Showing papers by "Lisa D. Hawke published in 2014"

Using theatre to address mental illness stigma: a knowledge translation study in bipolar disorder

Abstract: Reduction of the stigma of mental illness is an international priority; arts- and contact-based approaches represent a promising mode of intervention. This project was designed to explore the impact of a one-woman theatrical performance on attitudes towards bipolar disorder (BD) on people with BD and healthcare providers. A playwright and actress who lives with BD developed a stage performance - 'That’s Just Crazy Talk’ - targeting stigmatizing attitudes towards BD. Prospective, longitudinal and sequential mixed methods were used to assess the impact of the performance on people with BD (n = 80) and healthcare providers (n = 84). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 33 participants (14 people with BD and 19 healthcare providers). Quantitatively, healthcare providers showed significantly improved attitudes immediately post-performance, but this change was not maintained over time; people with BD showed little quantitative change. Qualitatively, both people with BD and BD healthcare providers showed enduring and broadly positive changes. A theatrical presentation designed to reduce stigma produced immediate impact on healthcare providers quantitatively and significant qualitative impact on people with BD and healthcare providers. Additionally, the utility of using mixed-method approaches in mental health research was demonstrated.

Reducing stigma toward people with bipolar disorder: Impact of a filmed theatrical intervention based on a personal narrative:

Abstract: Background:Stigma toward people with bipolar disorder (BD) is pervasive and can have many negative repercussions. Common approaches to stigma reduction include education and intergroup contact. Fro...

Dissemination of a Brief Psychoeducational Intervention for Bipolar Disorder in Community Mental Health Settings

Abstract: Various efficacious psychosocial interventions for Bipolar Disorder (BD) share common elements, with psychoeducation being a main component. Recent treatment guidelines for BD recommend psychoeducation, especially when delivered in brief, cost-effective formats. Its format has several implications for the feasibility of its dissemination in the health care system. The Life Goals Program (LGP) is an evidence-based, cost-effective psychoeducational treatment for BD. Despite its demonstrated benefits for patients and the healthcare system, most patients do not have access to this type of treatment. The goal of this study is to examine the dissemination of the LGP and its effectiveness in three community mental health care centers in Quebec, Canada. A sample of 15 healthcare service providers received thorough training in the delivery of the LGP and delivered the treatment to 73 patients with BD. The treatment consisted of six 90-minute sessions described in the treatment manual with session six being repeated with a family member attending. Treatment integrity and clinical effectiveness were assessed with objective measures. The intervention was successfully implemented, with high rates of treatment fidelity and positive impacts on clinical outcomes. Patients demonstrated marked gains in knowledge about BD, increased acceptance of the illness, reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in medication behaviors. Treatment effect sizes were moderate to large. Results show that the LGP can be successfully implemented in routine mental health settings given the brief format of the intervention, its proven cost effectiveness, and its less extensive training requirements.

From attitudes to behavioral intentions: Stigma and bipolar disorder

Abstract: Background : Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly stigmatized condition, which has many negative repercussions. Most stigma-reduction interventions aim to reduce stigmatizing attitudes in their target groups. However, attitudinal changes do not necessarily translate into changes in discriminatory behavior. To bridge the gap between attitudes and behaviors, the current study examines the stigmatizing attitudes associated with behavioral intentions, i.e., the willingness to enter into contact with individuals with bipolar disorder. Methods : A sample of 94 participants completed the Social Distance Scale (SDS) and the Mental Illness Stigma Scale (MISS). Participants were individuals with BD, their friends/family members, healthcare professionals students, and the general public. This study presents baseline data from a research project testing the anti-stigma intervention. Results : SDS is significantly correlated with four categories of stigmatizing attitudes measured by the MISS: treatability, relationship disruption, hygiene, and anxiety. Greater knowledge about BD is associated with significantly less desire for social distance and more positive attitudes regarding treatability, anxiety and recovery. After controlling for socio- demographic variables and knowledge, only two categories of stigmatizing attitudes predict the desire for social distance: relationship disruption and hygiene, which explain 20% of the variance. Conclusions: Combatting stigma in BD requires a change in behaviors, not just attitudes. We explored the link between stigmatizing attitudes and the desire to interact with affected individuals and found a significant association. The desire to maintain social distance from people with BD was predicted by stigmatizing about regarding their relationships and hygiene habits. By targeting stigmatizing beliefs about relationship disturbances and hygiene in BD, it may be possible to further strengthen anti-stigma initiatives.