Intentions and confidence as predictors of mental health first aid: Findings from a longitudinal study

Background Mental health first aid (MHFA) training can improve confidence and intention to help a person with a mental health problem, but there is limited research exploring whether this results in better support provided. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between a person's confidence and intention to help with the quality of support provided. Methods Australian public servants who had received MHFA training or Physical First Aid training (n = 152) completed questionnaires exploring attitudes and skills for assisting someone at work with a mental health problem. Data on confidence and intention to help was used to predict quality of support provided at 1 and 2-year follow-up. Data were analysed using linear and logistic regression. Results Intention to help predicted the quality of support for assisting someone at work at follow-up (rs0.15-0.20, p < .05), while confidence in providing help only predicted quality of support 1-year later (rs = 0.42, p = .032). These relationships were significantly attenuated after controlling for personal stigma, desire for social distance, gender, age, language spoken at home, level of education and whether participant managed staff. Furthermore, there were some large associations between intentions to perform specific first aid actions and carrying out the same action at follow-up such as for encouraging professional help at 2-year follow-up (OR8.20, p < .05). Conclusion Findings indicate that intended actions to support a person with a mental health problem can predict the quality of support provided up to 2 years later. Future research should clarify whether this support benefits the mental health of recipients.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the relationship between confidence and intention to help and the quality of support provided. The findings suggest that intention to help can predict the quality of support, while confidence only predicts it in the short term. Additionally, there was a strong association between intention to perform specific actions and carrying out the same actions.