implications are raised for occupational therapy education and practice, and for studying group decision making as an occupation.