ERIC Number: EJ1361000
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0743-4618
EISSN: EISSN-1447-3848
Available Date: N/A
Mental Health Matters: A Pilot Study Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Individuals with Complex Communication Needs
Watson, Eleanor; Raghavendra, Parimala; Crocker, Ruth
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, v37 n2 p102-112 2021
Mental health and wellbeing are foundational in human interaction and life satisfaction. Persons with complex communication needs are at risk of reduced mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this project was to identify the facilitators and barriers that individuals with complex communication needs experience when attending to their mental health and wellbeing. A qualitative study design using a phenomenological approach was utilized. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with three participants with complex communication needs, observation, and reflexive journaling. An inductive process of cross-case thematic analysis identified common barriers and facilitators experienced by the participants when addressing mental health and wellbeing. The opportunity barriers described in Beukelman and Mirenda's Participation Model were applied to classify the assistive and obstructive roles of communication partners. Barriers and facilitators to obtaining assistance for mental health and wellbeing related predominantly to communication partners' skills, attitudes, and support practices. The findings highlight a need to equip individuals with complex communication needs, carers, support workers, and mental health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to promote mental health and wellbeing among this population.
Descriptors: Mental Health, Well Being, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Adults, Barriers, Interpersonal Communication, Foreign Countries, Communication Disorders, Access to Health Care
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A