Mental Health Consequences (mental + health_consequence)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Mental health consequences of cannabis use

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009
Veena Satyanarayana
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


A health inequalities perspective on violence against women

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 2 2007
Cathy Humphreys PhD BSocWk
Abstract The present paper argues that the physical and mental health consequences of gender-based violence constitute a major public health problem in the UK and a source of significant health inequality. The concept of violence against women is explored alongside brief examples of the mental and physical health impact of this violence. While the impact on women's health is relatively uncontested, the extent to which social divisions such as poverty, class and minority ethnic status create specific vulnerabilities to violence are more controversial. A widely held view within the movement to support survivors within the UK has been that violence against women cuts across class and ethnicity, and is found in all communities and classes. A more nuanced discussion of the way in which poverty and ethnic background may create particular vulnerabilities is explored. Disentangling cause and consequence, and also the barriers to help-seeking for minority ethnic women are discussed. The role of social workers in addressing the way in which violence against women is both ubiquitous but marginal in their caseloads is discussed, and appropriate interventions to respond to health inequality issues are proposed. [source]


Sampling and design challenges in studying the mental health consequences of disasters

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue S2 2008
Sandro Galea
Abstract Disasters are unpredictable and frequently lead to chaotic post-disaster situations, creating numerous methodologic challenges for the study of the mental health consequences of disasters. In this commentary, we expand on some of the issues addressed by Kessler and colleagues, largely focusing on the particular challenges of (a) defining, finding, and sampling populations of interest after disasters and (b) designing studies in ways that maximize the potential for valid inference. We discuss these challenges , drawing on specific examples , and suggest potential approaches to each that may be helpful as a guide for future work. We further suggest research directions that may be most helpful in moving the field forward. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Lessons from families and communities about interpersonal violence, victimization, and seeking help

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 3 2010
Angela Frederick Amar PhD
Abstract Despite significant incidence and physical and mental health consequences, most college-age women do not tell anyone about experiences of interpersonal violence. Limited research explores the sociocultural context of seeking help related to violence in young women. The overall purpose of this research was to understand socially and culturally relevant factors associated with violence help seeking in college women. Eight focus groups were held with 64 participants. Narrative analysis was the primary method of analysis. Four qualitative categories emerged from the data: "Learning from one's mother"; "We're strong women; we fight"; "We didn't talk about it"; and "Where I'm from." Findings suggest that help seeking is influenced by the messages from and experiences of mothers and extended family members. An understanding of familial and cultural determinants of help seeking is essential for relevant and effective prevention efforts. [source]


A longitudinal study of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder in Israeli civilians exposed to war trauma

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 3 2010
Yuval Neria
This 3-wave longitudinal study examined the mental health consequences of the Israel,Gaza 2008,2009 war among young Israeli civilians. Data on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and their predictors were collected during the war, and 2 and 4 months after ceasefire. Results showed a sharp decline in symptom levels of PTSD, MDD, and GAD over time. Perceived social support during the war moderated the effects of immediate emotional response on subsequent levels of PTSD, MDD, and GAD. These findings underscore the importance of social support and immediate emotional response to trauma in predicting trauma-related psychopathology, and highlight the potential need for providing early care to exposed individuals exhibiting immediate and severe emotional responses. [source]


A pilot study of an intervention to prevent negative mental health consequences of forensic mortuary work,

JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS, Issue 1 2006
Catherine L. Ward
This preliminary study investigated an intervention to mitigate mental health effects of forensic mortuary work. Fourteen peer-nominated opinion leaders at two mortuaries were trained in traumatic stress management methods. Effect was examined on variables assessing stress management and effects of traumatic stress. Sixty-two staff members participated. At baseline, opinion leaders did not differ from their colleagues on any variable. After intervention, opinion leaders had significantly better scores in comparison to coworkers in leisure repertoire, problem solving, and positive states of mind, but no difference in use of avoidance or social support, or in interpersonal relationships. Qualitative data suggests that opinion leaders had increased self-awareness, improved ability to tolerate unchangeable stressors, and increased belief in their ability to make changes. [source]


Struggling to Survive: Sexual Assault, Poverty, and Mental Health Outcomes of African American Women

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010
Thema Bryant-Davis
A substantial body of research documents the mental health consequences of sexual assault including, but not limited to, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use, and suicidality. Far less attention has been given to the mental health effects of sexual assault for ethnic minority women or women living in poverty. Given African American women's increased risk for sexual assault and increased risk for persistent poverty, the current study explores the relationship between income and mental health effects within a sample of 413 African American sexual assault survivors. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that after controlling for childhood sexual abuse there were positive relationships between poverty and mental health outcomes of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and illicit drug use. There was no significant relationship between poverty and suicidal ideation. Counseling and research implications are discussed. [source]


Psychologists and the Use of Torture in Interrogations

ANALYSES OF SOCIAL ISSUES & PUBLIC POLICY, Issue 1 2007
Mark Costanzo
This article argues that psychologists should not be involved in interrogations that make use of torture or other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. The use of torture is first evaluated in light of professional ethics codes and international law. Next, research on interrogations and false confessions is reviewed and its relevance for torture-based interrogations is explored. Finally, research on the negative mental health consequences of torture for survivors and perpetrators is summarized. Based on our review, we conclude that psychologists' involvement in designing, assisting with, or participating in interrogations that make use of torture or other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment is a violation of fundamental ethical principles, a violation of international and domestic law, and an ineffective means of extracting reliable information. Torture produces severe and lasting trauma as well as other negative consequences for individuals and for the societies that support it. The article concludes with several recommendations about how APA and other professional organizations should respond to the involvement of psychologists in interrogations that make use of torture or other forms of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment. [source]