Showing papers in "Journal of Mental Health in 2016"
TL;DR: Results show application of stereotypes to oneself predicts diminished self-respect and “why try”, and the complex impact of self-stigma demonstrating its emotional and behavioral consequences.
Abstract: Background: The “Why Try” phenomenon, a consequence of self-stigma, is a sense of futility that occurs when people believe they are unworthy or incapable of achieving personal goals because they apply the stereotypes of mental illness to themselves.Aims: This study examines a four-stage model of self-stigma (aware, agree, apply, and self-stigma harm) and examines the “why try” effect as a result. We do that by testing a measure of “why try.”Method: Two hypothetical path models were tested. In the first, applying stereotypes to oneself leads to diminished self-respect and a sense of “why try”. In the second, the effect of applying stereotypes on “why try” is mediated by diminished self-respect. Participants completed the “why try” measure along with measures of self-stigma, public stigma, recovery, and empowerment.Results: Results show application of stereotypes to oneself predicts diminished self-respect and “why try”. “Why try” was significantly associated with agreement with public stigma, depre...
175 citations
TL;DR: Future development and mainstream integration of peer support work must reconcile current tensions between standardization and loss of authenticity, and training in communicating the lived experience, setting boundaries and self-care are important steps forward.
Abstract: Background: The peer support worker (PSW) belongs to the fastest growing occupation in the mental health sector, yet it is often under-valued and poorly understood. Despite an emerging evidence base, and strong support from mental health service users, the PSW remains on the periphery of mainstream services in northeastern Ontario.Aims: To examine the role of the PSW, along with the challenges and benefits, and to understand why the PSW is not more integrated within mainstream services.Methods: A sequential, exploratory, mixed-methods design was used to collect data on 52 survey and 33 focus group participants. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.Results: Peer support work was described by participants as being authentic when PSWs can draw upon lived experience, engage in mutually beneficial discussions, and be a role model. Authentic peer support was noted to be important to the recovery of mental health service users; yet, participants revealed that many positions continue to reflect mor...
82 citations
TL;DR: The factor structure of social cognition in schizophrenia separates hostile attributional style and social cognition skill, and each show differential relationships to relevant clinical variables in schizophrenia.
Abstract: Background: Social cognition is consistently impaired in people with schizophrenia, separable from general neurocognition, predictive of real-world functioning and amenable to psychosocial treatment. Few studies have empirically examined its underlying factor structure.Aims: This study (1) examines the factor structure of social cognition in both a sample of individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and non-clinical controls and (2) explores relationships of factors to neurocognition, symptoms and functioning.Method: A factor analysis was conducted on social cognition measures in a sample of 65 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and 50 control participants. The resulting factors were examined for their relationships to symptoms and functioning.Results: Results suggested a two-factor structure in the schizophrenia sample (social cognition skill and hostile attributional style) and a three-factor structure in the non-clinical sample (hostile attributional style, high...
63 citations
TL;DR: Understanding of perspectives of individuals working in lived experience roles is enhanced to more closely understand their experiences and opinions about these roles and to facilitate reform and avoid tokenism.
Abstract: Background: Australian mental health policy requires that mental health services facilitate meaningful and genuine consumer participation in all aspects of mental health services. Roles for practitioners who work from their own experience of significant mental health challenges and mental health service use have been implemented in many services to promote participation and the development of more consumer focused services.Aims: To enhance understanding of perspectives of individuals working in lived experience roles to more closely understand their experiences and opinions about these roles.Method: A grounded theory study interviews were conducted with 13 lived experience practitioners.Results: The medical model was a core category arising from this work. Participants described the medical model as a prevailing culture within mental health services from their personal and professional experiences. This culture imposed a major limitation on the implementation, effectiveness and development of live...
61 citations
TL;DR: The viewpoint of service users from a local mental health service in developing a mental health app is gained to assist in the development of an easy-to-use app that could increase access to services, and allow service users to take an active role in their care.
Abstract: Background: Current mental health policy emphasises the importance of service user involvement in the delivery of care. Information Technology can have an effect on quality and efficiency of care.Aims: The aim of this study is to gain the viewpoint of service users from a local mental health service in developing a mental health app.Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Eight volunteers aged 18–49 years were interviewed with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: Interviewees defined a good app by its ease of use. Common themes included availability of contact information, identifying triggers, the ability to rate mood/anxiety levels on a scale, guided relaxation techniques, and the option to personalise the app. The researchers will aim to produce an app that is easily accessible, highly personalisable and will include functions highlighted as important (i.e. contact information, etc.).Conclusions: This research will assist in the development of an easy-to-use app that...
