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60 popular mental health research paper topics.

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

The best way to write a good mental health research paper is to select a topic that you will enjoy working on. If you are looking for some interesting mental health research paper topics to work on, here is a list of 60 ideas to choose from.

Perfect for students as well as experts these topics have ample scope to experiment, share ideas and arguments on, and find substantial evidence to support your view. Take a look –

Mental Health Topics for Research Paper

When you are writing a paper for a graded assignment, it is important to have some great research paper topics about mental health to pick from. Here are some to consider –

  • Mental traumas from physical injuries and how to help recover
  • Resilience building – why is it important for children?
  • Friendships in men and how they contribute to mental health?
  • The role of parenting in building good mental health in children
  • What is normal emotional health and mental functioning?
  • Anti-depressants and their side effects.
  • Indicators suggesting medication for depression can be stopped
  • Effects of colors on mental health
  • How and why does lack of sleep effect emotional mental health?
  • Effect of exercise on a patient’s mental health
  • Effective methods to boost brain health and emotional quotient as we age
  • Mental health developmental stages in children from birth to 5 years of age
  • Why is play important for mental health in children
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – what causes it and how to manage?
  • ADHD — how to identify if someone has it?

Critical Analysis Research Paper Topics in Mental Health

For psychology students looking for effective research paper topics mental health offers many arenas for critical analysis. Here are some good topics to pick from –

  • Relevance of Freud in modern day psychiatry
  • Abortion care – the ethics and the procedures to facilitate emotional wellbeing
  • Are women facing more mental health issues than men?
  • Suicide – The reasons, trauma, and dealing with it
  • How does peer pressure change mental wellness and how to deal with it?
  • Effect of child abuse on toddlers’ mental health and resilience
  • Does Obesity affect mental health?
  • Is the damage on mental health caused by sexual abuse permanent?
  • Hormonal imbalances and their effect on women’s mental health
  • How to identify signs of mental illness in a loved one?

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics Mental Health

Music plays a significant role in enhancing mental health. Here are some mental health research paper topics on the role of music therapy in the field of mental health and treatments:

  • Music therapy a complimentary approach to biomedicine
  • Does music therapy facilitate enhanced healing?
  • Efficacy of music therapy for older adults
  • The role of music therapy in rehabilitation of mental health patients
  • Music based interventions and the effects of music therapy
  • Eating disorders and can music therapy help?
  • Can music therapy help with mental health during menopause?
  • Music therapy and its role in PTSD

Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

If you are a nursing student you will certainly find these research paper topics for mental health useful for your assignment –

  • Psychiatric care in adult patients of mental health disorders
  • Non-chemical practices in bipolar disorder
  • Mental health care for patients dealing with alcohol addiction
  • Managing PTSD in armed forces veterans
  • Ethics to deal with psychiatric patients
  • Postpartum depression and how to identify and assist in early stages
  • Identifying the signs and managing patients with eating disorder
  • Mental illnesses common in soldiers returning from war
  • Signs of mental illness that must never be ignored
  • How to manage self-destructive mental health patients?

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Mental Health

Some mental health topics are controversial, but also well scoring if handled well. Take a look at some such topics worth considering –

  • Do natural alternatives to anti-depressants work?
  • Extreme postpartum depression leading to child harming tendencies
  • Infertility and its effects on mental health of the couple
  • Are more women suicidal than men?
  • Effect of teen relationship problems on mental health
  • The relationship between mental health and child abusers
  • Physical abuse in marriage and its effect on mental health
  • Rape and managing the emotional scars for effective healing
  • Self-destructive tendencies in children – causes and cures
  • Is it possible that there are people without conscience?
  • Are video games making children violent and aggressive?
  • Should criminals facing trial be subjected to genetic testing for impulse control?
  • Mental health in teenagers and why they cut themselves
  • Phobias – some of the most common and unusual fears people have
  • Divorce and how it affects the mental health of children
  • Is mental illness genetic
  • Does discovery of being adopted affect mental health of a child?

If you are a college student wondering what is the best way to write a research paper or how to write an effective submission that will get you good grades, you can get in touch with us for writing help. Our team offers fast and cheap assistance with writing papers that are appropriate for your level of education.

Medical Ethics Topics

  • Research article
  • Open access
  • Published: 24 October 2019

A scoping review of the literature on the current mental health status of physicians and physicians-in-training in North America

  • Mara Mihailescu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6878-1024 1 &
  • Elena Neiterman 2  

BMC Public Health volume  19 , Article number:  1363 ( 2019 ) Cite this article

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This scoping review summarizes the existing literature regarding the mental health of physicians and physicians-in-training and explores what types of mental health concerns are discussed in the literature, what is their prevalence among physicians, what are the causes of mental health concerns in physicians, what effects mental health concerns have on physicians and their patients, what interventions can be used to address them, and what are the barriers to seeking and providing care for physicians. This review aims to improve the understanding of physicians’ mental health, identify gaps in research, and propose evidence-based solutions.

A scoping review of the literature was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, which examined peer-reviewed articles published in English during 2008–2018 with a focus on North America. Data were summarized quantitatively and thematically.

A total of 91 articles meeting eligibility criteria were reviewed. Most of the literature was specific to burnout ( n  = 69), followed by depression and suicidal ideation ( n  = 28), psychological harm and distress ( n  = 9), wellbeing and wellness ( n  = 8), and general mental health ( n  = 3). The literature had a strong focus on interventions, but had less to say about barriers for seeking help and the effects of mental health concerns among physicians on patient care.

Conclusions

More research is needed to examine a broader variety of mental health concerns in physicians and to explore barriers to seeking care. The implication of poor physician mental health on patients should also be examined more closely. Finally, the reviewed literature lacks intersectional and longitudinal studies, as well as evaluations of interventions offered to improve mental wellbeing of physicians.

Peer Review reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” [ 41 ] One in four people worldwide are affected by mental health concerns [ 40 ]. Physicians are particularly vulnerable to experiencing mental illness due to the nature of their work, which is often stressful and characterized by shift work, irregular work hours, and a high pressure environment [ 1 , 21 , 31 ]. In North America, many physicians work in private practices with no access to formal institutional supports, which can result in higher instances of social isolation [ 13 , 27 ]. The literature on physicians’ mental health is growing, partly due to general concerns about mental wellbeing of health care workers and partly due to recognition that health care workers globally are dissatisfied with their work, which results in burnout and attrition from the workforce [ 31 , 34 ]. As a consequence, more efforts have been made globally to improve physicians’ mental health and wellness, which is known as “The Quadruple Aim.” [ 34 ] While the literature on mental health is flourishing, however, it has not been systematically summarized. This makes it challenging to identify what is being done to improve physicians’ wellbeing and which solutions are particularly promising [ 7 , 31 , 33 , 37 , 38 ]. The goal of our paper is to address this gap.

This paper explores what is known from the existing peer-reviewed literature about the mental health status of physicians and physicians-in-training in North America. Specifically, we examine (1) what types of mental health concerns among physicians are commonly discussed in the literature; (2) what are the reported causes of mental health concerns in physicians; (3) what are the effects that mental health concerns may have on physicians and their patients; (4) what solutions are proposed to improve mental health of physicians; and (5) what are the barriers to seeking and providing care to physicians with mental health concerns. Conducting this scoping review, our goal is to summarize the existing research, identifying the need for a subsequent systematic review of the literature in one or more areas under the study. We also hope to identify evidence-based interventions that can be utilized to improve physicians’ mental wellbeing and to suggest directions for future research [ 2 ]. Evidence-based interventions might have a positive impact on physicians and improve the quality of patient care they provide.

A scoping review of the academic literature on the mental health of physicians and physicians-in-training in North America was conducted using Arksey and O’Malley’s [ 2 ] methodological framework. Our review objectives and broad focus, including the general questions posed to conduct the review, lend themselves to a scoping review approach, which is suitable for the analysis of a broader range of study designs and methodologies [ 2 ]. Our goal was to map the existing research on this topic and identify knowledge gaps, without making any prior assumptions about the literature’s scope, range, and key findings [ 29 ].

Stage 1: identify the research question

Following the guidelines for scoping reviews [ 2 ], we developed a broad research question for our literature search, asking what does the academic literature tell about mental health issues among physicians, residents, and medical students in North America ? Burnout and other mental health concerns often begin in medical training and continue to worsen throughout the years of practice [ 31 ]. Recognizing that the study and practice of medicine plays a role in the emergence of mental health concerns, we focus on practicing physicians – general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons – and those who are still in training – residents and medical students. We narrowed down the focus of inquiry by asking the following sub-questions:

What types of mental health concerns among physicians are commonly discussed in the literature?

What are the reported causes of mental health problems in physicians and what solutions are available to improve the mental wellbeing of physicians?

What are the barriers to seeking and providing care to physicians suffering from mental health problems?

Stage 2: identify the relevant studies

We included in our review empirical papers published during January 2008–January 2018 in peer-reviewed journals. Our exclusive focus on peer-reviewed and empirical literature reflected our goal to develop an evidence-based platform for understanding mental health concerns in physicians. Since our focus was on prevalence of mental health concerns and promising practices available to physicians in North America, we excluded articles that were more than 10 years old, suspecting that they might be too outdated for our research interest. We also excluded papers that were not in English or outside the region of interest. Using combinations of keywords developed in consultation with a professional librarian (See Table  1 ), we searched databases PUBMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PsychNET. We also screened reference lists of the papers that came up in our original search to ensure that we did not miss any relevant literature.

Stage 3: literature selection

Publications were imported into a reference manager and screened for eligibility. During initial abstract screening, 146 records were excluded for being out of scope, 75 records were excluded for being outside the region of interest, and 4 papers were excluded because they could not be retrieved. The remaining 91 papers were included into the review. Figure  1 summarizes the literature search and selection.

figure 1

PRISMA Flow Diagram

Stage 4: charting the data

A literature extraction tool was created in Microsoft Excel to record the author, date of publication, location, level of training, type of article (empirical, report, commentary), and topic. Both authors coded the data inductively, first independently reading five articles and generating themes from the data, then discussing our coding and developing a coding scheme that was subsequently applied to ten more papers. We then refined and finalized the coding scheme and used it to code the rest of the data. When faced with disagreements on narrowing down the themes, we discussed our reasoning and reached consensus.

Stage 5: collating, summarizing, and reporting the results

The data was summarized by frequency and type of publication, mental health topics, and level of training. The themes inductively derived from the data included (1) description of mental health concerns affecting physicians and physicians-in-training; (2) prevalence of mental health concerns among this population; (3) possible causes that can explain the emergence of mental health concerns; (4) solutions or interventions proposed to address mental health concerns; (5) effects of mental health concerns on physicians and on patient outcomes; and (6) barriers for seeking and providing help to physicians afflicted with mental health concerns. Each paper was coded based on its relevance to major theme(s) and, if warranted, secondary focus. Therefore, one paper could have been coded in more than one category. Upon analysis, we identified the gaps in the literature.

