Journal
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
Volume 73, Issue 4, Pages 439-446Publisher
AMER PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING, INC
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100027
Keywords
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Funding
- National Institute of Mental Health [R01-MH110872]
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health
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This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainees' helping behaviors on the mental health of recipients. The results of nine eligible studies showed mixed effects on trainees' use of skills taught in the course, but no effects on the helpfulness of trainees' actions or the mental health of recipients.
Objective: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a globally disseminated course that trains members of the public to recognize and respond to mental health issues in their communities. Although substantial evidence suggests that MHFA training is associated with positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent, little is known about how MHFA trainee-delivered aid supports mental health needs. This systematic review sought to summarize the extant research evaluating MHFA trainees' helping behaviors and the impacts of these behaviors on people experiencing a mental health problem (i.e., recipients). Methods: Electronic databases were searched for MHFA evaluations published before or on March 9, 2021. Studies that evaluated at least one outcome related to trainee helping behavior or recipient mental health were included in the synthesis. Outcomes were organized into three categories: trainee use of MHFA skills, helpfulness of trainees' actions, and recipients' mental health. Only studies that compared pre-and posttraining outcomes, included a control group, and directly evaluated MHFA were used to assess its efficacy. Results: The search identified 31 studies, nine of which met criteria to assess MHFA efficacy. The findings of the nine studies indicated that MHFA had mixed effects on trainees using the skills taught in the course and no effects on the helpfulness of trainees' actions or on recipient mental health. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is insufficient current evidence that MHFA improves the helping behaviors of trainees or the mental health of those receiving helping behaviors. They highlight a crucial research gap that should be prioritized as MHFA continues to grow in popularity. Psychiatric Services 2022; 73:439-446; doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100027
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