Can video interventions be used to effectively destigmatize mental illness among young people? A systematic review

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Video is considered to be an effective, easy to use tool employed in anti-stigma interventions among young people. Mass media has been shown to be effective for reducing stigma; however, there is insufficient evidence to determine the destigmatization effects of videos specifically. This article systematically reviews the effectiveness of video intervention in reducing stigma among young people between 13 and 25 years.We searched 13 electronic databases including randomized controlled trials, cluster randomized controlled trials, and controlled before and after studies. Of the 1426 abstracts identified, 23 studies (reported in 22 papers) met the inclusion criteria.Video interventions led to improvements in stigmatising attitudes. Video was found to be more effective than other interventions, such as classical face-to-face educational sessions or simulation of hallucinations. According to results of two studies, social contact delivered via video achieved similar destigmatization effect to that delivered via a live intervention.Although the quality of studies as well as the form of video interventions varied, the findings suggest that video is a promising destigmatization tool among young people; however, more studies in this area are needed. There was a lack of evidence for interventions outside of school environments, in low-and middle-income countries, and studies which looked at long-term outcomes or measured impact on actual behaviour and implicit attitudes. The review generates recommendations for video interventions targeted at young people.

Can participatory video reduce mental illness stigma? Results from a Canadian action-research study of feasibility and impact

“…However, recent reviews indicate an absence of studies examining whether PV videos produced by people with SMI can reduce mental illness stigma in viewers, and there is limited knowledge about feasibility and implementation [29,30]. This is concerning given that much social science research indicates that we now live in a 'digital age' with increasing numbers of people obtaining information via on-line videos on mobile phones, tablets and home computers [31].…”

Challenges and lessons learned in re-filming the WHO mhGAP training videos for Sri Lankan context - a qualitative study

“…Participants noted that it was often difficult to explain the importance of mental health to Ministry of Health officials and found the videos to be useful tools that could be easily understood by non-experts. The role of clinical vignettes to reduce stigma and enhance understanding among non-specialists has been noted in research [24]. The Northern Ministry of Health has also expressed interest in using the videos in future as learning tools, pointing to the flexibility of the video format, which can extend its utility far beyond the specific research project.…”

A video-based transdiagnostic REBT universal prevention program for internalizing problems in adolescents: study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial

“…For instance, a depression prevention program delivered in an Emergency unit, consisting of PowerPoint presentations supplemented with automated text messages, was found to be acceptable and feasible in a sample of adolescents [ 30 ]. Video-based treatments are effective for several conditions and populations, such as insomnia in cancer patients [ 31 ], anxiety symptoms in veterans [ 32 ], sleep problems in children [ 33 ], or aimed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in youths [ 34 ]. However, as far as we know, there are no studies investigating the efficacy of video-based prevention or intervention programs for adolescents with internalizing problems.…”

“…There is a need for conducting more randomized controlled trials with larger samples of adolescents that could inform research not only about the effect that such a prevention program might have on adolescent related outcomes (e.g., reductions in anxiety, depression symptoms), but also, on the mechanisms of change, namely the active ingredients through which the intervention can influence those outcomes. Video-based programs have been so far tested as self-administrated interventions in both adult [ 31 , 32 ] and young populations [ 33 , 34 ], for health and emotional problems. Moreover, they hold great promises in terms of access to evidence-based programs, interactive content that can increase participants’ engagement and adherence to the program, limited input from the person that delivers the intervention.…”