Characteristics of included literature

The initial search yielded 316 records of which 91 publications underwent full-text review and were included in our scoping review. Our analysis revealed that the publications appear to follow a trend of increase over the course of the last decade reflecting the growing interest in physicians’ mental health. More than half of the literature was published in the last 4 years included in the review, from 2014 to 2018 ( n  = 55), with most publications in 2016 ( n  = 18) (Fig.  2 ). The majority of papers ( n  = 36) focused on practicing physicians, followed by papers on residents ( n  = 22), medical students ( n  = 21), and those discussing medical professionals with different level of training ( n  = 12). The types of publications were mostly empirical ( n  = 71), of which 46 papers were quantitative. Furthermore, the vast majority of papers focused on the United States of America (USA) ( n  = 83), with less than 9% focusing on Canada ( n  = 8). The frequency of identified themes in the literature is broken down into prevalence of mental health concerns ( n  = 15), causes of mental health concerns ( n  = 18), effects of mental health concerns on physicians and patients ( n  = 12), solutions and interventions for mental health concerns ( n  = 46), and barriers to seeking and providing care for mental health concerns ( n  = 4) (Fig.  3 ).

figure 2

Number of sources by characteristics of included literature

figure 3

Frequency of themes in literature ( n  = 91)

Mental health concerns and their prevalence in the literature

In this thematic category ( n  = 15), we coded the papers discussing the prevalence of specific mental health concerns among physicians and those comparing physicians’ mental health to that of the general population. Most papers focused on burnout and stress ( n  = 69), which was followed by depression and suicidal ideation ( n  = 28), psychological harm and distress ( n  = 9), wellbeing and wellness ( n  = 8), and general mental health ( n  = 3) (Fig.  4 ). The literature also identified that, on average, burnout and mental health concerns affect 30–60% of all physicians and residents [ 4 , 5 , 8 , 9 , 15 , 25 , 26 ].

figure 4

Number of sources by mental health topic discussed ( n  = 91)

There was some overlap between the papers discussing burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation, suggesting that work-related stress may lead to the emergence of more serious mental health problems [ 3 , 12 , 21 ], as well as addiction and substance abuse [ 22 , 27 ]. Residency training was shown to produce the highest rates of burnout [ 4 , 8 , 19 ].

Causes of mental health concerns

Papers discussing the causes of mental health concerns in physicians formed the second largest thematic category ( n  = 18). Unbalanced schedules and increasing administrative work were defined as key factors in producing poor mental health among physicians [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 15 , 27 ]. Some papers also suggested that the nature of the medical profession itself – competitive culture and prioritizing others – can lead to the emergence of mental health concerns [ 23 , 27 ]. Indeed, focus on qualities such as rigidity, perfectionism, and excessive devotion to work during the admission into medical programs fosters the selection of students who may be particularly vulnerable to mental illness in the future [ 21 , 24 ]. The third cluster of factors affecting mental health stemmed from structural issues, such as pressure from the government and insurance, fragmentation of care, and budget cuts [ 13 , 15 , 18 ]. Work overload, lack of control over work environment, lack of balance between effort and reward, poor sense of community among staff, lack of fairness and transparency by decision makers, and dissonance between one’s personal values and work tasks are the key causes for mental health concerns among physicians [ 20 ]. Govardhan et al. conceptualized causes for mental illness as having a cyclical nature - depression leads to burnout and depersonalization, which leads to patient dissatisfaction, causing job dissatisfaction and more depression [ 19 ].

Effects of mental health concerns on physicians and patients

A relatively small proportion of papers (13%) discussed the effects of mental health concerns on physicians and patients. The literature prioritized the direct effect of mental health on physicians ( n  = 11) with only one paper focusing solely on the indirect effects physicians’ mental health may have on patients. Poor mental health in physicians was linked to decreased mental and physical health [ 3 , 14 , 15 ]. In addition, mental health concerns in physicians were associated with reduction in work hours and the number of patients seen, decrease in job satisfaction, early retirement, and problems in personal life [ 3 , 5 , 15 ]. Lu et al. found that poor mental health in physicians may result in increased medical errors and the provision of suboptimal care [ 25 ]. Thus physicians’ mental wellbeing is linked to the quality of care provided to patients [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 10 , 17 ].

Solutions and interventions

In this largest thematic category ( n  = 46) we coded the literature that offered solutions for improving mental health among physicians. We identified four major levels of interventions suggested in the literature. A sizeable proportion of literature discussed the interventions that can be broadly categorized as primary prevention of mental illness. These papers proposed to increase awareness of physicians’ mental health and to develop strategies that can help to prevent burnout from occurring in the first place [ 4 , 12 ]. Some literature also suggested programs that can help to increase resilience among physicians to withstand stress and burnout [ 9 , 20 , 27 ]. We considered the papers referring to the strategies targeting physicians currently suffering from poor mental health as tertiary prevention . This literature offered insights about mindfulness-based training and similar wellness programs that can increase self-awareness [ 16 , 18 , 27 ], as well as programs aiming to improve mental wellbeing by focusing on physical health [ 17 ].

While the aforementioned interventions target individual physicians, some literature proposed workplace/institutional interventions with primary focus on changing workplace policies and organizational culture [ 4 , 13 , 23 , 25 ]. Reducing hours spent at work and paperwork demands or developing guidelines for how long each patient is seen have been identified by some researchers as useful strategies for improving mental health [ 6 , 11 , 17 ]. Offering access to mental health services outside of one’s place of employment or training could reduce the fear of stigmatization at the workplace [ 5 , 12 ]. The proposals for cultural shift in medicine were mainly focused on promoting a less competitive culture, changing power dynamics between physicians and physicians-in-training, and improving wellbeing among medical students and residents. The literature also proposed that the medical profession needs to put more emphasis on supporting trainees, eliminating harassment, and building strong leadership [ 23 ]. Changing curriculum for medical students was considered a necessary step for the cultural shift [ 20 ]. Finally, while we only reviewed one paper that directly dealt with the governmental level of prevention, we felt that it necessitated its own sub-thematic category because it identified the link between government policy, such as health care reforms and budget cuts, and the services and care physicians can provide to their patients [ 13 ].

Barriers to seeking and providing care

Only four papers were summarized in this thematic category that explored what the literature says about barriers for seeking and providing care for physicians suffering from mental health concerns. Based on our analysis, we identified two levels of factors that can impact access to mental health care among physicians and physicians-in-training.

Individual level barriers stem from intrinsic barriers that individual physicians may experience, such as minimizing the illness [ 21 ], refusing to seek help or take part in wellness programs [ 14 ], and promoting the culture of stoicism [ 27 ] among physicians. Another barrier is stigma associated with having a mental illness. Although stigma might be experienced personally, literature suggests that acknowledging the existence of mental health concerns may have negative consequences for physicians, including loss of medical license, hospital privileges, or professional advancement [ 10 , 21 , 27 ].

Structural barriers refer to the lack of formal support for mental wellbeing [ 3 ], poor access to counselling [ 6 ], lack of promotion of available wellness programs [ 10 ], and cost of treatment. Lack of research that tests the efficacy of programs and interventions aiming to improve mental health of physicians makes it challenging to develop evidence-based programs that can be implemented at a wider scale [ 5 , 11 , 12 , 18 , 20 ].

Our analysis of the existing literature on mental health concerns in physicians and physicians-in-training in North America generated five thematic categories. Over half of the reviewed papers focused on proposing solutions, but only a few described programs that were empirically tested and proven to work. Less common were papers discussing causes for deterioration of mental health in physicians (20%) and prevalence of mental illness (16%). The literature on the effects of mental health concerns on physicians and patients (13%) focused predominantly on physicians with only a few linking physicians’ poor mental health to medical errors and decreased patient satisfaction [ 3 , 4 , 16 , 24 ]. We found that the focus on barriers for seeking and receiving help for mental health concerns (4%) was least prevalent. The topic of burnout dominated the literature (76%). It seems that the nature of physicians’ work fosters the environment that causes poor mental health [ 1 , 21 , 31 ].

While emphasis on burnout is certainly warranted, it might take away the attention paid to other mental health concerns that carry more stigma, such as depression or anxiety. Establishing a more explicit focus on other mental health concerns might promote awareness of these problems in physicians and reduce the fear such diagnosis may have for doctors’ job security [ 10 ]. On the other hand, utilizing the popularity and non-stigmatizing image of “burnout” might be instrumental in developing interventions promoting mental wellbeing among a broad range of physicians and physicians-in-training.

Table  2 summarizes the key findings from the reviewed literature that are important for our understanding of physician mental health. In order to explicitly summarize the gaps in the literature, we mapped them alongside the areas that have been relatively well studied. We found that although non-empirical papers discussed physicians’ mental wellbeing broadly, most empirical papers focused on medical specialty (e.g. neurosurgeons, family medicine, etc.) [ 4 , 8 , 15 , 19 , 25 , 28 , 35 , 36 ]. Exclusive focus on professional specialty is justified if it features a unique context for generation of mental health concerns, but it limits the ability to generalize the findings to a broader population of physicians. Also, while some papers examined the impact of gender on mental health [ 7 , 32 , 39 ], only one paper considered ethnicity as a potential factor for mental health concerns and found no association [ 4 ]. Given that mental health in the general population varies by gender, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation, it would be prudent to examine mental health among physicians using an intersectional analysis [ 30 , 32 , 39 ]. Finally, of the empirical studies we reviewed, all but one had a cross-sectional design. Longitudinal design might offer a better understanding of the emergence and development of mental health concerns in physicians and tailor interventions to different stages of professional career. Additionally, it could provide an opportunity to evaluate programs’ and policies’ effectiveness in improving physicians’ mental health. This would also help to address the gap that we identified in the literature – an overarching focus on proposing solutions with little demonstrated evidence they actually work.

This review has several limitations. First, our focus on academic literature may have resulted in overlooking the papers that are not peer-reviewed but may provide interesting solutions to physician mental health concerns. It is possible that grey literature – reports and analyses published by government and professional organizations – offers possible solutions that we did not include in our analysis or offers a different view on physicians’ mental health. Additionally, older papers and papers not published in English may have information or interesting solutions that we did not include in our review. Second, although our findings suggest that the theme of burnout dominated the literature, this may be the result of the search criteria we employed. Third, following the scoping review methodology [ 2 ], we did not assess the quality of the papers, focusing instead on the overview of the literature. Finally, our research was restricted to North America, specifically Canada and the USA. We excluded Mexico because we believed that compared to the context of medical practice in Canada and the USA, which have some similarities, the work experiences of Mexican physicians might be different and the proposed solutions might not be readily applicable to the context of practice in Canada and the USA. However, it is important to note that differences in organization of medical practice in Canada and the USA do exist, as do differences across and within provinces in Canada and the USA. A comparative analysis can shed light on how the structure and organization of medical practice shapes the emergence of mental health concerns.

