Educ244 Test 1, Lecture 6

Question 1

Prevalence (Mental Health)

Answer 1

The total number of individuals in a population with a disorder at a given time. Crucial for tracking trends.

Question 2

Outcomes (Mental Health)

Answer 2

Measures of how mental health conditions impact life (e.g., employment, education, independent living, quality of life).

Question 3

“Tip of the Iceberg” Phenomenon

Answer 3

The idea that diagnosed cases are only a fraction of actual mental health issues in the population. Increased visibility, not necessarily increased rates.

Question 4

Trends in Depression and Anxiety

Answer 4

Appears to be on the rise, especially among young women.

Question 5

Māori Mental Health Disparities

Answer 5

Higher rates of mental illness, suicide, and addictions. 50% higher prevalence of mental distress, 30% more likely to go undiagnosed, and poorer outcomes in mental health services.

Question 6

Environmental Factors in Mental Health

Answer 6

Substance use, poor diet, obesity, and potential epigenetic effects.

Question 7

Factors Contributing to Increased Anxiety/Depression

Answer 7

Changes in child health behaviors (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep), social relationships (e.g., cyberbullying, loneliness), and family risks (e.g., intergenerational trauma).

Question 8

Treatment Gap

Answer 8

The prevalence of people with mental health issues who do not receive treatment/support. Approximately 50% in developed countries.

Question 9

Mental Health Literacy

Answer 9

Knowledge and beliefs that enhance recognition, management, and prevention of mental disorders.

Question 10

Challenges in Closing the Treatment Gap

Answer 10

Incomplete epidemiological understanding, expensive evidence-based support, identification/access issues, co-occurrence of disorders, fragmented care.

Question 11

Potential Solutions to Close the Treatment Gap

Answer 11

Digital technology (social media, apps), expanding the workforce, policy changes.

Question 12

Digital Technology in Mental Health (Pros/Cons)

Answer 12

Pros: Potential for wider reach, earlier detection. Cons: Ethical concerns, reliability of digital assessments.

Question 13

Workforce Issues in Aotearoa (Rucklidge et al. 2018)

Answer 13

Insufficient psychologists (1:312 ratio), barriers for Māori, Pacific, rural, and low-income groups.

Question 14

Policy Challenges in Mental Health

Answer 14

Lack of national policies, underfunding, incoherent policies, difficulties in translating research to policy.

Question 15

Epidemiology

Answer 15

The study of how often diseases occur in different groups and why, including causes, spread, and impact.