56 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that some college students may find programs aiding in disclosure useful in assisting them to achieve their desire to be “out” with their mental illness.
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental illness identity, shame, secrecy, public stigma, and disclosure amongst college students. Participants included 1393 college students from five postsecondary institutions.Methods: Structural equation modeling was used to examine two path models predicting disclosure and desire to join a program aiding with disclosure.Results: Variables found to be significant in predicting disclosure included mental illness identity and public stigma. In turn, desire for disclosure predicted desire to join a program aiding in disclosure. Gender and race/ethnic differences were observed, with men and Whites more likely to want to disclose a mental illness or join a program aiding with disclosure compared with women and non-Whites, respectively.Conclusions: These findings suggest that some college students may find programs aiding in disclosure useful in assisting them to achieve their desire to be “out” with their mental illness.
55 citations
TL;DR: Non-helpful relationships with professionals can be understood as impersonal relationships that contain no space for negotiation of the relationship nor of the support and treatment provided through it and it is important that organizations provide professionals with favorable conditions to negotiate the organizational framework and to treat persons with SMI as whole human beings.
Abstract: Background: The relationship with professionals has proved to be important with regard to outcome for persons with severe mental illness (SMI). The understanding of non-helpful relationships is imp ...
50 citations
TL;DR: This study explored how patients and carers in eight diagnostic research specialties have been involved in research, their motivations and the impact involvement had on them, including providing a life focus and an improved relationship with illness.
Abstract: Background: Study feasibility and deliverability can benefit from involving patients and carers in the research process, known as patient and public involvement (PPI). There is less evidence on the experiences of patients and carers themselves and we require more information across a range of studies, health conditions and research stages.
Aims: This study explored how patients and carers in eight diagnostic research specialties have been involved in research, their motivations and the impact involvement had on them.
Method: 143 patients and carers across the Clinical Research Network (CRN) responded to an online semi-structured questionnaire (developed using participatory methodology). Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed.
Results: A range of benefits were reported, including providing a life focus and an improved relationship with illness. Less positive experiences regarding time and money and lack of acknowledgement were also reported, along with suggestions for improvement.
Conclusions: PPI confers many benefits on patients and carers which could increase PPI recruitment if made explicit. More involvement in study recruitment and dissemination would increase the effectiveness of PPI input. Involving a more varied socioeconomic demographic and at an earlier stage is vital. Financial support for lower earners and greater feedback following involvement should also be explored.
46 citations
TL;DR: It is thought that overcoming implementation problems will be costly, and not just initially, and that there are other potential problems to overcome that affect mental health service users disproportionately which need more attention if e-health benefits are to be realised.
Abstract: The Journal of Mental Health has had an interest in how the internet and digital technology can support (or not) mental health treatments and services over many years (Andersson et al., 2013; Bauer...
45 citations
TL;DR: Self-esteem appears to be a core element in reducing the negative effects of internalized stigma on aspects of QOL among people with mental illness, and there is a crucial impact regarding clinical mental health interventions.
Abstract: Background: People with mental illness who internalize stigma often experience reduced self-esteem and impaired quality of life (QOL).Aims: To propose a theoretical model in which self-esteem media ...
44 citations
TL;DR: Implementing gender sensitive and specific programs to target and advance literacy levels about men’s depression may be key to ultimately reducing depression and suicide among men in Canada.
Abstract: Background: Male suicide prevention strategies include diagnosis and effective management of men’s depression. Fundamental to suicide prevention efforts is public awareness, which in turn, is influenced by literacy levels about men’s depression and suicide.Aim: The aim of this study is to examine sex differences in mental health literacy with respect to men’s depression and suicide among a cohort of Canadian respondents.Methods: About 901 English-speaking Canadian men and women completed online survey questionnaires to evaluate mental health literacy levels using 10-item D-Lit and 8-item LOSS questionnaires, which assess factual knowledge concerning men’s depression and suicide. Statistical tests (Chi-square, z-test) were used to identify significant differences between sex sub-groups at 95% confidence.Results: Overall, respondents correctly identified 67% of questions measuring literacy levels about male depression. Respondents’ male suicide literacy was significantly poorer at 53.7%. Mispercepti...