The scoping review we conducted contributes to the existing research on mental wellbeing of American and Canadian physicians by summarizing key knowledge areas and identifying key gaps and directions for future research. While the papers reviewed in our analysis focused on North America, we believe that they might be applicable to the global medical workforce. Identifying key gaps in our knowledge, we are calling for further research on these topics, including examination of medical training curricula and its impact on mental wellbeing of medical students and residents, research on common mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety, studies utilizing intersectional and longitudinal approaches, and program evaluations assessing the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve mental wellbeing of physicians. Focus on the effect physicians’ mental health may have on the quality of care provided to patients might facilitate support from government and policy makers. We believe that large-scale interventions that are proven to work effectively can utilize an upstream approach for improving the mental health of physicians and physicians-in-training.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

United States of America

World Health Organization

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West CP, Dyrbye LN, Erwin PJ, Shanafelt TD. Interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2016;388(10057):2272.

Williams D, Tricomi G, Gupta J, Janise A. Efficacy of burnout interventions in the medical education pipeline. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(1):47–54.

Woodside JR, Miller MN, Floyd MR, McGowen KR, Pfortmiller DT. Observations on burnout in family medicine and psychiatry residents. Acad Psychiatry. 2008;32(1):13–9.

World Health Organization. (2001). Mental disorders affect one in four people.

World Health Organization. Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence, practice (Summary Report). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2004.

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Mara Mihailescu

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M.M. and E.N. were involved in identifying the relevant research question and developing the combinations of keywords used in consultation with a professional librarian. M.M. performed the literature selection and screening of references for eligibility. Both authors were involved in the creation of the literature extraction tool in Excel. Both authors coded the data inductively, first independently reading five articles and generating themes from the data, then discussing their coding and developing a coding scheme that was subsequently applied to ten more papers. Both authors then refined and finalized the coding scheme and M.M. used it to code the rest of the data. M.M. conceptualized and wrote the first copy of the manuscript, followed by extensive drafting by both authors. E.N. was a contributor to writing the final manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Mihailescu, M., Neiterman, E. A scoping review of the literature on the current mental health status of physicians and physicians-in-training in North America. BMC Public Health 19 , 1363 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7661-9

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how to write a research paper on mental health

Professor Rhonda Wilson PhD RN

Writing an abstract for mental health topics: top ten tips.

Whether you are a consumer/user/patient, carer or family member, clinician, or a researcher… if you have some experience with mental health… you probably have some information that you have learned along the way about improving mental health opportunities for others in the future. And information from all of these sources contributes to the pot of all known knowledge about mental health. Sharing the gems of knowledge we have can be challenging (and a bit scary sometimes too!) But, sharing makes a useful contribution. This blog is about one way to contribute to the convincing tried and tested evidence end of the knowledge spectrum…

These days in mental health conferences in particular we are seeing more people with lived experience speaking, and being included in conference discussions and agendas – respect is growing, the environment is becoming more inclusive. Clinicians are also increasingly being included, and asked to share their practice rich knowledge. Meanwhile researchers and scholars have a long experience in speaking and writing about mental health topics, however, they are becoming increasingly challenged to do so using some co-design and co-creation principles. The collaborative and inclusive shared environment of knowledge production (evidence) to improve, prevent illness, promote health and well-being and to support recovery is slowly changing and hopefully becoming stronger and more informed as a result.

Some of the traditional formats for knowledge exchange have a procedure for selecting and screening information. The abstract, a very brief and concise overview that summarises a longer discussion, makes a first impression, and is the first hurdle you encounter if you want to present your ideas to mental health professionals, and have them taken seriously. The abstract is a hard hitting pitch to your reviewers who will ultimately decide if your argument is convincing enough, and accurate enough to be included in a peer reviewed context such as a scientific conference or a journal.

Peer review is widely considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of ensuring that ideas, have sufficient merit, have been obtained in an ethical fashion, are organised and analysed using a reliable, logical and trustworthy processes, and can be considered dependable and credible. Of course it has its limitations… but it is how the scientific world revolves at the moment, and if you want to add your voice and your ideas to the scientific mental health audience – this is the process your ideas must undergo to show they are indeed valid!

For conferences, a call for abstracts is sent out up to a year before the conference date. Three common conference presentation styles are: a Poster; an Oral paper; or as part of a Symposium.

For most journals you can submit a full manuscript anytime, and you will be asked to include an abstract. You will be asked to follow the authors instructions and these must be adhered to very closely – otherwise, your submission will simply be rejected – no one will read it at all. Don’t be overwhelmed though… just go through the step by step list, do as they ask… and things can proceed very smoothly.

When you submit your paper – your abstract is your ‘sales pitch’… Manuscripts and abstracts usually are sent to experts in the field – but only about 4 people in the first instance. You have to gain the interest of (usually) 3 peer reviewers and an editor or scientific chair person. The reviewers are called ‘blind’ – but only because they are not given your name or details, and theirs are not revealed to you! They are asked to critically analyse your submission and to make a judgement on whether it should be accepted and presented to the wider mental health audience (conference delegates or journal readership). It is complicated, and a big responsibility for the reviewers and editors – because they are to some extent the guardians of the evidence on which good practice is based. So – we want it to be a very rigorous, process so we can all trust it as much as possible, for the public good. It is a very serious business. What is more, is that reviewers don’t get paid for this work… it is volunteer on top of their other responsibilities, as a service to their discipline. So, don’t cheese them off with a half baked abstract!

So – here is the How To guide!

  • You have 250 words (average) and that is all. Automated functions will only allow a certain number of words or characters and you simply can’t enter anymore than what the programmed file will allow. 250 words is common – you will soon find that when you start writing, they get get used up very quickly.
  • Your 250 words must be captivating, interesting and thoughtful ! (Remember your reviewers are volunteering to review your work… they have probably opened your file after dinner at night… after a long day at work… they are hoping to open something that will be inspirational – something new… now is not the time to let them down!)
  • Make sure that you are reporting what you have actually done. .. not what you hope to do, unless you are presenting a protocol.
  • Use key words that will help your work to be found in the literature searches of others in the future!
  • Make sure you acknowledge your co authors and affiliations .
  • Make sure your ideas are aligned to your audience – a good fit   – you need to match the right audience, with the right time and the right ideas.
  • Background/ Significance
  • Results/Findings
  • Implications .
  • Make sure your work can be reviewed as recent, relevant, and reliable. (Don’t let it get too old… and don’t slice the salami too many times).
  • Make sure the topic of your abstract matches the conference themes.
  • Make sure you have a tight, concise and well argued discussion. Get a trusted mentor to read it through and critique prior to submitting.

Remember – if you get rejected – don’t lose heart… try again, look at the feedback, try to work on a new more convincing draft, seek feedback from someone with more experience than you, find a mentor… and of course – the reviewers aren’t infallible… sometimes they get it wrong, and you have to wear it. You will have to muster some resilience, be brave – refine… revise… rework.. . and try again another time.

Useful links: 

https://www.iepaconference.org/iepa11/submissions/

http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?show=instructions&journalCode=rnpy20

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html

I call bullshit on pointless ‘hope labour’

file:///Users/rwilson/Downloads/Vancouver%20Protocol.pdf

confessions of a crabby conference abstract reviewer

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Mental Health Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 9th, 2023 , Revised On August 16, 2023

Introduction

You probably found your way here looking for mental health topics for your final year research project. Look no further, we have drafted a list of issues, and their research aims to help you when you are brainstorming for dissertation or thesis topics on mental health in 2020.

PhD-qualified writers of our team have developed these topics, so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal or full dissertation service from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the topic, research question , aim and objectives, literature review , and the proposed research methodology to be conducted. Let us know if you need any help in getting started.

Check our dissertation examples to understand how to structure your dissertation .

Latest Mental Health Dissertation Topics for 2023

Review the step-by-step guide on how to write your dissertation here .

  • Topic 1: Assessing the Influence of Parents’ Divorce or Separation on Adolescent Children regarding long-term psychological impact.
  • Topic 2: Investigating the impact of Trauma and Health-related quality of life on a child’s Mental health and self-worth.

Topic 3: Assessing the effect of Psychological training on males suffering from Post-Surgery Anxiety in the UK.

  • Topic 4: Investigating the Relationship between Mental Illness and Suicides- A case study of UK’s Young Adults.

Topic 5: Examining the behaviour of Mental Health Nurses taking care of Schizophrenia Patients in the UK.

Topic 1: an assessment of the influence of parents' divorce or separation on adolescent children in terms of long-term psychological impact..

Research Aim: This study aims to investigate the level of traumas experienced by the children of divorced or separated parents. The principal aim of this study is to explore the long-term psychological impacts of parents’ divorce on the life of children regardless of their gender and age in terms of mental wellbeing, academic performance, and self-worth.

Topic 2: An investigation of the impact of Trauma and Health-related quality of life on the Mental health and Self-worth of a child.

Research Aim: This study aims to assess the long-term impacts of the trauma children face in their early years of life on their overall mental health. Also, numerous studies have emphasized improving the quality of life for children who tend to experience multiple traumas and take them along in adulthood. Therefore, this study also proposed the impacts of traumatic childhood experiences on self-worth, mental health, and vitality of implementing firm intervention before the child reaches adulthood.

Research Aim: Postoperative problems may occur as a result of surgical stress. This study aims to examine different approaches to control post-surgical anxiety and improve patients’ lives in the short and long term, focusing on male patients in the UK. It will also give us an understanding of how psychological training and interventions affect anxiety in male patients and help them overcome this through a systematic review.

Topic 4: Investigating the Relationship between Mental illness and Suicides- A case study of UK's Young Adults.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the relationship between mental illness and suicides and risk factors in the UK. This study will specifically focus on young adults. It will examine different mental disorders and how they have led to suicide and will analyse further studies of people who had died by suicide and find evidence of the presence or absence of mental illness.

Research Aim: Negative behaviours and discrimination have been usually reported as a reason for the inconvenience in the treatment of mentally ill or schizophrenia patients, which negatively impacts the patient’s results. Health care professionals’ attitudes have been regarded as being more negative than the general public, which lowers the outlook for patients suffering from mental illness. This study will examine the behaviour of mental health nurses regarding schizophrenia patients in the UK and also focus on the characteristics associated with nurses’ attitudes.

COVID-19 Mental Health Research Topics

Topic1: impacts of the coronavirus on the mental health of various age groups.

Research Aim: This study will reveal the impacts of coronavirus on the mental health of various age groups

Topic 2: Mental health and psychological resilience during COVID-19

Research Aim: Social distancing has made people isolated and affected their mental health. This study will highlight various measures to overcome the stress and mental health of people during coronavirus.

Topic 3: The mental health of children and families during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will address the challenging situations faced by children and families during lockdown due to COVID-19. It will also discuss various ways to overcome the fear of disease and stay positive.

Topic 4: Mental wellbeing of patients during the Coronavirus pandemic

Research Aim: This study will focus on the measures taken by the hospital management, government, and families to ensure patients’ mental well-being, especially COVID-19 patients.

Best Mental Health Topics for Your Dissertation in the Year 2021

Topic 1: kids and their relatives with cancer: psychological challenges.

Research Aim: In cancer diagnoses and therapies, children often don’t know what happens. Many have psychosocial problems, including rage, terror, depression, disturbing their sleep, inexpiable guilt, and panic. Therefore, this study is designed to identify and treat the child and its family members’ psychological issues.

