Mental Health Education: An Evaluation of a Classroom Based Strategy to Modify Help Seeking for Mental Health Problems

Abstract

The current study assessed the impact of a brief psychoeducational intervention on participants' attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. The 40-minute intervention focused on dispelling myths and stigmas associated with mental illness, modifying expectations about psychotherapy effectiveness, and providing students with information regarding treatment options. Compared to the control condition, participants in the classroom group showed significant improvements in attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, as well as in some of their opinions about mental illness, for up to one month following the intervention. These finding suggest that the use of a brief, classroom-based mental health education program is a promising method to modify help-seeking attitudes and negative opinions of the mentally ill.

Under the Radar: The Mental Health of Australian University Students

“…Studies have found positive shifts in attitudes from brief classroom-based education programs delivered to students and staff which raise awareness of mental health issues and services (Sharp, Hargrove, Johnson, & Deal, 2006) and in behavioural change from the delivery of strengths-based resilience building seminars (Stallman, 2011). Awareness raising programs may be more effective when delivered in conjunction with other interventions, such as training.…”

Acknowledge the Barriers to Better the Practices: Support for Student Mental Health in Higher Education

“…However, despite the occasional moments of resistance, mental health stigma is still evident in these settings whether carried by teaching faculty, academic staff, policy makers, or students (CASA, 2014;CMHA, 2014;Heyno;2006;Martin, 2010;Quinn, Wilson, MacIntyre, & Tinklin, 2009;Sharp, Hargrove, Johnson, & Deal, 2006). Stigmatized perceptions surrounding mental health draw from or are similar to those surrounding Individual and Medical Models of Disability (Oliver, 2009;Tinklin et al, 2005).…”

“…Thirdly, student disclosure of a mental health problem can also be complicated by stigma (CACUSS & CMHA, 2014;CASA, 2014;CMHA, 2014;Hanlon, 2012;Martin, 2010;PotvinBoucher, Szumilas, Sheikh, & Kutcher, 2010;Quinn et al, 2009;Sharp et al, 2006). More specifically, individuals with a mental health problem or illness can experience self-stigma, whereby they internalize the negative attitudes upheld and expressed by society, and in turn, may refrain from accessing support (CACUSS & CMHA, 2014;CASA, 2014;CMHA, 2014).…”

8. Making and Keeping the Connection: Improving Consumer Attitudes and Engagement in E-Mental Health Interventions

“…These findings were maintained at a 12 week follow up, and indicate that education can influence attitudes about mental illness. Sharp, Hargrove, Johnson, & Deal (2006) examined the impact of an informational intervention upon the help seeking attitudes of American university students (N = 123). All participants watched a 40 minute lecture and slide show presentation.…”