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An evidence base for mental health promotion through supported education: A practical application of Antonovsky's salutogenic model of health

Morrison, Ian, Stosz, Laura, Clift, Stephen M. (2008) An evidence base for mental health promotion through supported education: A practical application of Antonovsky's salutogenic model of health. International Journal of Health Promotion & Education, 46 (1). pp. 11-20. ISSN 1463-5240. (doi:10.1080/14635240.2008.10708122) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:11951)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2008.10708122

Abstract

Purpose: This paper reviews the literature for evaluation studies that might fulfil the criteria of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in the specialism of 'supported education for people with long-term mental health needs', with a view to justifying the efficacy of these initiatives and attracting the associated funding.

Design and Methods: A review of the literature was conducted for supported education evaluation studies that might fulfil the criteria of EBM. The methodologies for the studies found were examined both for appropriateness to the initiative being undertaken, and to what extent it complied with EBM. A recently developed and implemented evaluation methodology of supported education conducted over three years in a further education (FE) college (Morrison & Clift 2006) was then examined in the light of the above findings, with a view to attempting to overcome major difficulties and confirm outcomes.

Results: Currently, the literature has few examples of programme evaluations that meet EBM criteria, which might convince budget holders of the efficacy of supported education. However, those that are available have consensus in their findings of the positive outcomes and the associated causative reasons. For the future, a recently developed and implemented triangulated evaluation methodology, and using Antonovsky's short-form Sense of Coherence questionnaire (SOC-13)as a test, retest instrument, has been successful in answering the dichotomy of rigour with appropriateness, and issues of consistency of evaluation methods and reducing the multitude of measuring instruments founds in present studies.

Implications: This research has government target implications for budget holders, health promotion staff and mental health teams working within the recovery model of health, in the collaborative use of resources to assist people recovering from or managing mental health difficulties to move forward in their lives.

Conclusion: This study offers an appropriate and rigorous methodology and test, retest instrument for a non-randomised control trial suitable for the social sciences, and especially for evaluating supported education initiatives, so that they can be properly validated and attract funding. It also supports the cost benefits of mental health promotion for those recovering from or managing their mental health needs.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/14635240.2008.10708122
Uncontrolled keywords: evidence-based medicine, Antonovsky, supported education, mental health promotion
Subjects: L Education
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental health
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Centre for Health Services Studies
Depositing User: Paula Loader
Date Deposited: 18 Mar 2009 18:34 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Mar 2023 11:30 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/11951 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Stosz, Laura.

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