Topic 2: Hematopoietic device reaction in ophthalmology patient’s radiation therapy

Research Aim: This research is based on the analysis of hematopoietic devices’ reactions to ophthalmology’s radiation.

Topic 3: Psychological effects of cyberbullying Vs. physical bullying: A counter study

Research Aim: This research will focus on the effects of cyberbullying and physical bullying and their consequences on the victim’s mental health. The most significant part is the counter effects on our society’s environment and human behaviour, particularly youth.

Topic 4: Whether or not predictive processing is a theory of perceptual consciousness?

Research Aim: This research aims to identify: whether or not predictive processing is a theory of perceptual consciousness?

Topic 5: Importance of communication in a relationship

Research Aim: This research aims to address the importance of communication in relationships and the communication gap consequences.

Topic 6: Eating and personality disorders

Research Aim: This research aims to focus on eating and personality disorders

Topic 7: Analysis of teaching, assessment, and evaluation of students and learning differences

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse teaching methods, assessment, and evaluation systems of students and their learning differences

Topic 8: Social and psychological effects of virtual networks

Research Aim: This research aims to study the social and psychological effects of virtual networks

Topic 9: The role of media in provoking aggression

Research Aim: This research aims to address the role of media and in provoking aggression among people

Best Mental Health Topics for Your Dissertation in the Year 2020

Topic 1: what is the impact of social media platforms on the mental wellbeing of adults.

Research Aim: the current study aims to investigate the impact social media platforms tend to have on adults’ mental well-being with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. While many studies have been carried out to gauge the impact of social media platforms on teenagers’ mental well-being, little to no research has been performed to investigate how the health of adults might be affected by the same and how social media platforms like Facebook impact them.

Topic 2: The contemporary practical management approach to treating personality disorders

Research Aim: This research will discuss the contemporary practical management approach for treating personality disorders in mental health patients. In the previous days, much of the personality disorder treatments were based on medicines and drugs. Therefore, this research will address contemporary and practical ways to manage how personality disorders affect the mental state of the individuals who have the disease.

Topic 3: How is Prozac being used in the modern-day to treat self-diagnosed depression?

Research Aim: In the current day and age, besides people suffering from clinical depression, many of the teens and the adults across have started to suffer from self-diagnosed depression. To treat their self-diagnosed depression, individuals take Prozac through all the wrong means, which harms their mental state even more. Therefore, the current study aims to shed light on how Prozac is being used in the modern age and the adverse effects of misinformed use on the patients.

Topic 4: Are women more prone to suffer from mental disorders than men: Comparative analysis

Research Aim: There have been several arguments regarding whether women are more likely to suffer from mental disorders than men. Much of the research carried out provides evidence that women are more prone to suffer from mental disorders. This research study aims to conduct a comparative analysis to determine whether it’s more likely for men or women to suffer from mental disorders and what role biological and societal factors play in determining the trend.

Topic 5: The impact of breakups on the mental health of men?

Research Aim: Several studies have been carried out to discuss how women are affected more by a breakup than men. However, little research material is available in support of the impact the end of a relationship can have on men’s mental health. Therefore, this research study will fill out the gap in research to determine the impact of a breakup on men’s mental health and stability.

Topic 6: A theoretical analysis of the Impact of emotional attachment on mental health?

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the theories developed around emotional attachment to address how emotional attachment can harm individuals’ mental health across the globe. Several theories discuss the role that emotional attachment tends to play in the mind of a healthy being, and how emotional attachment can often negatively affect mental well-being.

Topic 7: How do social media friendships contribute to poor mental health?

Research Aim: This research idea aims to address how social media friendships and networking can often lead to a lack of self-acceptance, self-loathing, self-pity, self-comparison, and depression due to the different mindsets that are present in today’s world.

Topic 8: What role do parents play in ensuring the mental well-being of their children?

Research Aim: It is assumed that parents tend to stop playing a role in ensuring that the mental health and well-being of their children are being maintained after a certain age. Therefore, this study will aim to put forward the idea that even after the children pass the age of 18, activities and their relationship with their parents would always play a role in the way their mental health is being transformed.

Topic 9: A study on the mental health of soldiers returning from Iraq?

Research Aim: This topic idea puts forward the aim that the mental health of soldiers who return from war-struck areas is always a subject of interest, as each of the soldiers carries a mental burden. Therefore, it is vital to understand the soldiers’ mental health returning from Iraq, focusing on what causes their mental health to deteriorate during the war and suggestions of what to do or who to call if they do become unwell.

Topic 10: How the contemporary media practices in the UK are leading to mental health problems?

Research Aim: The media is known to have control and influence over people’s mindsets who are connected to it. Many of the contemporary media practices developed in the UK can negatively impact the mental well-being of individuals, which makes it necessary to analyse how they are contributing to the mental health problems among the UK population.

Topic 11: What is the impact of television advertising on the mental development of children in the UK?

Research Aim: This topic would aim to address how television advertising can negatively impact children’s mental development in the United Kingdom, as it has been observed in many studies that television advertising is detrimental to the mental health of children.

Topic 12: How deteriorating mental health can have an Impact on physical health?

Research Aim: This research aims to address the side-effects of deteriorating mental health on the physical health of individuals in the society, as it is believed that the majority of the physical ailments in the modern-day and age are due to the deteriorating mental health of individuals. The study can address the treatments for many ailments in our society due to deteriorating mental health and well-being.

Topic 13: The relationship between unemployment and mental health

Research Aim: How unemployment relates to concepts, such as a declining economy or lack of social skills and education, has been frequently explored by many researchers in the past. However, not many have discussed the relationship between unemployment and the mental health of unemployed individuals. Therefore, this topic will help address the problems faced by individuals due to unemployment because of the mental blocks they are likely to develop and experience. In the future, it would lead to fewer people being depressed due to unemployment when further research is carried out.

Topic 14: The mental health problems of prisoners in the United Kingdom

Research Aim: While prisoners across the globe are criticised and studied for the negativity that goes on in their mindsets, one would rarely research the mental health problems they tend to develop when they become a prisoner for committing any crime. It is often assumed that it is the life inside the prison walls that impacts the prisoners’ mental health in a way that leads to them committing more crimes. Therefore, this research topic has been developed to study prison’s impact on prisoners’ mental well-being in the United Kingdom to eventually decrease the number of crimes that occur due to the negative environment inside the prisons.

Topic 15: Mental well-being of industry workers in China

Research Aim: While many research studies have been carried out regarding the conditions that the workers in China tend to be exposed to, there is very little supporting evidence regarding the impact such working conditions have on the mindset and mental health of the workers. Therefore, this study aims to address the challenges faced by industry workers in China and the impact that such challenges can have on their mental well-being.

Topic 16: Is the provision of mental health care services in the United Kingdom effective?

Research Aim: Many people have made different assumptions regarding the mental health care services provided across the globe. However, it seems that little to no research has been carried out regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the provision of mental health care services in the United Kingdom. Therefore, this study aims to put forward research into the mental health care services provided in well-developed countries like the United Kingdom to gauge the awareness and importance of mental health in the region.

Topic 17: What are the mental health problems the minorities in the United Kingdom face?

Research Aim: It is believed that the minorities in the United Kingdom are likely to experience physical abuse, societal abuse and are often exposed to discrimination and unfair acts at the workplace and in their social circle. The study investigates the range of mental problems faced by minorities in the UK, which need to be addressed to have equality, diversity, and harmony.

Topic 18: The impact the Coronavirus has had on the mental health of the Chinese people

Research Aim: The spread of the deadly Coronavirus has led to many deaths in the region of China, and many of those who have been suspected of the virus are being put in isolation and quarantine. Such conditions tend to have hurt the mental health of those who have suffered from the disease and those who have watched people suffer from it. Therefore, the current study aims to address how the Coronavirus has impacted the mental health of the Chinese people.

Topic 19: How to create change in mental health organisations in China?

Research Aim: Research suggests little awareness about mental health in many Asian countries. As mental health problems are on the rise across the globe, it is necessary to change mental health organisations. Therefore, the study aims to discuss how to create change in mental health organisations in the Asian region using China’s example.

Topic 20: Addressing the mental health concerns of the Syrian refugees in the UK

Research Aim: This research project would address the concerns in terms of the refugees’ mental health and well-being, using an example of the Syrian refugees who had been allowed entry into the United Kingdom. This idea aims to put forward the negative effects that migration can have on the refugees and how further research is required to combat such issues not just in the United Kingdom but worldwide.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

Important Notes:

As a mental health student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment on existing mental health theories – i.e., to add value and interest in the topic of your research.

Mental health is vast and interrelated to so many other academic disciplines like civil engineering ,  construction ,  project management , engineering management , healthcare , finance and accounting , artificial intelligence , tourism , physiotherapy , sociology , management , project management , and nursing . That is why it is imperative to create a project management dissertation topic that is articular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best mental health dissertation topics that fulfill your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample mental health dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Mental Health Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

  • A Title Page
  • Acknowledgements
  • Declaration
  • Abstract: A summary of the research completed
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
  • Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths whilst identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic, and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
  • Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
  • Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
  • Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter, and state whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section of the paper is to draw a linkage between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
  • References : This should be completed following your University’s requirements
  • Bibliography
  • Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to find mental health dissertation topics.

To find mental health dissertation topics:

  • Research recent mental health issues.
  • Examine gaps in existing literature.
  • Consider diverse populations or perspectives.
  • Explore treatment approaches or therapies.
  • Look into stigma and societal factors.
  • Select a topic that resonates with you for in-depth study.

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Authorizing your dissertation is a very challenging task. As determined by the supervisors and advisors, the subjects should be innovative and creative, cover both theoretical and practical aspects, and add something new to the field.

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207 Mental Health Research Topics For Top Students

Mental Health Research Topics

College and university students pursuing psychology studies must write research papers on mental health in their studies. It is not always an exciting moment for the students since getting quality mental health topics is tedious. However, this article presents expert ideas and writing tips for students in this field. Enjoy!

What Is Mental Health?

It is an integral component of health that deals with the feeling of well-being when one realizes his or her abilities, cope with the pressures of life, and productively work. Mental health also incorporates how humans interact with each other, emote, or think. It is a vital concern of any human life that cannot be neglected.

How To Write Mental Health Research Topics

One should approach the subject of mental health with utmost preciseness. If handled carelessly, cases such as depression, suicide or low self-esteem may occur. That is why students are advised to carefully choose mental health research paper topics for their paper with the mind reader. To get mental health topics for research paper, you can use the following sources:

  • The WHO website
  • Websites of renowned psychology clinics
  • News reports and headlines.

However, we have a list of writing ideas that you can use for your inspiration. Check them out!

