Destigmatising mental health treatment and increasing openness to seeking treatment: randomised controlled trial of brief video interventions

Abstract

BackgroundDespite an elevated risk of psychopathology stemming from COVID-19-related stress, many essential workers stigmatise and avoid psychiatric care. This randomised controlled trial was designed to compare five versions of a social-contact-based brief video intervention for essential workers, differing by protagonist gender and race/ethnicity. AimsWe examined intervention efficacy on treatment-related stigma ('stigma') and openness to seeking treatment ('openness'), especially among workers who had not received prior mental healthcare. We assessed effectiveness and whether viewer/ protagonist demographic concordance heightened effectiveness. MethodEssential workers (N = 2734) randomly viewed a control video or brief video of an actor portraying an essential worker describing hardships, COVID-related anxiety and depression, and psychotherapy benefits. Five video versions (Black/Latinx/White and male/female) followed an identical 3 min script. Half the intervention group participants rewatched their video 14 days later. Stigma and openness were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 14-and 30-day follow-ups. Trial registration: NCT04964570. ResultsAll video intervention groups reported immediately decreased stigma (P < 0.0001; Cohen's d = 0.10) and increased openness (P < 0.0001; d = 0.23). The initial increase in openness was largely maintained in the repeated-video group at day 14 (P < 0.0001; d = 0.18), particularly among viewers without history of psychiatric treatment (P < 0.0001; d = 0.32). Increases were not sustained at follow-up. Female participants viewing a female protagonist and Black participants viewing a Black protagonist demonstrated greater openness than other demographic pairings. ConclusionsBrief video-based interventions improved immediate stigma and openness. Greater effects among female and Black individuals viewing demographically matched protagonists emphasise the value of tailored interventions, especially for socially oppressed groups. This easily disseminated intervention may proactively increase care-seeking, encouraging treatment among workers in need. Future studies should examine intervention mechanisms and whether linking referrals to psychiatric services generates treatment-seeking.

Gender-specific associations between personality traits and mental health status of intensive care unit patients’ family members

“…Openness to experience may affect an individual's cognitive and coping styles in situations, as well as their attitudes towards new things and different experiences. This trait may be associated with mental health issues, but may also provide some psychological resilience in the face of stress and challenges 31 . The traits of agreeableness and extraversion are usually associated with positive social interactions and emotional expression, which provide certain psychological support and thereby reduce the risk of depression 32,33 .…”

Attitudes and intentions toward seeking professional psychological help among Chinese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…These social networks often play the role of a presenter with lived experience to facilitate the flow of information and advice ( 53 ). Individuals interacting with these presenters show less mental-health-related stigma and are more open to seeking treatment ( 54 , 55 ). Moreover, social support increases the self-efficacy and sleep quality of individuals, which in turn reduce their psychological stress and prompt them to seek help ( 56 ).…”

“…Therefore, social support need to be strengthened to promote people’s positive attitudes and intentions toward seeking mental health help. Social-contact-based interventions can be useful in influencing the psychological help-seeking of HCWs who are at risk of developing mental health problems ( 54 , 55 ).…”