Psychoeducational Support for "Mental Health Literacy'' among Elderly Persons:Working to improve "Mental Health"

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K04478
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Clinical psychology
• Research Institution: Fukuoka University
• Principal Investigator: YOSHIOKA KUMIKO (村上久美子) 福岡大学, 人文学部, 教授 (60352374)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: メンタルヘルスリテラシー / 心理教育的支援 / 「心の健康」作り / 高齢者のQOL

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, a survey on mental health literacy was carried out among elderly persons (70s or older) in Japan to investigate the potential for initiatives aimed at improving “mental health.” The survey, which targeted elderly persons across Japan, was conducted online using area sampling. The results highlighted a range of things, such as increased expectations for improving appropriate awareness of the issues in the future, a high level of willingness among people to act as providers of support. The study indicated that there is a need for approaches to improve mental health based on these points.

Free Research Field

臨床心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高齢化が進展する中，高齢者の「メンタルヘルスリテラシー」を高めることは，「心の健康」の保持・増進は勿論、身近な人々（配偶者、友人等）への心理的問題への気づきや自殺防止の早期発見・早期介入につながると考える。今回得られた結果からは，あらためて高齢者のQOLを大切にした心理教育的支援を行うことが確認されたと同時に，高齢者自身に備わっている様々な力も活用して「心の健康」作りに向けたアプローチを行う可能性についても示唆した。