TL;DR: The findings from this study show WEMWBS to be a valid and reliable measure for this population sample and supports a one factor solution and thus, measures a single underlying concept.
Abstract: Background: The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) is a relatively new measure and to date has been validated in a number of populations, including student, general and adolescent samples across the UK. There is increasing interest in measuring the mental well-being of users of secondary care mental health services and therefore it is apt to validate WEMWBS for this population.Aims: To investigate the validity of WEMWBS in a secondary care mental health service user population.Method: Data was collected from two NHS Trusts and one charity. Analyses are based on 1180 completed WEMWBS.Results: WEMWBS scores for this population are significantly lower than those in a general population (Mean 34.9, SD 13.8). Overall the data analyses supported the use of WEMWBS in this population sample. The Rasch analysis found that the majority of the items can be seen as measuring one dimension. The confirmatory factor analysis supports a one factor solution and thus, measures a single underlying co...
TL;DR: Findings highlight systemic barriers to participation for consumer and carer advocates as a whole and the influence of these barriers on the individual experiences of those engaged in advocacy and representation work.
Abstract: Background: Consumer and carer participation in mental health service development and evaluation has widespread nominal support. However, genuine and consistent participation remains elusive due to systemic barriers.Aims: This paper explores barriers to reform for mental health services from the perspectives of consumers and carers actively engaged in advocating for improvements in the mental health system.Method: Qualitative research with two mental health systemic advocacy organisations analysed 17 strategic communication documents and nine interviews to examine barriers to reform and participation identified by consumer and carer advocates and staff.Results: A number of individual-level barriers were described, however advocates gave more focus to systemic barriers, for which five themes emerged. These reflected lack of awareness, limited participation opportunities, slow progress for change, policy issues and mental health culture including stigma.Conclusions: Findings highlight systemic barri...
TL;DR: Five themes emerged from an analysis of the data including: the waiting process, the relationship between IAPT services and GPs, expectations of assessment and treatment, rigidity of service and practitioner contributions to the relationship, and ways in which I APT services could reduce non-attendance.
Abstract: Background: Rates of non-attendance within IAPT are 45–48%. Non-attendance has negative implications for patients, staff and services.Aims: This research aimed to identify service-related factors that contribute to non-attendance.Method: Qualitative interviews with 14 patients recruited from six IAPT services in the South West. These were individuals who, having been referred to IAPT, never attended, or only attended one treatment contact. They were interviewed face-to-face or by telephone using semi-structured interview schedules. The resulting data were analysed thematically through an iterative qualitative analysis using data mapping sheets.Results: Five themes emerged from an analysis of the data including: the waiting process, the relationship between IAPT services and GPs, expectations of assessment and treatment, rigidity of service and practitioner contributions to the relationship.Conclusions: The analysis identifies ways in which IAPT services could reduce non-attendance. It also highlig...
TL;DR: The different concepts of “befriending” determine distinct practices, which may lead to confusion when the term befriending is used, and may be inappropriate where the organisation offers a professional style relationship.
Abstract: Background: “Befriending” involves pairing a volunteer with a person with a mental illness in the community to spend social time together. The term can have very different connotations.Aims: To review how “befriending” was used in mental health care.Method: A systematic review with a narrative synthesis was used to explore how befriending is conceptualised and practiced. We extracted descriptions of “befriending” from efficacy studies, befriending manuals, and reports from the gray literature and explored the practical implications of the different concepts of “befriending”.Results: The lay understanding of the phrase “to befriend” is “to be a friend to”. This contrasts to codes of practice used by befriending organisations, which describes a relationship distinct from friendship. The literature (12 relevant papers total) suggests a spectrum of practices; at one end is a relationship that is professional or therapeutic in nature, while at the other end, the relationship is conceptualised as much c...
TL;DR: This editorial reviews the literature regarding psychological studies that are designed to address the question of not just whether, psychological interventions effect change, but how, and recommends Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) as a recommended approach.
