A mixed-methods longitudinal evaluation of a one-day mental health wellness intervention

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of a one-day mental health Wellness Workshop on participants’ mental health and attitudes towards mental health. Design: Convergent, longitudinal mixed-methods approach. Setting: The study evaluated Wellness Workshops which took place throughout the Republic of Ireland. Method: Questionnaires measuring hope, mental health self-efficacy, attitudes towards mental health and perceived impact on wellbeing were administered to participants before the workshop ( n = 415), 1 week after ( n = 221) and 3 months after ( n = 110). Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 participants to generate a more in-depth understanding of the impact of the workshop. Results: Quantitative findings relating to hope, mental health self-efficacy and attitudes towards mental health did not identify statistically significant changes; however, participants’ perceptions of the effect of the workshop on wellbeing suggested a positive impact which was maintained over time. Qualitative findings, however, suggested that hope and self-efficacy were improved and the simplicity and utility of the wellness strategies disseminated in the workshop, in addition to the warmth and openness of the narrative approach used by the facilitators, were central to the perceived positive impact. Conclusion: This evaluation demonstrates the potential for wellness interventions to have a subjective improvement in wellbeing in members of the general public.

Prisoners perceptions of a mental health wellness workshop

“…This further highlights the need for innovative mental health promotion strategies within prisons. In the delivery of the Wellness Workshop in prison there were no changes made to its content or format as it was perceived that the workshop had a universal message of wellness that was applicable regardless of the background or context of the participants (Doyle et al, 2016).…”

“…The Wellness Workshop aims to do this by encouraging participants to take personal responsibility for their own mental health and to identify not only what 'triggers' mental health difficulties but also crucially what keeps people well. The ultimate hope is that if all people are educated to look after their mental health then when issues around hopelessness and negative thinking surface they will have the skills to monitor and evaluate their own wellness and seek appropriate support (Doyle et al, 2016). The Wellness Workshop is delivered over one day in an atmosphere of genuine warmth and caring where participants are encouraged to actively participate and learning is carried out in a manner that blends fun and serious learning.…”

“…Areas included in the workshop are relaxation and stress management, the relationship between thoughts and emotions, the development of a wellness toolkit and daily wellness plans. The workshop has been delivered to the general public and have been evaluated positively (Doyle et al, 2016). In 2012, an opportunity emerged for SOS to deliver the Wellness Workshops in a large urban medium secure prison for men in Ireland.…”

Preparing master‐level mental health nurses to work within a wellness paradigm: Findings from the eMenthe project

“…Wellness strategies have potential for utilization across diverse settings and with diverse populations (Doyle et al . ), and there is great potential for mental health professionals to incorporate these strategies into their practice (Sin & Lyubomirsky ). However, despite the recognized potential of using wellness strategies in mental health nursing practice, there are several issues to be considered.…”

“…Participants identified how mental health nurses required an awareness of, and ability to apply, wellness strategies in their work, which can help orientate practice away from an illness focus towards wellness and recovery. Wellness strategies have potential for utilization across diverse settings and with diverse populations (Doyle et al 2017), and there is great potential for mental health professionals to incorporate these strategies into their practice (Sin & Lyubomirsky 2009). However, despite the recognized potential of using wellness strategies in mental health nursing practice, there are several issues to be considered.…”