Adventure Therapy (AT) could be an interesting adjunct when usual treatments for first-episode psychosis (FEP) prove limited in fostering recovery. This study explored the experience of four young adults with FEP who participated in an AT program. The thematic analysis revealed seven key themes: four focused on relation to self (discovery of new strengths; multisensory experiences; inhabiting the body; activated affects), and three on relation to the other (encounters with the other; creation of bonds; reorganizing daily life and bonds). AT appears to support recovery, social and vocational reinsertion, through the transfer of new learnings into the participants’ daily lives.
In the 1970s, Ontario introduced the Domiciliary Hostel Program to provide subsidised accommodation for low-income individuals needing minimal supports. We provide a historical and contemporary analysis of Hamilton’s Residential Care Facility (RCF) Subsidy Program, which is a local adaptation of the provincial program. We conducted a scoping review of academic and grey literature examining domiciliary hostels and an environmental scan of existing RCFs in Hamilton, Ontario, between October 2022 and April 2023. We conclude that RCFs are not structured to meet increasingly complex resident needs, and that improvements to the program require multisectoral collaboration on service delivery models, funding, and policymaking.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected services worldwide. We explored these pivots, at the end of 2020 and two years later, in three geographical areas in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan, Canada. Programs were run by youth-serving agencies (N = 19) that provided mental health, recreational, skill-building, mentorship, and educational services to youth and family members in urban and rural settings. Results revealed initial changes to the program’s structure and procedures, various challenges and tensions, and notable positive impacts. Updates after two years were summarized. Results can shape future policies on program delivery and staff support in the Canadian context post-pandemic.
We aimed to determine the proportion of suicidal texters to a youth textline, and identify counseling techniques linked to positive outcomes. We analyzed post-intervention questionnaires from 2,276 texters (14-21 years, 85.9% female) and conducted a content analysis of 462 intervention transcripts using the Crisis Call Outcome Rating Scale. Findings showed that 46.5% had seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 33.7% had previously attempted suicide. Only 37.9% with suicidal ideation at contact disclosed suicidal thoughts during the intervention. Emphasizing strengths and resources was linked to positive outcomes.
This study assessed whether internalized stigma predicts social anxiety, functioning, and subjective recovery in first-episode psychosis following group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or cognitive remediation. Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial with 96 participants aged 18-35 with first-episode psychosis and social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety, internalized stigma, functioning, and recovery were measured at baseline, postintervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Linear mixed models showed that internalized stigma predicted social anxiety, functioning, and recovery, with no differences between CBT and cognitive remediation. These findings suggests a general therapeutic benefit of group therapy in improving outcomes.
In Canada, Veterans encounter many challenges as they transition from the military to post-service life including in securing safe and affordable housing and a healthy environment. This scoping review identified and characterised 93 instruments measuring housing and physical environment attributes related to well-being. These instruments assess a range of aspects of housing and physical environment, including cost, aesthetics, traffic, and land use. Few instruments have been developed for or used in Veterans. Housing and environmental well-being research may benefit from incorporating these instruments, and consider assessing the quality and applicability of tools for Veterans to better understand their health and well-being needs.
Social prescribing (SP) is an upstream approach that connects people with non-medical, community-based resources to enhance health and well-being. We aimed to characterize community-based social prescribing programs that use a link worker model. We synthesized peer-reviewed evidence on community-based SP programs and conducted an environmental scan of SP programs in Nova Scotia. Across 43 studies, key barriers included transportation, financial constraints, and limited accessibility. Nova Scotia programs emphasized cultural competency and localized support. Program effectiveness was enhanced by link worker engagement. Addressing transportation, affordability, and volunteer capacity while embedding cultural safety could strengthen SP implementation in Nova Scotia.
This study examined the impact of Covid-19 and virtual mental health care (VMHC) on service utilization patterns among a diverse cohort of youth (ages 6–18) receiving outpatient services. Data were obtained from a multisite community clinic between January 2018 and March 2022 (n = 1802; 26,422 client contacts). There was a significant increase in the number of mental health services accessed after the onset of the pandemic relative to the two years before the onset of the pandemic. The introduction of VMHC allowed for greater involvement of family members, but resulted in reduced access for those in highly marginalized areas.
In Canada, racialized youth face a high risk of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) and associated mental health impacts, which may be compounded by barriers to accessing care. From July to October 2024, 33 semi-structured interviews with racially diverse youth (ages 15–24) were conducted to gather insights on their experiences, challenges, and community needs. Participants identified existing support systems, including friends, family, peers, and community resources, while noting concerns around stigma and confidentiality. They identified systemic barriers to care, emphasizing the importance of mental health support from healthcare providers with similar racial backgrounds. The findings call for improved mental and sexual health resources for TFSV-affected youth. Further research could enhance understanding both nationally and internationally.
This study piloted a community-based graphic medicine / comics creation program to explore intergenerational trauma (IGT) and facilitate reflection and dialogue among Chinese diaspora in Canada. Eight self-identified Chinese Canadians participated in group workshops and post-program interviews. Although initially uncomfortable with drawing and discussing trauma, participants described increased self-awareness, reduced feelings of isolation through shared narrative exchange, and increased empathy for family members. Findings suggest that comics-based interventions may offer a trauma-informed approach to supporting mental health in communities. This pilot study highlights the potential for adapting graphic medicine programs within community mental health systems serving diasporic and marginalized populations.