Abstract: This editorial reviews the literature regarding psychological studies that are designed to address the question of not just whether, psychological interventions effect change, but how. The practicalities and implications of assessing mechanisms of treatments are considered with examples from the fields of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. The potential for elucidating theoretical mechanisms, developing new theoretical models and modifying treatment approaches are described. In addition an overview of different types of statistical methods available to researchers for assessing mediation is given. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is a recommended approach. The review concludes with a summary of optimum study conditions adopted by researchers for establishing mediating effects.
TL;DR: Local outdoor walking groups that include social and healthy lifestyle components, and that are led by an exercise instructor who can provide support for overcoming barriers, may best meet PA interests of non-institutionalised adults with mental illness.
Abstract: Background: Adults with mental illness may have specific attitudes toward physical activity (PA).Aims: To assess the PA attitudes of non-institutionalised adults with mental illness, and associations with psychological distress.Method: Participants completed questionnaires on activity preferences (type, context and sources of support), motivators, barriers and attitudes toward personal training (PT). Relationships between responses and distress were assessed using logistic regressions.Results: One-hundred forty-two participants completed the questionnaires. PA context preferences included activities done close to home, outdoors, with professional instruction, with people of the same ability, as part of a healthy lifestyle program and with a social component. The most commonly endorsed source of support was an exercise instructor. Most respondents had never received PT; however, PT had high acceptability. Common barriers included poor physical and mental health, and lack of money. Distress was posi...
TL;DR: Normative data is presented for common cognitive and mental health assessment and screening tasks in a Chinese population, suggesting that the true incidence of dementia has been underestimated, and requires further investigation.
Abstract: Background: China’s ageing population will lead to increased neurodegenerative illness and age-related mental health problems.Aims: The Chinese Longitudinal Ageing Study has been developed to better understand the impact of ageing on cognition and mental health. An overview of the sample, major diagnoses and results of the first wave of data collection is presented.Method: One thousand and sixty-eight elderly Chinese (42.2% male), mean age of 72.8 years (SD = 8.5) completed a comprehensive cognitive, psychosocial and mental health assessment.Results: Mean MMSE score was 24.73 (SD = 6.17). Primary generalised anxiety was detected in 0.4% of the sample. Sub-clinical depression and depressive disorder were diagnosed in 1.7% and 2.4% of the sample, respectively. Most (84.5%) reported subjective memory decline, however 66.5% had no cognitive impairment. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) was detected in 25%, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in 4.7%, vascular dementia in 2.5%, and mixed dementia in 1.3%. Cognition...
TL;DR: This is the first study indicating that an online program for prevention and early intervention for eating disorders (ProYouth) may serve as facilitator in accessing conventional healthcare.
Abstract: Background: The majorities of individual suffering from eating disorders do not seek or receive adequate professional treatment. Internet-based approaches promise to facilitate access to conventional healthcare by providing an easy-access, low-threshold contact.Aim: The current study investigated whether an Internet-based program for the prevention and early intervention for eating disorders (ProYouth) may contribute to the actual and intended uptake of professional care. Characteristics of individuals who seek help are explored as well as barriers to help-seeking.Method: The sample included 453 ProYouth participants who were surveyed three months after registration. Actual help-seeking behavior, intended help-seeking, potential help-seeking, and barriers to help-seeking were assessed.Results: Within three months of participation, 43 individuals (9.5%) took up treatment, 32 (7.8%) intended to start treatment, and 163 (43.1%) of the remaining reported that they would seek professional help in case ...
TL;DR: The term “service user involvement in research” implies that service users are stakeholders in the research process, rather than mere participants, and discussions about “important research areas” can become dominated by the voices of researchers, who may have vested interests in perpetuating their own funding rather than prioritising areas valued by service users.
Abstract: The term “service user involvement in research” implies that service users are stakeholders in the research process, rather than mere participants. The principles of involvement have long been reco...
TL;DR: It is not possible to predict confidently at baseline who will experience early housing instability in Housing First, and providing HF to all individuals who qualify for a HF program remains the most valid way to administer admission to housing.
