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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Developing a model of help giving towards people with a mental health problem: a qualitative study of Mental Health First Aid participants

Authors: Alyssia Rossetto, Anthony F. Jorm, Nicola J. Reavley

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Members of the public frequently perform mental health first aid actions in daily life, and people with mental health problems often cite informal supports as motivators of professional treatment seeking. However, a thorough understanding of how, when and why these actions are undertaken is lacking. This research aimed to investigate the helping experiences of community members trained in Mental Health First Aid, understand the factors that might facilitate and deter helping behaviours, and develop a preliminary model that outlines the process of providing help to someone with a mental health problem.

Methods

Community members who had received Mental Health First Aid training (n = 16) were recruited from an urban Australian university and completed an in-depth, semi-structured interview about their experiences of helping someone with a mental health problem. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Member checking was used to assess the accuracy and transferability of the findings.

Results

The results suggested that several common elements were present in participants’ narratives, including recognising a recipient in distress, considering reasons to intervene or not, choosing a course of action, and noting the outcomes of help. These themes were collated to form the main stages of a preliminary model of helping.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlight the many considerations involved in deciding whether and how to assist a person with a mental health problem, and the complex, dynamic nature of the helping process itself. The preliminary model of helping may be used to enhance the content of educational programs and public health messages.
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Metadata
Title
Developing a model of help giving towards people with a mental health problem: a qualitative study of Mental Health First Aid participants
Authors
Alyssia Rossetto
Anthony F. Jorm
Nicola J. Reavley
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-018-0228-9

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