Top Mental Disorders Research Topics

  • Is the psychological treatment of mental disorders working for all?
  • How do substance-use disorders impede the healing process?
  • Discuss the effectiveness of the mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)
  • Are non-specialists in mental health able to manage severe mental disorders?
  • The role of the WHO in curbing and treating mental disorders globally
  • The contribution of coronavirus pandemic to mental disorders
  • How does television contribute to mental disorders among teens?
  • Does religion play a part in propagating mental disorders?
  • How does peer pressure contribute to mental disorders among teens?
  • The role of the guidance and counselling departments in helping victims of mental disorders
  • How to develop integrated and responsive mental health to such disorders
  • Discuss various strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health
  • The role of information systems in mental disorders

Mental Illness Research Questions

  • The role of antidepressant medicines in treating mental illnesses
  • How taxation of alcoholic beverages and their restriction can help in curbing mental illnesses
  • The impact of mental illnesses on the economic development of a country
  • Efficient and cost-effective ways of treating mental illnesses
  • Early childhood interventions to prevent future mental illnesses
  • Why children from single-parent families are prone to mental illnesses
  • Do opportunities for early learning have a role in curbing mental diseases?
  • Life skills programmes that everyone should embrace to fight mental illnesses
  • The role of nutrition and diet in causing mental illness
  • How socio-economic empowerment of women can help promote mental health
  • Practical social support for elderly populations to prevent mental illnesses
  • How to help vulnerable groups against mental illnesses
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of mental health promotional activities in schools

Hot Mental Health Topics For Research

  • Do stress prevention programmes on TV work?
  • The role of anti-discrimination laws and campaigns in promoting mental health
  • Discuss specific psychological and personality factors leading to mental disorders
  • How can biological factors lead to mental problems?
  • How stressful work conditions can stir up mental health disorders
  • Is physical ill-health a pivotal contributor to mental disorders today?
  • Why sexual violence has led many to depression and suicide
  • The role of life experiences in mental illnesses: A case of trauma
  • How family history can lead to mental health problems
  • Can people with mental health problems recover entirely?
  • Why sleeping too much or minor can be an indicator of mental disorders.
  • Why do people with mental health problems pull away from others?
  • Discuss confusion as a sign of mental disorders

Research Topics For Mental Health Counseling

  • Counselling strategies that help victims cope with the stresses of life
  • Is getting professional counselling help becoming too expensive?
  • Mental health counselling for bipolar disorders
  • How psychological counselling affects victims of mental health disorders
  • What issues are students free to share with their guiding and counselling masters?
  • Why are relationship issues the most prevalent among teenagers?
  • Does counselling help in the case of obsessive-compulsive disorders?
  • Is counselling a cure to mental health problems?
  • Why talking therapies are the most effective in dealing with mental disorders
  • How does talking about your experiences help in dealing with the problem?
  • Why most victims approach their counsellors feeling apprehensive and nervous
  • How to make a patient feel comfortable during a counselling session
  • Why counsellors should not push patients to talk about stuff they aren’t ready to share

Mental Health Law Research Topics

  • Discuss the effectiveness of the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Does the Capacity to Consent to Treatment law push patients to the wall?
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of mental health courts
  • Does forcible medication lead to severe mental health problems?
  • Discuss the institutionalization of mental health facilities
  • Analyze the Consent to Clinical Research using mentally ill patients
  • What rights do mentally sick patients have? Are they effective?
  • Critically analyze proxy decision making for mental disorders
  • Why some Psychiatric Advance directives are punitive
  • Discuss the therapeutic jurisprudence of mental disorders
  • How effective is legal guardianship in the case of mental disorders?
  • Discuss psychology laws & licensing boards in the United States
  • Evaluate state insanity defence laws

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Mental Health

  • Do mentally ill patients have a right to choose whether to go to psychiatric centres or not?
  • Should families take the elderly to mental health institutions?
  • Does the doctor have the right to end the life of a terminally ill mental patient?
  • The use of euthanasia among extreme cases of mental health
  • Are mental disorders a result of curses and witchcraft?
  • Do violent video games make children aggressive and uncontrollable?
  • Should mental institutions be located outside the cities?
  • How often should families visit their relatives who are mentally ill?
  • Why the government should fully support the mentally ill
  • Should mental health clinics use pictures of patients without their consent?
  • Should families pay for the care of mentally ill relatives?
  • Do mentally ill patients have the right to marry or get married?
  • Who determines when to send a patient to a mental health facility?

Mental Health Topics For Discussion

  • The role of drama and music in treating mental health problems
  • Explore new ways of coping with mental health problems in the 21 st century
  • How social media is contributing to various mental health problems
  • Does Yoga and meditation help to treat mental health complications?
  • Is the mental health curriculum for psychology students inclusive enough?
  • Why solving problems as a family can help alleviate mental health disorders
  • Why teachers can either maintain or disrupt the mental state of their students
  • Should patients with mental health issues learn to live with their problems?
  • Why socializing is difficult for patients with mental disorders
  • Are our online psychology clinics effective in handling mental health issues?
  • Discuss why people aged 18-25 are more prone to mental health problems
  • Analyze the growing trend of social stigma in the United States
  • Are all people with mental health disorders violent and dangerous?

Mental Health Of New Mothers Research Topics

  • The role of mental disorders in mother-infant bonding
  • How mental health issues could lead to delays in the emotional development of the infant
  • The impact of COVID-19 physical distancing measures on postpartum women
  • Why anxiety and depression are associated with preterm delivery
  • The role of husbands in attending to wives’ postpartum care needs
  • What is the effectiveness of screening for postpartum depression?
  • The role of resilience in dealing with mental issues after delivery
  • Why marginalized women are more prone to postpartum depression
  • Why failure to bond leads to mental disorders among new mothers
  • Discuss how low and middle-income countries contribute to perinatal depression
  • How to prevent the recurrence of postpartum mental disorders in future
  • The role of anti-depression drugs in dealing with depression among new mothers
  • A case study of the various healthcare interventions for perinatal anxiety and mood disorders

What Are The Hot Topics For Mental Health Research Today

  • Discuss why mental health problems may be a result of a character flaw
  • The impact of damaging stereotypes in mental health
  • Why are many people reluctant to speak about their mental health issues?
  • Why the society tends to judge people with mental issues
  • Does alcohol and wasting health help one deal with a mental problem?
  • Discuss the role of bullying in causing mental health disorders among students
  • Why open forums in school and communities can help in curbing mental disorders
  • How to build healthy relationships that can help in solving mental health issues
  • Discuss frustration and lack of understanding in relationships
  • The role of a stable and supportive family in preventing mental disorders
  • How parents can start mental health conversations with their children
  • Analyze the responsibilities of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
  • The role of a positive mind in dealing with psychological problems

Good Research Topics On Refugees Mental Health

  • Why do refugees find themselves under high levels of stress?
  • Discuss the modalities of looking after the mental health of refugees
  • Evaluate the importance of a cultural framework in helping refugees with mental illnesses
  • How refugee camp administrators can help identify mental health disorders among refugees
  • Discuss the implications of dangerous traditional practices
  • The role of the UNHCR in assisting refugees with mental problems
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among refugees
  • Dealing with hopelessness among refugees
  • The prevalence of traumatic experiences in refugee camps
  • Does cognitive-behavioural therapy work for refugees?
  • Discuss the role of policy planning in dealing with refugee-mental health problems
  • Are psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine effective in refugee camps?
  • Practical groups and in‐group therapeutic settings for refugee camps

Adolescent Mental Health Research Topics

  • Discuss why suicide is among the leading causes of death among adolescents
  • The role of acting-out behaviour or substance use in mental issues among adolescents
  • Mental effects of unsafe sexual behaviour among adolescents
  • Psychopharmacologic agents and menstrual dysfunction in adolescents
  • The role of confidentiality in preventive care visits
  • Mental health disorders and impairment among adolescents
  • Why adolescents not in school risk developing mental disorders
  • Does a clinical model work for adolescents with mental illnesses?
  • The role of self-worth and esteem in dealing with adolescent mental disorders
  • How to develop positive relationships with peers
  • Technology and mental ill-health among adolescents
  • How to deal with stigma among adolescents
  • Curriculum that supports young people to stay engaged and motivated

Research Topics For Mental Health And Government

  • Evaluate mental health leadership and governance in the United States
  • Advocacy and partnerships in dealing with mental health
  • Discuss mental health and socio-cultural perspective
  • Management and coordination of mental health policy frameworks
  • Roles and responsibilities of governments in dealing with mental health
  • Monitoring and evaluation of mental health policies
  • What is the essence of a mental health commission?
  • Benefits of mental well-being to the prosperity of a country
  • Necessary reforms to the mental health systems
  • Legal frameworks for dealing with substance use disorders
  • How mental health can impede the development of a country
  • The role of the government in dealing with decaying mental health institutions
  • Inadequate legislation in dealing with mental health problems

Abnormal Psychology Topics

  • What does it mean to display strange behaviour?
  • Role of mental health professionals in dealing with abnormal psychology
  • Discuss the concept of dysfunction in mental illness
  • How does deviance relate to mental illness?
  • Role of culture and social norms
  • The cost of treating abnormal psychology in the US
  • Using aversive treatment in abnormal psychology
  • Importance of psychological debriefing
  • Is addiction a mental disease?
  • Use of memory-dampening drugs
  • Coercive interrogations and psychology

Behavioural Health Issues In Mental Health

  • Detachment from reality
  • Inability to withstand daily problems
  • Conduct disorder among children
  • Role of therapy in behavioural disorders
  • Eating and drinking habits and mental health
  • Addictive behaviour patterns for teenagers in high school
  • Discuss mental implications of gambling and sex addiction
  • Impact of maladaptive behaviours on the society
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Confused thinking
  • Role of friends in behavioural complications
  • Spiritual leaders in helping deal with behavioural issues
  • Suicidal thoughts

Latest Psychology Research Topics

  • Discrimination and prejudice in a society
  • Impact of negative social cognition
  • Role of personal perceptions
  • How attitudes affect mental well-being
  • Effects of cults on cognitive behaviour
  • Marketing and psychology
  • How romance can distort normal cognitive functioning
  • Why people with pro-social behaviour may be less affected
  • Leadership and mental health
  • Discuss how to deal with anti-social personality disorders
  • Coping with phobias in school
  • The role of group therapy
  • Impact of dreams on one’s psychological behaviour

Professional Psychiatry Research Topics

  • The part of false memories
  • Media and stress disorders
  • Impact of gender roles
  • Role of parenting styles
  • Age and psychology
  • The biography of Harry Harlow
  • Career paths in psychology
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Dealing with paranoia
  • Delusions and their remedy
  • A distorted perception of reality
  • Rights of mental caregivers
  • Dealing with a loss
  • Handling a break-up

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Thesis Helpers

how to write a research paper on mental health

Find the best tips and advice to improve your writing. Or, have a top expert write your paper.

230 Current Mental Health Research Topics For Top Dissertation

mental health research topics

Mental health characterizes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It involves the taking of multiple approaches to care for these different areas.

Medical news today notes that our mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to other people, and make healthy and articulate choices.

Mental health research is fast becoming one of the most researched areas in health. With this, so many research works can be chosen from this field. Therefore, as a student writing your essay on mental health, you must conduct extensive research for sufficient information.