Abstract: Background: At Home/Chez-Soi was a 24 month randomized controlled trial of Housing First (HF) conducted in five Canadian cities.Aims: This article attempts to identify the characteristics of participants who experienced housing instability one year after entering HF.Methods: Those defined as experiencing housing instability were housed <50% of the last 9 months of the first year, excluding time in institutions, unless they were housed 100% of the past 3 months.Results: Only 13.5% of HF participants (n = 157/1162) met criteria for housing instability. Several variables were significant predictors of instability in between-group comparisons and multiple regression analyses: residence in Winnipeg, cumulative lifetime homelessness, percent of previous 3 months spent in jail, and community psychological integration; while residence in Moncton and a diagnosis of PTSD or panic disorder predicted stability. The predictive models were weak, identifying correctly only 3.8% of individuals that failed to achi...
TL;DR: It is highlighted that all participants reported participation in CR to be a positive experience, with many reporting observed benefits following participation, and key aspects of the training that contributed to this positive experience were also identified and may assist in the further development of this intervention.
Abstract: Background: Meta-analytical findings have shown Cognitive Remediation (CR) effectiveness in augmenting cognitive and functional outcomes. Comparatively, a minimum amount of qualitative evidence has been reported to date.Aims: This study aimed to explore the subjective experience of participants undertaking a CR trial.Method: Twenty people with schizophrenia completed a questionnaire-facilitated interview, after having completed 20 h of CR. Thematic analysis was then used to identify codes and themes.Results: Three themes were identified. In relation to reported benefits, all participants found the training to be a positive experience, with 70% having identified cognitive improvements, 45% improved motivation or confidence and 20% improved social skills. The role of the cognitive trainer in being supportive, adaptive and instructive was consistently reported as important, and most participants commented positively about the group format. Fewer participants had observed a transfer to real life setti...
TL;DR: The role of two psychosocial and personality-based constructs, namely women’s sense of coherence (SoC) and their mothering orientations, on their pregnancy-specific distress is investigated and low SoC was the best determinant.
Abstract: Background: Maternal mental health during pregnancy has been identified as a key factor in the future physiological, emotional and social development of both the mother and her baby. Yet little is known about the factors that contribute to increased levels of pregnancy-specific distress. The present study investigated the role of two psychosocial and personality-based constructs, namely women’s sense of coherence (SoC) and their mothering orientations, on their pregnancy-specific distress.Design: During their second trimester of pregnancy, 293 Australian and New Zealand women participated in an online study. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine the unique contribution of women’s SoC (Sense of Coherence Scale, SoC 13) and their antenatal mothering orientation (Antenatal Mothering Orientation Measure-Revised, AMOM-R) to pregnancy-specific distress (Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, NuPDQ).Results: Low SoC was the best determinant of women’s pregnancy-specific distre...
TL;DR: Insight is provided into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists, while broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.
Abstract: Mental health services continue to develop service user involvement, including a growth in employment of peer support workers (PSWs). Despite the importance of the views and attitudes expressed by psychiatrists, this topic has not previously been studied.To gain insight into the views and attitudes psychiatrists have about PSWs.A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 psychiatrists in the East of England.Psychiatrists were broadly positive and supportive of PSWs. Interviewees not only could anticipate a range of possible benefits of employing PSWs, but also had concerns regarding their implementation and management. There was a lack of clarity and consistency between interviewees about what the exact role of a PSW might involve.This study provides insights into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists. While broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.
TL;DR: Overcoming stigma will require efforts targeting young children, explicitly tackling mental illness, and spanning multiple social spheres: further research is warranted.
Abstract: Background: Limited literature on the stigma of mental illness has examined the socio-cultural processes involved in the development of stigma around mental health in children, which emerges in mid-childhood (7–11 years). Greater understanding might inform preventative interventions.Aims: This review aims to integrate disparate theoretical and empirical research to provide an overview of social communications to children aged 7--11 years about mental illness and their role in the development of stigmatised views. Four key socio-cultural contexts (the media, school, peers, parents) of relevance to children's development will be considered.Method: Systematic literature searches were conducted within electronic databases and abstracts were scanned to identify relevant studies. Fifteen papers were selected for the review.Results: The review found few studies have directly examined communications about mental illness to children. Available evidence suggests messages across children's socio-cultural con...
TL;DR: Family members of suicidal people have unmet needs and are perceived to have an important role in suicide prevention; however some carers experience a lack of support which impinges on their ability to undertake this role.
