The authoritative guide to self-help books: based on the highly acclaimed national survey of more than 500 mental health professionals' ratings of 1,000 self-help books

1994 ◽  
Vol 32 (04) ◽  
pp. 32-1885-32-1885
2012 ◽  
Vol 200 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Reavley ◽  
Anthony F. Jorm

BackgroundA 1995 Australian national survey of mental health literacy showed poor recognition of disorders and beliefs about treatment that differed from those of health professionals. A similar survey carried out in 2003/4 showed some improvements over 8 years.AimsTo investigate whether recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment have changed over a 16-year period.MethodA national survey of 6019 adults was carried out in 2011 using the same questions as the 1995 and 2003/4 surveys.ResultsResults showed improved recognition of depression and more positive ratings for a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals and antidepressants.ConclusionsAlthough beliefs about effective medications and interventions have moved closer to those of health professionals since the previous surveys, there is still potential for mental health literacy gains in the areas of recognition and treatment beliefs for mental disorders. This is particularly the case for schizophrenia.


2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony F. Jorm ◽  
Helen Christensen ◽  
Kathleen M. Griffiths

Objective: A national survey of Australian adults in 1995 showed a low level of recognition of mental disorders and beliefs about treatment that were often discordant with those of professionals. The present study aimed to find out whether recognition and treatment beliefs have changed over 8 years. Method: A national survey of 2001 adults in 2003–2004 included the same questions as the 1995 survey. These interview questions were based on a vignette of a person with either depression or schizophrenia. Results: Over the 8 years, the public showed better recognition of depression and schizophrenia and gave more positive ratings to a range of interventions, including help from mental health professionals, medications, psychotherapy and psychiatric ward admission. Conclusions: The Australian public's beliefs have changed over 8 years to be more like those of mental health professionals. This change may have positive implications for helpseeking and treatment concordance.


1997 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Brad Johnson ◽  
William L. Johnson ◽  
Casey Hillman

This article explores the rapid proliferation of Christian self-help books, the advantages and potential problems relative to their use, and the literature regarding self-help utilization patterns among practicing mental health professionals. The authors then recommend consideration of several general guidelines for authors, reviewers, and professionals who might write, evaluate, or recommend self-help books to clients. These are offered as “quality control” standards which may serve to improve both the value of Christian self-help materials and the manner in which they are utilized.


2001 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Salzer ◽  
Julian Rappaport ◽  
Lisa Segre

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