Structure Of Mental Health Research Paper Or Essay

Students often have ample information on the chosen mental health nursing research topics, but the challenge they often encounter is properly arranging these topics to communicate knowledge effectively. We’ve prepared a mental illness research paper outline to improve your research paper.

  • Abstract. Your abstract provides a summary of the area your topic will be based on and what the aim and objectives of this topic focus are. Your abstract is like a door that leads to your research, so you need to make it interesting and informative.
  • Introduction. The introduction is the foremost part of your research paper or essay. Your introduction should always be straightforward, touching across all the relevant information that will be further pieced out subsequently.
  • Body. This is the actual content of your research paper or essay. In the body, you are expected to assemble all the various subtitles related and relevant to your topic of interest. All your opinions, findings, research methodology, and discussions will be contained in the body. To create a rich, high quality research paper or essay, the body of your writing must examine relevant data.
  • Conclusion. Your conclusion is the part where you are expected to summarise your arguments, thereby restating your thesis. By doing this, you’re bringing everything you’ve examined into consciousness again to remind your readers of the main issues and how it has been developed in the course of your writing.
  • Reference List. In the course of your essay, you must have used different sources. As you go along, you should therefore ensure that you keep notes of the books, journals, articles you have read, ensuring that the reference style goes with what your university and college recommend for your class. This way, you’ll stick with what your school dictates as the reference style and be praised by your teachers or professors at the end of the school year. Your references also have to be current.

By using this structure your thesis or dissertation will be way more clear.

Characteristics Of Mental Health Essay

How do you recognize a good essay? How do you know that everyone will welcome your contributions to the mental health essays? It would help if you considered these tips:

  • Clear Grammar. In other words, your diction must be grand yet easily understood. If it’s difficult for one to efficiently and thoroughly grasp your work, it’s not great work, and the essay’s purpose could be jeopardized. It would help if you communicated in simple language.
  • Conciseness. Conciseness is simply communicating in as few words as possible. As the soul of communication, brevity makes your words last longer in the minds of readers. To achieve this, erase superfluous or elaborative words, be pointed in your writing, and make your sentences too passive.
  • Depth and Arguments. Your arguments must be intellectually in depth and high level. With different mental health topics to write about, you need to explore a topic whose arguments you can profoundly develop. With this, you’ll be able to turn the ideas into something exciting and engaging. To create a good essay or an engaging one, this is something your readers look forward to.
  • Clear Structure. You must structure your work to relate well with your mental illness research topics. This is the only way to make your readers follow your thoughts without stress. Thus, your essay or paper must have an introduction, a body, the conclusion, and a reference list.

This brief guide should help you have an idea of what a professor is looking for. And now here is a helpful list of topics to consider when writing your bachelor thesis or about mental health in general:

Research Questions About Mental Health

Since the subject, mental health is quite vast and includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, below are some of the best mental health research questions that allow the student to focus on a particular field of research.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of delivering mental health care virtually?
  • Can mental health conditions limit how a person engages with technology?
  • How can physicians maximize the combination of existing treatment options with virtual mental health procedures?
  • Have virtual interventions been proven safe?
  • What are the measures put in place to ensure that mental health platforms are safe?
  • What different effects will the adoption of virtual meetups have on the patients’ appointment time?
  • Are virtual therapies as effective as physical therapies?
  • Can one ascertain total satisfaction from standard elements of therapy through virtual meetups?
  • Does virtual interaction create better avenues for minorities as compared to traditional interface?
  • Can the different virtual platforms be used to reach out to people with mental health problems effectively?
  • Does obesity affect mental health?
  • What are the possible symptoms of mental illness in family members?
  • At what point do people with mental illness become destructive?
  • What are the causes of anorexia?
  • Why does a person with mental illness begin to cut themselves?
  • How easily can one treat post-traumatic stress?
  • Does childbirth lead to depression?
  • Are mental illnesses more prevalent in men or women?
  • Is ADHD a mental illness?
  • What are the causes of ADHD in young adults?
  • Are mental illnesses prevalent in survivors of war?
  • Can OCD be termed a mental illness?
  • How can one tell when a person begins to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder?
  • Are movies, games, etc., some of the leading causes of depression in young adults?
  • How can one quickly ascertain if they’re mentally ill or not?
  • What are the side effects of drug abuse on mental health?
  • A study into medically proven ways of curing ADHD.
  • The impacts of ADHD on Young adults.
  • A study of the mental effects of excessive consumption of Marijuana
  • How ADHD and autism affect young people in the 21st century.
  • The mental challenges of living with learning disabilities.

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Mental health is the psychological and emotional part of human health. Good mental health suggests good cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing. The following mental health research topics will provide multiple avenues for students to base their research topics on:

  • The relationship between depression and weight loss
  • The rise of eating disorders in teenagers and adolescents
  • The glamorization of mental illness in modern media
  • Why is it still somewhat taboo to speak openly about mental health?
  • The lasting psychological trauma of rape
  • PTSD in modern-day youth
  • How positive portrayals of mental illness in movies have helped destigmatize it
  • Violence in video games and violence in real life: is there a link between the two?
  • The effects of victim-blaming on rape victims
  • Is mental illness hereditary?
  • why mental health education is relevant in our society
  • ADHD in adults: regular, or a problem?
  • Harmful misconceptions about OCD
  • The relationship between physical health and mental wellness
  • Is postpartum depression a modern illness?
  • Why is a bipolar disorder more than a mood swing disorder
  • The relationship between childhood bullying and self-esteem issues in adults
  • Is mental illness more prevalent in men or women?
  • Advances in mental health education and research in the last decade
  • Living with mental health in the age of social media
  • Mental health and Nollywood: a study of mental illness portrayal in Nollywood
  • Mental health and social media: how social media has helped to destigmatize mental illness
  • Why schools should have functioning guidance counselors for students and teachers
  • The importance of including mental health topics in the school curriculum
  • The need to create safe spaces for people living with mental health issues.

Mental Health Topics To Write About

Your mental health deals with several health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. In case your mental health research topics are based on the categorical aspects of mental health, the following are research topics on mental health that you can write about:

  • What is mental health?
  • Destigmatizing mental health discussions
  • Mental health education in Nigerian societies
  • Can exposure to violent games and movies cause people to become killers?
  • Are sociopaths born or made?
  • The importance of self-affirmation to goal achievement
  • Why therapy isn’t only for the mentally ill
  • Why you have to love yourself to be able to receive love from others
  • Living with social anxiety
  • Overcoming low self-esteem
  • Why OCD is not just about an obsession with keeping things clean
  • How self-loathing makes us self-destructive
  • The benefits of mental health support groups
  • How to handle bullying when your child is the aggressor
  • Why do we need time for ourselves
  • Is your friend group toxic?
  • On low self-esteem and managing relationships
  • Why it’s insensitive to refer to the mentally ill as crazy
  • Why do we sometimes feel unloved?
  • Why it is helpful to have supportive friends and family when going through a hard time
  • Medically proven ways to deal with a constant depressive episode
  • Why depression pills should be regulated
  • Why everyone needs access to pills to relax anxiety
  • The importance of antidepressants to neurotics
  • How to successfully manage the challenges of living with mental health challenges

Mental Illness Research Paper Topics

Mental illness is a range of mental conditions that affect the mind, how we think, our behaviors. If you’ve been looking for the best mental illness research paper topics, your search stops here. Find below mental illness topics to help with your research:

  • The difference between depression and sadness
  • Similarities between bipolar disorder
  • Treating mental disorders using medication: a study on the pros and cons
  • The effects of postpartum depression on family members
  • The relationship between bullying and eating disorders
  • Common misconceptions about mental illness
  • Mental illness in the media: positive influence or harmful perpetuation of stereotypes?
  • A study on serial killers: how their childhoods shaped who they became
  • Self-esteem issues as a trigger for eating disorders
  • A study on the compulsive nature of kleptomania
  • A study on how movies shape our perception of mental illness
  • Identifying signs and symptoms of sociopathy in children
  • A study on the relationship between paranoia and impulsive actions
  • The relationship between suicide and low self-esteem
  • Genetics and mental illness: a study on mental illness in three generations of family members
  • A study on how past traumatic events shape our present
  • Why eating disorders are mental disorders
  • The portrayal of mental illness in the media in the past fifty years
  • Improvements in mental illness diagnosis and treatment in the past century
  • Examining the effects of mental illness on the lives of teenagers: a qualitative study
  • Examining the impacts of antidepressants in curbing depression
  • A study into the root cause of mental health challenges in young adults
  • Investigating the causes of mental illness in 80+ adults
  • The lingering cases of mental health challenges in older people
  • The need for the free accessibility of mental health facilities by students.

Research Topics In Psychiatry

Psychiatry is a vast field of study in medicine. Any psychiatry topics must make the research journey more straightforward. That said, the following are interesting topics in psychiatry:

  • Defects of tobacco addiction on the human brain
  • Treating schizophrenia: most effective ways
  • ADHD: more prevalent in adults than children?
  • Perfectionism and OCD: Where do we draw the line?
  • Why we should look out for symptoms of depression
  • How has the raid of COVID-19 affected the mental health of people?
  • What are the factors that provoke depression?
  • Bipolar disorders as symptoms of mental illness
  • What is the potency of talk therapy in relating to suicidal patients
  • Anxiety disorder: symptoms and remedies
  • Practical measures in overcoming alcohol abuse in men
  • Depression: cyberbullying as a tool for enhancing depressive tendencies in young adults
  • The adverse effect of antidepressants on brain activities
  • Genetics: A yardstick for determining mental health illness
  • Lack of sleep as a tool for building anxiety
  • Stress as a buildup for depression
  • Side effects of psychiatric treatments on older people
  • The effects of COVID-19 on brain activity
  • Preventing the excessive usage of sedatives in young adults
  • Aging as a measure of depression
  • Treating mental illness: Applying classical soul music as a means in the 21st century
  • Child mental disorders: curbing unhealthy family relationships
  • Postpartum depression is the leading cause of mental illness amongst women
  • A study on the distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II
  • The need for the destigmatization of psychiatric patients

Research Topics In Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nursing is a highly essential field of study that should be considered:

  • The challenges involved in psychiatric nursing care
  • Mental health risks involved in working with psychiatric patients
  • Merits and demerits of mental health nursing careers
  • Self-discipline in psychiatry nursing fields
  • Nursing ethics: what a nurse should know
  • Approaches to nursing theories
  • Talk therapy in nursing fields
  • Dealing with exposed trauma: a typical nursing experience
  • Psychiatry nursing: a walk in the park?
  • Limitation of responsibilities by nurses on psychiatric patients
  • The essence of skilled nurses in clinical psychology
  • Effective patients’ recovery: the roles of nurses in present-day psychiatry
  • Practical application of nursing experience in psychiatry wards
  • Forbidden practices in nursing homes
  • Is psychiatry nursing predominantly a woman’s job?
  • Promoting nursing staff shortage in health sectors
  • Evaluating anti stigmatization by nurses in psychiatric wards
  • Damning effects of psychiatric nursing on nurses
  • Mental health illness: are nurses exempted?
  • Nursing practices applied in treating children and adults
  • Helpful ways mental health nurses administer care to patients
  • Ways care for mental health patients can be improved in the hospitals
  • Effective ways of caring for mental health patients
  • Why mental health nursing should be a specialized healthcare role
  • Importance of mental health nursing
  • Why mental health nursing should be prioritized as a specialist role

Critical Analysis Research Paper Topics In Mental Health

The following are some critically analyzed paper topics in mental health that will make your research more accessible and give more depth to your essay.