This study aims to investigate stressors experienced by racialized sexual orientation and gender identity expression (SOGIE) refugees in Southern Ontario through Meyer’s Minority Stress Theory (MST). Interviews with 10 racialized SOGIE refugees and two service providers living in Ontario, Canada were extracted from a larger study. Participants identified both explicit and implicit stressors in their daily lives, ranging from feelings of isolation and community disconnect, to anticipatory fear of stigma and violence. Consistent with MST’s distinction of distal and proximal stressors, these challenges negatively affected their well-being. Overall, recognizing the unique positionality of racialized SOGIE refugees and finding ways to facilitate positive mental health and well-being is key.
Covid-19 has increased health anxiety (HA), especially among medically vulnerable groups. We examined HA trends and related factors across these groups in Canada. Using COVID Survey Canada data (PI: El-Gabalawy; N = 1,260), we assessed HA from May 2020–July 2021 using the Short Health Anxiety Inventory. Linear mixed-effects models and descriptive statistics evaluated changes and correlates. Medically vulnerable individuals showed higher HA, except older adults, who showed lower levels. HA declined non-significantly over the year in all groups. Among the medically vulnerable, clinically elevated HA was linked to greater findings that highlight elevated HA and inform prevention strategies.
Cette étude a examiné l’effet du stigma lié au poids perpétré au sein du couple sur la compulsion alimentaire des 2 partenaires via l’effet médiateur des émotions négatives, tout en tenant compte de la présence de surpoids/obésité chez la femme (n = 58 couples). Les résultats ont montré que chez les couples où la femme présente un surpoids/obésité, le stigma lié au poids vécu par la femme est associé à la présence de compulsion alimentaire via les émotions négatives qu’elle ressent à l’égard de son partenaire alors que chez les couples où la femme ne présente pas de surpoids/obésité, le stigma lié au poids vécu par la femme n’est pas associé à ses émotions négatives, ni à sa compulsion alimentaire. Chez l’homme, le patron inverse est observé. Le stigma lié au poids vécu par l’homme, en couple avec une femme en surpoids/obésité, n’est pas associé à ses émotions négatives ni à sa compulsion alimentaire, alors que ces associations sont significatives lorsque l’homme est en couple avec une femme sans surpoids/obésité. Ces résultats font ressortir le processus différencié de la réponse au stigma lié au poids au sein des couples selon la présence de surpoids/obésité chez la femme.
The Covid-19 pandemic has posed prolonged mental health impacts on older adults. This online survey study aims to examine the predictive effects of external resources (i.e., perceived social support) and internal strengths (e.g., resilience and coping) on the psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants in Canada. A sample of 191 participants (age M = 75.19, SD = 5.98) completed an online survey from January to February 2023. Linear regression models identified perceived social support from friends as a significant positive predictor for emotional well-being whereas resilience was identified as a significant positive predictor for both emotional well-being and life satisfaction, even after controlling for sociodemographic and covid-related covariates.
This innovation, from a multidisciplinary team, is an open access, six-lesson online course on mindfulness to support feedback literacy. The course promotes resilience, emotional management, and learning improvement. Positive feedback indicates its potential to foster proactive engagement by students to seek feedback.
This article examines the potential of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to improve employment outcomes for populations at increased risk of unemployment, including youth, individuals with disabilities, and those with severe mental illness. Traditionally used in mental health contexts, IPS is explored here as a strategy adaptable to broader health service environments. The article highlights key challenges including sustainable funding and integration with local health systems. It also presents case studies from integrated youth services and adult primary care settings. Findings demonstrate IPS’s effectiveness in addressing employment barriers and call for systemic change to ensure long-term sustainability, coordination, and infrastructure to support its expansion.
La présence d’actes criminels dans la vie d’un individu peut entraîner la consommation de substances psychoactives (SPA) pour apaiser ceux-ci. Qu’elle soit problématique ou non, la consommation de SPA peut affecter l’intervention auprès des victimes. Une première étude a permis de documenter certaines lacunes dans l’intervention spécialisée en dépendance lorsqu’il y a présence de victimisation. L’étude actuelle s’intéresse à la prise en compte de la consommation par les personnes intervenant auprès des victimes d’actes criminels. Les résultats des 31 entrevues menées auprès d’intervenant(e)s soulèvent principalement les besoins de mieux connaître les SPA et leurs effets de même que les besoins de collaboration entre professionnel(le)s afin d’améliorer les services aux victimes.
This investigation is a seven-year follow-up study on the needs and concerns of transgender youth and their parents in Newfoundland & Labrador. For this study, 39 youth and 33 parents of transgender youth completed qualitative questionnaires. Concerns included lack of parental support, family physicians’ lack of knowledge of trans healthcare, wait times and costs of care, mental health, transphobia at school, and the rise in political transphobia. Ten recommendations emanating from the results are presented for healthcare providers and policymakers.
The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating effects of various protective factors on the association between homophobic victimization and psychosocial adjustment problems among youth from lesbian and gay parent families. The sample included 97 respondents (M = 17.2 years) who completed measures of homophobic victimization, social support, coping strategies, and psychosocial problems. Support from parents and friends was found to moderate the impact of victimization on risky behaviours. These findings highlight the importance of protective factors for the psychosocial adjustment of youth from lesbian mothers and gay fathers. Implications for social policy and intervention are discussed.
Cet article rapporte les résultats d’une enquête sur la pertinence d’un service de soutien offert en ligne « par » et « pour » des adultes autistes. Relevant de la recherche-action participative, l’enquête fait ressortir des besoins de soutien criants, mais le plus souvent non répondus. Les résultats mettent également en évidence un intérêt à utiliser un service de soutien social en ligne offert « par » et « pour » des adultes autistes (80,7 %), de même qu’à y contribuer comme bénévole (60,7 %). Ces résultats sont mis en contraste avec les connaissances dominantes sur l’autisme et mis en perspectives avec des savoirs situés autistes.
