Summary

This paper presentation will focus on discussing a study that explores how engaging in short term, team-based movement and exercise activities can positively impact individuals’ overall wellbeing. There have been studies that have investigated the impact of movement on mental health outcomes (Rebar et al, 2015), on health-related outcomes (Anderson & Shivakumar, 2013), and on wellness (Lumsden, Niles, & Macrae, 2014). That research indicates that sustained engagement in moderate movement or physical activity can help to decrease risk of development of several chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, reduce anxiety related symptoms, and duration of depressive symptoms (Centers for Disease Control, 2022; Schuch & Stubbs, 2019). In addition, there is research which indicates that team or group participation in movement activities can increase investment, engagement, and decrease loneliness. It is clear that including a physical activity or movement component in traditional mental health treatment protocols could help to amplify positive gains for clients. In addition, these alternative methods may be more palatable to various cultural groups when compared to traditional treatment components (e.g. talk therapy, medication, etc.). The study involved over 50 participants who participated in a community-based activity challenge over two weeks. The purpose was not only to increase engagement in health-related activities but also assess the impact of activity on individuals’ emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. Preliminary findings suggest that the activity challenge made a positive impact on participants’ level of engagement and their overall wellbeing. During this presentation, additional findings will be discussed and we will also explore how those findings can be used to influence the development and implementation of community-based health-focused initiatives.

Keywords (separate with commas)

movement, activity, exercise, wellness, health, social work, community based, public health

Summary

North America research has documented the underreporting of mental health needs and underutilization of mental health services among Asian youth. With the increase in anti-Asian racism in North America since the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental wellness of Asian youth is an important consideration. As such, this project examined youth mental health through photovoice methodology (Wang & Burris, 1994) during the pandemic between May 2021 and August 2022. A total of 44 youth (age between 12 and 17) participated in six photovoice groups. Using photos, the youth explored the following topics: 1) their perception/understanding of mental health and wellness, 2) challenges to youth mental health, 3) strategies to maintain mental wellness, and 4) community support for youth mental wellness. A subset of photo stories by Asian youth (n=16) were further examined and the Asian youth were invited to a series of follow-up data analysis workshops where manifest coding was used to collaboratively analyze the data. A second cycle of thematic coding (Neuman & Robson, 2015) was subsequently used by the research team to generate broader themes. Findings suggest that the youth characterized mental health with unpredictability and instability as depicted in contrasting imagery and discussed in session. This was a unique finding among Asian youth, compared non-Asian youth in this photovoice project. Majority of these Asian youth reported school and schoolwork to be the biggest challenge to their mental health, specifically for those in high school. Yet, school programs were identified as the primary resources for seeking mental health support. Individual coping strategies identified by youth include listening to music, eating comfort food, engaging in outdoor activities or connecting to nature. Support programs at ethno-specific non-profit organizations, followed by libraries and community centers/gardens were also identified as positive resources. Implications for practice with Asian youth will be discussed in the presentation.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Youth, Mental Health, Wellness, Asian

Summary

There has been a growing interest on rural mental health care.  Most research highlights the short supply of rural mental health services with a specific focus on medical perspective. Given the circumstances of mental health services in rural areas, the involvement of social workers is essential. This paper describes the aspects that should be considered in placing social workers at the forefront of providing effective mental health care in rural areas with the aim of improving the general well-being of mental health service users. Social workers play a crucial role in preventing illness and promoting health and mental health. Influenced by social work values such as social justice, social workers have always been perceived as advocates of human rights for vulnerable populations. With their knowledge of various social issues that impact negatively on service users, social workers are better positioned to address these issues to enhance social functioning. They play a key role in facilitating and coordinating support activities across various platforms. Social workers recognize that reducing health disparities can only be accomplished by addressing the biopsychosocial–spiritual needs of individuals and families, as well as the systemic issues that contribute to poor health outcomes. The paper suggests that, to improve social work’s effectiveness in rendering mental health services, community-based programs should be developed. These will strengthen the prospects of the person’s recovery. Greater emphasis on community-based care will require skilled social workers that can deal with barriers to health care access. Therefore, the development of a detailed mental health curricula content is important. This will ensure that newly graduated social workers have relevant skills to design and implement the developed community-based programs. It is also important to improve social work practice in mental health by providing constant supervision, mentorship and creating opportunities for benchmarking.   

Keywords (separate with commas)

community-based programs, mental health, prevention, promotion, rural mental health, social work  

Summary

The workplace plays a significant role in the lives of employees; therefore, it is critical that it is safe as possible. Although\ violence in the workplace is prevalent for many years and has been studied at length, less is known about the various facets of violence at the cooperate workplace through the lens of an Afrocentric perspective.\ The goal of this study is to critically analyse workplace violence in cooperate environment as a risk factor for mental health and productivity from an Afrocentric perspective. A comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon is critically important in these current times where violence and mental health issues are on the rise in South Africa. This calls for engagement in analysis of the negative impact of violence in the workplace. Furthermore, the analysis of workplace violence can help to improve productivity, liability, reputation and good mental health among employees. The results will assist cooperate management in identifying strategies that can effectively reduce workplace violence.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Afrocentricity, corporate environment, mental health, productivity, workplace violence