Abstract: Background: The prevention of suicide is a key aim for health care authorities and society in general and family members have a principal role in caring for suicidal people. However, the support needs of these essential family carers are relatively unknown.Aim: To explore the support needs of family members of suicidal people.Method: Eighteen participants were interviewed using a short topic guide. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and confirmed by discussion.Findings: Family members of suicidal people have unmet needs (this was the main theme). Four sub-themes emerged: having practical support, respite and advice; feeling acknowledged and included; having someone to turn-to; and consistency of support.Conclusions: Family members are perceived to have an important role in suicide prevention; however some carers experience a lack of support which impinges on their ability to undertake this role. Family members need be included in care and require support from healthcare staff.
TL;DR: It is suggested that for coercive treatment to aid, rather than disrupt recovery, treatment services need to focus on the provision of rights; the creation of a sense of safety; establishing supportive relationships; carrying hope and finding ways to foster a strong sense of agency and empowerment.
Abstract: Background: Constructs such as personal recovery, patient engagement and consumer involvement are central in mental health care delivery. These approaches emphasise the importance of empowerment and choice.Aims: Under some circumstances Involuntary Treatment Orders (ITO) allow a person to be treated for a mental illness without their consent. This study explores the tensions between the principles of empowerment and control and involuntary treatment.Methods: Twenty-five involuntary inpatients of a major teaching hospital were interviewed about their experiences of being placed under an ITO. The interviews were analysed thematically.Results: Being able to have some sense of agency and re-asserting personal control are critical components of an involuntary mental health admission. Participants wanted information about their treatment, the ITO process and their environment. They also spoke about the importance of a space where they felt safe from themselves and others to make sense of the experience....
TL;DR: There is a need for clinician retraining, a trauma-informed care model and the incorporation of mandatory inquiry in best practice guidelines to generate a shift in culture in the delivery of mental health care services.
Abstract: Background: A history of trauma is linked to the development of a wide range of mental health problems, and has long-lasting physiological and psychological consequences. The importance of clinicians directly questioning trauma history has been consistently emphasised in the literature.Aims: To investigate whether a trauma history is obtained from female psychiatry inpatients during an inpatient admission.Methods: The study was a retrospective file audit of 100 female patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of a major metropolitan Melbourne Hospital between December 2013 and November 2014.Results: In the files of 51% of patients there was no mention of whether or not the patient had a trauma-abuse history. Eight percent of patients had documentation stating there was no trauma-abuse history. Forty-one percent of the patients had documented evidence of a trauma-abuse history, although only 3% of these patients had a specific description provided. The presence of current illicit drug use and the d...
TL;DR: The current environment is one of the organisational complexity and change and the place of ULOs is an ambiguous one as they strive to maintain autonomy whilst at the same time being an acceptable voice to managers.
Abstract: Background: Since 1990, health policy in England has stressed the importance of user involvement in shaping and delivering services.Aims: To explore mental health service user-led organisations (ULOs) in England, as they interact with decision-makers to bring about change desired by them with a focus on institutional norms behaviour and specialised knowledge impacting service users’ relationships with services.Method: An ethnography of five ULOs in two provider organisations (NHS Trusts) including observing their meetings and interactions with decision-makers, conducting in-depth interviews and collecting reflective diaries kept by two members of each group.Results: During the study, one group ceased to operate. This was a group which refused to adopt the institutional rules and norms of managerial discourse. The other four groups survived by navigating the changing environment which existed at the time of the study, although often at some cost. Themes of autonomy and leadership were also identifi...
TL;DR: Self-efficacy and future time perspective were identified as qualities that protect adolescents from engaging in risky sexual behaviours and can be useful in developing prevention programmes.
Abstract: Background: An interest exists in understanding why adolescents partake in risky sexual behaviours, as well as the risk and protective practices associated with risky sexual behaviour.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the moderator effect of future time perspective in the relationship between self-efficacy and risky sexual behaviour.Methods: A random cluster consisting of 467 learners from English medium high schools of central South Africa participated in this study. The participants’ risky sexual behaviour, self-efficacy and future time perspective were measured with the Perceptions of HIV/AIDS Risk Survey, Generalised Perceived Self-efficacy Scale and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, respectively. Product term regression analysis was performed.Results: It was found that both self-efficacy and future time perspective were negatively related to risky sexual behaviour. No moderating effect was found for future time perspective in the relationship between self-efficacy and risky...