Suchergebnisse

Background: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of studies concerned with mental health literacy (MHL), specifically among students. Still, very few studies have examined MHL among students of non-Western minority groups. Aims: This study examined MHL among Arab students in Israel based on Jorm's conceptual framework. Methods: Twenty-eight Arab students in Israel took part in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Most were single and Muslim, in their second year of studies, and most reported low socioeconomic status. The data were analyzed thematically, guided by the Jorm's six MHL dimensions. Results: Different levels of literacy were found in the various MHL dimensions. The participants identified severe mental disorders more easily than mood disorders; reported a variety of possible causes of mental disorders; were well aware of available professional help (apart for rehabilitative services); identified significant barriers to mental health help seeking, as Arabs; and reported the internet as a major source of information about mental health problems and their treatment Conclusions: The participants' MHL appeared to be associated with their unique sociocultural characteristics. This study stresses the need to raise MHL among Arab students in Israel, and in particular to promote positive attitudes to seeking professional help. It also highlights the need to develop culturally adapted mental health interventions for the Arab population in Israel.

Background: Mental health challenges are widespread among adolescents undergoing significant physical, emotional, social, and academic changes. However, rates of formal help-seeking remain low, particularly among those from ethnic minorities. Aims: This study investigated the determinants of intentions to seek formal mental health help among Palestinian adolescents in Israel, focusing on mental health literacy (MHL) and trust in formal sources of information. Methods: A total of 178 adolescents (Mage = 16.24 ± 1.24 years, 61.8% female) completed measures assessing intention for formal help-seeking, psychological distress, MHL, trust in formal sources of information, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics. Results: Findings revealed low levels of intention to seek formal help and psychological distress, alongside average or above-average levels on all MHL dimensions and trust in formal sources for information. Our analysis identified socioeconomic status (β = .17, p < .05), psychological distress (β = .18, p < .05), trust in formal sources of information (β = .28, p < .001), and two MHL dimensions: knowledge of where to seek information (β = .25, p < .01) and attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior (β = .16, p < .05) – as the main determinants of intention for formal help-seeking. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical role of trust in formal sources of information and MHL in seeking formal help among adolescents from ethnic minorities. Interventions aiming to improve access to mental health-related information, address and enhance attitudes, and foster trust in formal professionals and institutions may contribute to an increased tendency for formal mental health help-seeking among this population and others.

In recent years, general practitioners (GPs) have become more involved in treating people with mental disorders. This study examined the mental health literacy of GPs in Israel, based on Jorm's conceptual framework. Twenty-one GPs participated in a semi-structured, in-depth interview. The data were analyzed thematically, guided by Jorm's six mental health literacy dimensions. The GPs generally reported that they could identify symptoms of mental disorders, mainly noted genetics as the cause and risk factor for mental disorders, did not believe that self-care methods could alleviate mental disorders, and regarded social workers—as distinct from psychologists—as particularly helpful in their work with people with mental disorders. The findings, which have implications for families, emphasize the importance of providing GPs with ongoing educational opportunities to ensure they remain knowledgeable and skilled in mental health.

Abstract
In this cross-sectional study, we explored the association of salutogenic variables—resilience and quality of life (QOL)—with posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depressive symptoms of 55 refugees who came to Germany as minors from various disputed Middle East and Africa countries. Results revealed that 53 per cent of participants showed a clinically relevant level of PTS, and 32 per cent scored in the clinical range for depression. Levels of resilience and QOL were moderate. Regression models revealed that resilience was the only significant variable associated with PTS over and above traumatic events and demographic variables. Pre-migration traumatic events and QOL were found to be significant variables associated with depression. Quality of life was found to mediate the relation between resilience and depression. Pre- and peri-traumatic events were not associated with resilience or QOL. Post-migration stressors were negatively associated with resilience and QOL. These findings suggest that the impact of forced migration on the young adults' adjustment should be investigated not only in terms of psychological symptoms, but also in terms of resilience and QOL. In addition, therapeutic interventions should focus not only on diminishing psychological difficulties, but also in helping these young refugees increase, build, and maintain resilience and QOL.