The effectiveness of interventions targeting the stigma of mental illness at the workplace: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundThe majority of people experiencing mental-health problems do not seek help, and the stigma of mental illness is considered a major barrier to seeking appropriate treatment. More targeted interventions (e.g. at the workplace) seem to be a promising and necessary supplement to public campaigns, but little is known about their effectiveness. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the evidence on the effectiveness of interventions targeting the stigma of mental illness at the workplace.MethodsSixteen studies were included after the literature review. The effectiveness of anti-stigma interventions at the workplace was assessed by examining changes in: (1) knowledge of mental disorders and their treatment and recognition of signs/symptoms of mental illness, (2) attitudes towards people with mental-health problems, and (3) supportive behavior.ResultsThe results indicate that anti-stigma interventions at the workplace can lead to improved employee knowledge and supportive behavior towards people with mental-health problems. The effects of interventions on employees’ attitudes were mixed, but generally positive. The quality of evidence varied across studies.ConclusionsThis highlights the need for more rigorous, higher-quality evaluations conducted with more diverse samples of the working population. Future research should explore to what extent changes in employees’ knowledge, attitudes, and supportive behavior lead to affected individuals seeking help earlier. Such investigations are likely to inform important stakeholders about the potential benefits of current workplace anti-stigma interventions and provide guidance for the development and implementation of effective future interventions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12888-015-0706-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidemiology of alcohol dependence in UK primary care: Results from a large observational study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink

“…England was the nation with lowest risk for both measures, although empirical evidence suggests that there is regional variation, with North West and North East England having considerably higher rates than the East Midlands, for example [28]. These national level results are consistent with rates of adult smoking (no data available for NI) [33], self-harm [34], and alcohol-related mortality [16]. As each nation is broadly responsible for its own health agenda since relevant devolution in 1998 [35], there are subtle variations in alcohol polices.…”

Employers’ views of the impact of mental health problems on the ability to work

“…In health care settings, MHP are verbalised and "allowed", and it is expected that they will be talked about. In workplaces, concealment is a common way to handle MHP [27,41]. As many as 70 % of all people globally who have MHP do not receive health care [41], which indicates that many people take part in working life while struggling with their MHP alone.…”

“…In workplaces, concealment is a common way to handle MHP [27,41]. As many as 70 % of all people globally who have MHP do not receive health care [41], which indicates that many people take part in working life while struggling with their MHP alone. Many employees are still reluctant to disclose their MHP in working life [27,40,42].…”

Literasi Kesehatan Mental dan Sikap Komunitas sebagai Prediktor Pencarian Pertolongan Formal

“…Hasil dari kajian pustaka menunjukkan bahwa literasi kesehatan mental berkaitan dengan perilaku pencarian pertolongan formal (Hanisch et al, 2016;Marastuti, 2014;Mason et al, 2015;Wilson, Bushnell, & Caputi, 2011;Yap & Jorm, 2012). Selain itu, sikap komunitas terhadap gangguan mental juga memengaruhi niat atau upaya seseorang dalam mencari pertolongan (Ayazi, Lien, Eide, Shadar, & Hauff, 2014;Hickling, Robertson-Hickling, & Paisley, 2011;Kido et al, 2013).…”