A smart-phone intervention to address mental health stigma in the construction industry: A two-arm randomised controlled trial. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Milner, A.; Law, P.C.F.; Mann, C.; Cooper, T.; Witt, K.; LaMontagne, A.D.
• Is Part Of: SSM - population health. Volume 4(2018)
• Page Start: 164
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Self-blame -- shame -- help-seeking inhibition -- stigma -- construction -- mental health; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2017.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8273

Abstract

Abstract: Background: High levels of self-stigma are associated with a range of adverse mental health, treatment, and functional outcomes. This prospective study examined the effects of an electronic mental health stigma reduction intervention on self-stigma (self-blame, shame, and help-seeking inhibition) among male construction workers in Australia. Method: Male construction workers (N = 682) were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention condition or the wait list control over a six-week period. Self-stigma was assessed using the Self-Stigma of Depression Scale at post-intervention. We conducted linear regression to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on self-stigma, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: Self-stigma was relatively low in the sample. The intervention had no significant effect on self-stigma, after adjusting for confounders. There were reductions in stigma in both the intervention and control groups at 6-week follow-up. Process evaluation indicated that participants generally enjoyed the program and felt that it was beneficial to their mental health. Conclusions: These observations underscore the need for further research to elucidate understanding of the experience of self-stigma among employed males. Highlights: Self-stigma is thought to be an important barrier to help-seeking There is a need for greater understanding of self-stigma among blue collar males A electronic anti-stigma program did not have a beneficial effect on aspects of self-stigma