Effect of human library intervention on mental health literacy: a multigroup pretest–posttest study

Abstract

Background Mental health literacy (MHL) is an evolving concept encompassing knowledge of mental illness, help-seeking options, perceived stigma, and discrimination. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a human library intervention at enhancing MHL. A human library intervention was adopted to enhance MHL in this study. The human library intervention aims to establish a positive framework and safe space for dialogue between readers and a ‘human book’. It works to promote dialogue, reduce prejudice, and encourage understanding of people who are regarded as disadvantaged or in a minority group. Methods An experimental approach with a multigroup pretest–posttest design was adopted. Forty-five participants aged between 18 and 23 years were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group (human library intervention), comparison group (didactic teaching session), or control group (no intervention). Adapted vignette-based MHL scale scores were used as the outcome measures. The overall and subscale scores were included in the analysis. Results The human library intervention group showed a significant improvement in overall MHL compared with the other two groups. In a multivariate analysis of the variance in subscale scores, the intervention was shown to significantly reduce stigma and preferred social distance, but had no significant effect on knowledge acquisition. Conclusions The human library intervention is effective at enhancing overall MHL and reducing stigma and preferred social distance. Further studies are suggested to further develop the MHL construct, human library interventions, and the MHL scales for consolidating evidence-based practice.

Conceptual framework of mental health literacy: Results from a scoping review and a Delphi survey

“…One of the most recurring themes in defining the concept of MHL has been focused on knowledge/skills that enhance understanding (Chung & Tse, 2022; Gorczynski et al., 2020; Huang et al., 2019; Kutcher, Wei, & Coniglio, 2016).…”

“…Thus, on one hand, it is found that for an individual to be considered mentally health literate, they must have a good understanding of MDs (Chung & Tse, 2022; Gorczynski et al., 2020; Kutcher, Wei, & Coniglio, 2016; Kutcher, Wei, Gilberds, et al., 2016). It is important to note that not only should one consider disorders such as depression and anxiety, among others, but also understand those that are not as prevalent (Vimalanathan & Furnham, 2019).…”

“…It is important to note that not only should one consider disorders such as depression and anxiety, among others, but also understand those that are not as prevalent (Vimalanathan & Furnham, 2019). This definition is further elaborated and nuanced in some studies, referring to knowledge of the origins of MDs, (i.e., the causes (Huang et al., 2019)), knowledge of how to prevent MDs (risk factors) (Chung & Tse, 2022), and recognition of MDs (O'Connor & Casey, 2015; White & Casey, 2017), including both the recognition of symptoms (Lui et al., 2016; O'Connor & Casey, 2015; Xu et al., 2018) and the severity (i.e., the person's ability to determine the degree of severity of the disorder (Huang et al., 2019)).…”

Designing a library of lived experience for mental health (LoLEM): protocol for integrating a realist synthesis and experience based codesign approach

“…The idea of a living library to improve mental health outcomes has international appeal and has already been tried around the world in a range of contexts, including improving self-management strategies for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, 16 reducing stigma in pharmacy students in Canada 17 ; and improving mental health literacy in students in Hong Kong. 18 Living books have reported a wide range of benefits including; a greater self-awareness, 19 personal enjoyment and enhanced social relationships, 20 21 catharsis from sharing experiences 22 and feeling valued in promoting change. 23 For readers, there is evidence for enhanced self-efficacy through discovering new ways to understand and manage specific difficulties.…”

Designing a Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health: integrated realist synthesis and experience-based co-design study

“…These events are often held in open settings, including public and university libraries, and have typically aimed to challenge a range of societal prejudices by facilitating interactions between people who may not otherwise engage in conversation [15]. The model has also been used in a mental health context to address stigma [16] and facilitate peer-support [17]. However, implementation recommendations sensitive to the specific challenges of discussing mental health experiences are limited.…”