  • Problems related to physical and mental health issues in men and women
  • Supporting children’s mental health in the 21st century
  • Bipolar disorder problem as a mental health challenge
  • Mental health and eating disorders
  • A mental health project: a research methodology on curbing mental illnesses
  • Connecting poverty and mental health problems
  • Mental health counseling: a way in the wilderness
  • Mental health administration: a necessity in present-day lives
  • Mental health and spirituality
  • Effects of marijuana on mental health
  • The critical role of school psychology in the mental health movement
  • Code of ethics for mental health professions worldwide
  • Mental health counselors: professionalism in workplaces
  • Mental health benefits in the employee benefits packages
  • Eliminating stigmatization in mental health diagnoses
  • Community mental health as a tool for curbing disorders
  • Mental health counselor: a much-needed remedy
  • Mental health issues in the criminal justice system
  • Refugees and their mental health
  • Medical ethics in mental health care
  • Child’s mental health and depression in adulthood: a qualitative study
  • Transitions in late life: a typical study of mental health concerns
  • Mental health nursing: health and illness
  • Mental health specialist jobs and career
  • Mental health: screening and assessment of nursing personnel
  • The role of female mental health in socio-cultural conditions
  • Schizophrenia: a dominant mental health disorder
  • Mental health practice model for public institutions
  • Mental health: research methodologies issues
  • Mental health strategies at the workplace

Good Research Questions About Mental Health

Good research questions must be willing to provide concise and thorough answers. Over time, researchers have generated questions that border on mental health that have proven highly effective.

  • Should the use of antidepressants be accessible to children?
  • Why do people need access to mental health care?
  • What is the importance of prioritizing mental health care?
  • Is self-care the same as mental health care?
  • Is there a correlation between self-care and mental health care?
  • How to prioritize mental health
  • The study of the growing mental health challenge amongst young adults
  • Growth of depression in third-world countries
  • The effects of poverty on mental health
  • A study on the effects of mental health education on the treatment of the mentally ill
  • Institutionalized bullying in schools and its effects on students’ mental health
  • The importance of mother’s mental health in the aftermath of childbirth
  • Addressing mental health problems in children below the age of ten
  • The effects of sudden environmental changes on childrens’ mental health
  • The focus on mental health in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic
  • Harmful effects of social media on the mental health of Nigerian youth
  • Fostering mental health discourse among males
  • Trolling and cancel culture and their effects on the mental health of their victims
  • The benefits of mental health apps in the lives of individuals
  • Measures to promote mental health awareness in religious spheres

Mental Illness Thesis Ideas

By nature, there are several mental illness thesis ideas you can explore. The following are proven great thesis ideas that concern mental health.

  • Addressing inadequate measures to combat mental illness in Nigerian societies
  • A study on the marginalization of the mentally ill in the society
  • Mental illness stigma and seeking help: how mental health stigma affects
  • The effects of mental illness stigma in people’s seeking of treatment
  • Embracing mental illness discourse in schools and the workplace
  • Why mental illness is an illness and not a figment of the imagination
  • The relationship between mental illness and violence
  • The relationship between childhood abuse and mental illness
  • The benefits of support systems to the mentally ill
  • Mental illness and the perpetuation of gun violence among youth in the united states
  • A study of mental illness portrayals in Nigerian media
  • Mental illness portrayals in Nigerian media: harmful or beneficial?
  • A study on the harmful effects of certain medications on mental disorders
  • Tackling common misconceptions about mental disorders among members of the older generation
  • Advancements in mental illness treatment methods
  • Breakthroughs in mental illness research in the 50s and 60s
  • A study on ethically questionable mental health research experiments in the last 50 years
  • Living with mental illness in the age of toxic internet culture
  • The increase in cases of depression and anxiety in youths between the early 2000s and late 2010s
  • Mental illness and criminality: a study on the relationship between the two
  • Drug abuse: a study on how college students engage in drugs
  • A study of the nicotine content of harmful drugs
  • A critical study of the early stage of mental illness in patients.

Need Help With Your Thesis?

Suppose you are a college or university student who needs high-level advanced psychology dissertation help in preparing for your thesis deadlines and require thesis help from experts in this field. Be assured that we have professional writers online who are professors, teachers, and native writers from various fields. They can assist you in preparing high-quality research works, proofreading, editing, and writing services, all at a cheap rate. You can be sure of custom-written works that will secure you high grades.

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100+ argumentative essay topics on mental health | example & outline, bob cardens.

  • September 2, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health .

As you continue,  thestudycorp.com  has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is  place an order  with us.

What You'll Learn

Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health

1. Is there a connection between mental health and physical health? 2. How does mental illness affect a person’s ability to function in society? 3. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 4. Are there any effective prevention strategies for mental illness? 5. What is the relationship between mental health and substance abuse? 6. How does poverty affect mental health? 7. What are the most common mental disorders? 8. What are the consequences of untreated mental illness? 9. What are the risk factors for developing mental illness? 10. How can mental illness be effectively diagnosed?

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Argumentative essay topics about depression

1. Depression is a real mental health condition.

2. Depression is more than just feeling sad.

3. Depression can lead to serious physical health problems.

4. Depression is treatable with medication and therapy.

5. People with depression can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

6. Untreated depression can be deadly.

7. Depression is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

8. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

9. Anyone can develop depression, even people who seem to have it all together.

10. There is no single cause of depression, but there are risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop the condition.

Argumentative Essay Topics on Mental Health. Mental health is an important and often overlooked topic. In this article, we’ll explore some argumentative essay topics related to mental health.

Argumentative essay about mental health in schools

1. Mental health should be taught in schools. 2. There should be more support for mental health in schools. 3. Mental health should be taken more seriously in schools. 4. Schools should do more to prevent mental health problems. 5. Schools should do more to help students with mental health problems. 6. Mental health problems are increasing in schools. 7. school counselors are not trained to deal with mental health issues 8. most school don’t have a mental health policy 9. lack of awareness about mental health among school staff 10. stigma and discrimination against mental health patients

Argumentative essay on mental health stigma

Argumentative essay topics about mental health can be very controversial and sensitive. However, there are many people who are open to discussing these topics and raising awareness about mental health. Here are twenty argumentative essay topics about mental health that you can use for your next essay.

1. How does society view mental health? 2. Do we need to break the stigma around mental health? 3. How can we better support those with mental health conditions? 4. What is the link between mental health and addiction? 5. How does trauma affect mental health? 6. What are the most effective treatments for mental health conditions? 7. Are there any natural remedies for mental health conditions? 8. How does diet affect mental health? 9. How does exercise affect mental health? 10. What is the link between sleep and mental health? 11. What are the warning signs of a mental health condition? 12. When should someone seek professional help for a mental health condition? 13. How can family and friends support someone with a mental health condition? 14. What are the most common myths about mental health? 15. How does stigma impact those with mental health conditions?

16. How can we destigmatize mental health? 17. What is the link between mental health and violence? 18. How does mental health affect overall health? 19. What are the most common mental health disorders? 20. What are the most effective treatments for mental health disorders?

Mental health debate topics for students

1. The definition of mental health 2. The different types of mental illness 3. The causes of mental illness 4. The treatments for mental illness 5. The side effects of mental illness 6. The impact of mental illness on society 7. The cost of mental health care 8. Mental health in the workplace 9. Mental health in the media 10. Stigma and discrimination against those with mental illness 11. The impact of trauma on mental health 12. Mental health during pregnancy and postpartum 13. Children’s mental health 14. Geriatric mental health 15. Global perspectives on mental health 16. Religion and mental health 17. Cultural competence in mental health care 18. Social media and mental health 19.Nutrition and mental health

20. Exercise and mental health

Expository essay topics about mental illness

1. How does mental illness affect one’s ability to work? 2. What are the most common types of mental illness? 3. How can mental illness be prevented? 4. What are the most effective treatments for mental illness? 5. How does mental illness impact relationships? 6. What are the financial costs of mental illness? 7. How does stigma affect those with mental illness? 8. What are the most common myths about mental illness? 9. How does mental illness differ from addiction? 10. What are the early warning signs of mental illness?

Debates about mental health

1. The definition of mental health is contested and argued by professionals in the field. 2. Some people argue that mental health is a social construction, while others believe that it is a real and valid medical condition. 3. Mental health is often stigmatized in society, and those who suffer from mental illness are often seen as weak or crazy. 4. Mental health is often viewed as something that can be cured, when in reality it is a lifelong battle for many people. 5. Mental illness is often seen as an individual responsibility to deal with, when in reality it affects not just the individual but also their families and loved ones. 6. It is often said that people with mental illness are not able to function in society, when in fact many people with mental illness are high-functioning individuals. 7. Mental health is often viewed as an all-or-nothing proposition, when in reality there is a spectrum of mental health conditions that range from mild to severe. 8. People with mental illness are often treated differently than other people, and they are often discriminated against. 9. There is a lot of misinformation about mental health, and this leads tomisunderstanding and fear. 10. Mental health is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing it.

Persuasive topics related to mental health

1. The link between mental health and physical health. 2. The benefits of therapy and counseling. 3. The importance of early intervention for mental health issues. 4. The impact of trauma on mental health. 5. The correlation between mental health and substance abuse. 6. The connection between mental health and chronic illness. 7. The relationship between mental health and chronic pain. 8. Mental health in the workplace. 9. Mental health in the military. 10. Mental health in schools. 11. Children’s mental health issues. 12. Teens and mental health issues. 13. Elderly mental health issues. 14. Cultural issues and mental health. 15. Religion and mental health. 16. The stigma of mental illness. 17. Mental health awareness and education. 18. Mental health advocacy. 19. Funding for mental health services. 20. Access to mental health care.

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Social Media and Mental Health: Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities for Research and Practice

John a. naslund.

a Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Ameya Bondre

b CareNX Innovations, Mumbai, India

John Torous

c Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Kelly A. Aschbrenner

d Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH

Social media platforms are popular venues for sharing personal experiences, seeking information, and offering peer-to-peer support among individuals living with mental illness. With significant shortfalls in the availability, quality, and reach of evidence-based mental health services across the United States and globally, social media platforms may afford new opportunities to bridge this gap. However, caution is warranted, as numerous studies highlight risks of social media use for mental health. In this commentary, we consider the role of social media as a potentially viable intervention platform for offering support to persons with mental disorders, promoting engagement and retention in care, and enhancing existing mental health services. Specifically, we summarize current research on the use of social media among mental health service users, and early efforts using social media for the delivery of evidence-based programs. We also review the risks, potential harms, and necessary safety precautions with using social media for mental health. To conclude, we explore opportunities using data science and machine learning, for example by leveraging social media for detecting mental disorders and developing predictive models aimed at characterizing the aetiology and progression of mental disorders. These various efforts using social media, as summarized in this commentary, hold promise for improving the lives of individuals living with mental disorders.

