A mixed-methods longitudinal evaluation of a one-day mental health wellness intervention

What is it about?

This paper evaluated the impact of a one-day mental health Wellness Workshop on participants' mental health and attitudes towards mental health. Quantitative findings relating to hope, mental health self-efficacy and attitudes towards mental health did not identify statistically significant changes; however, participants' perceptions of the effect of the workshop on wellbeing suggested a positive attitude which was maintained over time. Qualitative findings however suggested that hope and self-efficacy were improved and the simplicity and utility of the wellness strategies disseminated in the workshop, in addition to the warmth and openness of the narrative approach used by the facilitators were central to the perceived positive impact.

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Why is it important?

It has been suggested that mental health promotion should take place in the everyday settings where individuals live their lives. This calls for the implementation of evidence-based programs that move beyond the individual and embrace family, school and community settings. Brief interventions such as one-day mental health workshops have been evaluated as having positive effects on depression, distress, self-esteem and anxiety. However, many of these programs are location specific focusing on schools, colleges and workplaces or population specific focusing on those with established mental health problems. The SOS Wellness Workshops target the general public and are not location or population specific. Evaluating this program is important to determine the potential for such interventions.