Using a structured model to promote mental health

Abstract

Purpose A Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being Working Model (subsequently “the model”) was developed in response to recognition through teaching undergraduate nursing students that interventions aimed at enhancing mental health and well-being are often hidden or cloaked in traditional professional specific working interventions. The model was developed with the purpose of making the elements of mental health and well-being promotion visible and structuring them into a framework to aid working practice and personal development. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness from the participant perspective of using the model to enhance clients’ mental health and well-being in community settings (Keeling and McQuarrie, 2014). Design/methodology/approach A total of 14 participants were interviewed within two focus groups. Five questions were posed to the participants structured around their experiences of using the model when working with clients in the community. The responses were recorded and transcribed and then categorised using a thematic analysis approach. Findings Three key themes were derived from the analysis in equal measure: “Reconciling a Non-traditional approach”, “Promoting a holistic approach” and “Developing creativity and sense of empowerment to promote mental health and well-being”. The findings suggest that using the model enabled participants to engage with clients in meaningful ways that in turn developed their self-confidence in helping clients develop creative strategies to promote their own mental health and well-being. Originality/value This paper shows that using a structured model to promote well-being and mental health has benefits in enhancing creativity, therapeutic relationships and knowledge base. Further research is needed in terms of the utility of the model from the client’s perspective.