Evaluation of the Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Mental Health First Aid Course: Effects on Knowledge, Stigmatising Attitudes, Confidence and Helping Behaviour

Kathy S. Bond (), Julia N. Lyons, Fairlie A. Cottrill, Amanda V. Sabo, Simone E. Baillie, Alyssia Rossetto, Louise Kelly, Claire M. Kelly, Nicola J. Reavley, Anthony F. Jorm and Amy J. Morgan
Additional contact information
Kathy S. Bond: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Julia N. Lyons: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Fairlie A. Cottrill: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Amanda V. Sabo: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Simone E. Baillie: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Alyssia Rossetto: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Louise Kelly: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Claire M. Kelly: Mental Health First Aid Australia, Level 18, 150 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Nicola J. Reavley: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Anthony F. Jorm: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia
Amy J. Morgan: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common mental health problem, with a 19% lifetime prevalence in Australian adolescents and 12% in adults. Though rates of professional help-seeking for NSSI are low, disclosure to family and friends is more common, providing opportunities for them to encourage professional support. Mental Health First Aid ® Australia’s Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury course provides evidence-based training for the general public to support a person engaging in NSSI. Methods: This uncontrolled trial evaluated the effects of the Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury course on participants’ knowledge, confidence, stigmatising attitudes, and intended and actual helping behaviours. Surveys were administered pre- and post-course, and at a six-month follow-up. A linear mixed-model analysis determined mean change over time, and effect sizes were estimated using Cohen’s d. Course satisfaction was assessed using descriptive statistics and summative content analysis of qualitative data. Results: The pre-course survey was completed by 147 Australian participants (77.5% female, mean age 45.8 years), 137 (93.2%) at post-course and 72 (49%) at follow-up. Knowledge, confidence, quality of intended helping behaviours, and quality of actual helping behaviours increased significantly at both time points. Social distance decreased significantly at all time points and stigma decreased significantly at post-course. The course was perceived to be highly acceptable by participants. Conclusions: There is initial evidence that the Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury course is effective and acceptable for members of the public who may support a person engaging in NSSI.

Keywords: non-suicidal self-injury; mental health first aid; education; early intervention; knowledge; confidence; stigma; helping behaviour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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