Introduction

Social media has become a prominent fixture in the lives of many individuals facing the challenges of mental illness. Social media refers broadly to web and mobile platforms that allow individuals to connect with others within a virtual network (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or LinkedIn), where they can share, co-create, or exchange various forms of digital content, including information, messages, photos, or videos ( Ahmed, Ahmad, Ahmad, & Zakaria, 2019 ). Studies have reported that individuals living with a range of mental disorders, including depression, psychotic disorders, or other severe mental illnesses, use social media platforms at comparable rates as the general population, with use ranging from about 70% among middle-age and older individuals, to upwards of 97% among younger individuals ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, Grinley, et al., 2018 ; M. L. Birnbaum, Rizvi, Correll, Kane, & Confino, 2017 ; Brunette et al., 2019 ; Naslund, Aschbrenner, & Bartels, 2016 ). Other exploratory studies have found that many of these individuals with mental illness appear to turn to social media to share their personal experiences, seek information about their mental health and treatment options, and give and receive support from others facing similar mental health challenges ( Bucci, Schwannauer, & Berry, 2019 ; Naslund, Aschbrenner, Marsch, & Bartels, 2016b ).

Across the United States and globally, very few people living with mental illness have access to adequate mental health services ( Patel et al., 2018 ). The wide reach and near ubiquitous use of social media platforms may afford novel opportunities to address these shortfalls in existing mental health care, by enhancing the quality, availability, and reach of services. Recent studies have explored patterns of social media use, impact of social media use on mental health and wellbeing, and the potential to leverage the popularity and interactive features of social media to enhance the delivery of interventions. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the risks and potential harms of social media for mental health ( Orben & Przybylski, 2019 ), and how best to weigh these concerns against potential benefits.

In this commentary, we summarized current research on the use of social media among individuals with mental illness, with consideration of the impact of social media on mental wellbeing, as well as early efforts using social media for delivery of evidence-based programs for addressing mental health problems. We searched for recent peer reviewed publications in Medline and Google Scholar using the search terms “mental health” or “mental illness” and “social media”, and searched the reference lists of recent reviews and other relevant studies. We reviewed the risks, potential harms, and necessary safety precautions with using social media for mental health. Overall, our goal was to consider the role of social media as a potentially viable intervention platform for offering support to persons with mental disorders, promoting engagement and retention in care, and enhancing existing mental health services, while balancing the need for safety. Given this broad objective, we did not perform a systematic search of the literature and we did not apply specific inclusion criteria based on study design or type of mental disorder.

Social Media Use and Mental Health

In 2020, there are an estimated 3.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing half the global population ( We Are Social, 2020 ). Recent studies have shown that individuals with mental disorders are increasingly gaining access to and using mobile devices, such as smartphones ( Firth et al., 2015 ; Glick, Druss, Pina, Lally, & Conde, 2016 ; Torous, Chan, et al., 2014 ; Torous, Friedman, & Keshavan, 2014 ). Similarly, there is mounting evidence showing high rates of social media use among individuals with mental disorders, including studies looking at engagement with these popular platforms across diverse settings and disorder types. Initial studies from 2015 found that nearly half of a sample of psychiatric patients were social media users, with greater use among younger individuals ( Trefflich, Kalckreuth, Mergl, & Rummel-Kluge, 2015 ), while 47% of inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia reported using social media, of which 79% reported at least once-a-week usage of social media websites ( Miller, Stewart, Schrimsher, Peeples, & Buckley, 2015 ). Rates of social media use among psychiatric populations have increased in recent years, as reflected in a study with data from 2017 showing comparable rates of social media use (approximately 70%) among individuals with serious mental illness in treatment as compared to low-income groups from the general population ( Brunette et al., 2019 ).

Similarly, among individuals with serious mental illness receiving community-based mental health services, a recent study found equivalent rates of social media use as the general population, even exceeding 70% of participants ( Naslund, Aschbrenner, & Bartels, 2016 ). Comparable findings were demonstrated among middle-age and older individuals with mental illness accessing services at peer support agencies, where 72% of respondents reported using social media ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, Grinley, et al., 2018 ). Similar results, with 68% of those with first episode psychosis using social media daily were reported in another study ( Abdel-Baki, Lal, D.-Charron, Stip, & Kara, 2017 ).

Individuals who self-identified as having a schizophrenia spectrum disorder responded to a survey shared through the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and reported that visiting social media sites was one of their most common activities when using digital devices, taking up roughly 2 hours each day ( Gay, Torous, Joseph, Pandya, & Duckworth, 2016 ). For adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 21 with psychotic disorders and mood disorders, over 97% reported using social media, with average use exceeding 2.5 hours per day ( M. L. Birnbaum et al., 2017 ). Similarly, in a sample of adolescents ages 13-18 recruited from community mental health centers, 98% reported using social media, with YouTube as the most popular platform, followed by Instagram and Snapchat ( Aschbrenner et al., 2019 ).

Research has also explored the motivations for using social media as well as the perceived benefits of interacting on these platforms among individuals with mental illness. In the sections that follow (see Table 1 for a summary), we consider three potentially unique features of interacting and connecting with others on social media that may offer benefits for individuals living with mental illness. These include: 1) Facilitate social interaction; 2) Access to a peer support network; and 3) Promote engagement and retention in services.

Summary of potential benefits and challenges with social media for mental health

Facilitate Social Interaction

Social media platforms offer near continuous opportunities to connect and interact with others, regardless of time of day or geographic location. This on demand ease of communication may be especially important for facilitating social interaction among individuals with mental disorders experiencing difficulties interacting in face-to-face settings. For example, impaired social functioning is a common deficit in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and social media may facilitate communication and interacting with others for these individuals ( Torous & Keshavan, 2016 ). This was suggested in one study where participants with schizophrenia indicated that social media helped them to interact and socialize more easily ( Miller et al., 2015 ). Like other online communication, the ability to connect with others anonymously may be an important feature of social media, especially for individuals living with highly stigmatizing health conditions ( Berger, Wagner, & Baker, 2005 ), such as serious mental disorders ( Highton-Williamson, Priebe, & Giacco, 2015 ).

Studies have found that individuals with serious mental disorders ( Spinzy, Nitzan, Becker, Bloch, & Fennig, 2012 ) as well as young adults with mental illness ( Gowen, Deschaine, Gruttadara, & Markey, 2012 ) appear to form online relationships and connect with others on social media as often as social media users from the general population. This is an important observation because individuals living with serious mental disorders typically have few social contacts in the offline world, and also experience high rates of loneliness ( Badcock et al., 2015 ; Giacco, Palumbo, Strappelli, Catapano, & Priebe, 2016 ). Among individuals receiving publicly funded mental health services who use social media, nearly half (47%) reported using these platforms at least weekly to feel less alone ( Brusilovskiy, Townley, Snethen, & Salzer, 2016 ). In another study of young adults with serious mental illness, most indicated that they used social media to help feel less isolated ( Gowen et al., 2012 ). Interestingly, more frequent use of social media among a sample of individuals with serious mental illness was associated with greater community participation, measured as participation in shopping, work, religious activities or visiting friends and family, as well as greater civic engagement, reflected as voting in local elections ( Brusilovskiy et al., 2016 ).

Emerging research also shows that young people with moderate to severe depressive symptoms appear to prefer communicating on social media rather than in-person ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ), while other studies have found that some individuals may prefer to seek help for mental health concerns online rather than through in-person encounters ( Batterham & Calear, 2017 ). In a qualitative study, participants with schizophrenia described greater anonymity, the ability to discover that other people have experienced similar health challenges, and reducing fears through greater access to information as important motivations for using the Internet to seek mental health information ( Schrank, Sibitz, Unger, & Amering, 2010 ). Because social media does not require the immediate responses necessary in face-to-face communication, it may overcome deficits with social interaction due to psychotic symptoms that typically adversely affect face-to-face conversations ( Docherty et al., 1996 ). Online social interactions may not require the use of non-verbal cues, particularly in the initial stages of interaction ( Kiesler, Siegel, & McGuire, 1984 ), with interactions being more fluid, and within the control of users, thereby overcoming possible social anxieties linked to in-person interaction ( Indian & Grieve, 2014 ). Furthermore, many individuals with serious mental disorders can experience symptoms including passive social withdrawal, blunted affect and attentional impairment, as well as active social avoidance due to hallucinations or other concerns ( Hansen, Torgalsbøen, Melle, & Bell, 2009 ); thus, potentially reinforcing the relative advantage, as perceived by users, of using social media over in person conversations.

Access to a Peer Support Network

There is growing recognition about the role that social media channels could play in enabling peer support ( Bucci et al., 2019 ; Naslund, Aschbrenner, et al., 2016b ), referred to as a system of mutual giving and receiving where individuals who have endured the difficulties of mental illness can offer hope, friendship, and support to others facing similar challenges ( Davidson, Chinman, Sells, & Rowe, 2006 ; Mead, Hilton, & Curtis, 2001 ). Initial studies exploring use of online self-help forums among individuals with serious mental illnesses have found that individuals with schizophrenia appeared to use these forums for self-disclosure, and sharing personal experiences, in addition to providing or requesting information, describing symptoms, or discussing medication ( Haker, Lauber, & Rössler, 2005 ), while users with bipolar disorder reported using these forums to ask for help from others about their illness ( Vayreda & Antaki, 2009 ). More recently, in a review of online social networking in people with psychosis, Highton-Williamson et al (2015) highlight that an important purpose of such online connections was to establish new friendships, pursue romantic relationships, maintain existing relationships or reconnect with people, and seek online peer support from others with lived experience ( Highton-Williamson et al., 2015 ).

Online peer support among individuals with mental illness has been further elaborated in various studies. In a content analysis of comments posted to YouTube by individuals who self-identified as having a serious mental illness, there appeared to be opportunities to feel less alone, provide hope, find support and learn through mutual reciprocity, and share coping strategies for day-to-day challenges of living with a mental illness ( Naslund, Grande, Aschbrenner, & Elwyn, 2014 ). In another study, Chang (2009) delineated various communication patterns in an online psychosis peer-support group ( Chang, 2009 ). Specifically, different forms of support emerged, including ‘informational support’ about medication use or contacting mental health providers, ‘esteem support’ involving positive comments for encouragement, ‘network support’ for sharing similar experiences, and ‘emotional support’ to express understanding of a peer’s situation and offer hope or confidence ( Chang, 2009 ). Bauer et al. (2013) reported that the main interest in online self-help forums for patients with bipolar disorder was to share emotions with others, allow exchange of information, and benefit by being part of an online social group ( Bauer, Bauer, Spiessl, & Kagerbauer, 2013 ).

For individuals who openly discuss mental health problems on Twitter, a study by Berry et al. (2017) found that this served as an important opportunity to seek support and to hear about the experiences of others ( Berry et al., 2017 ). In a survey of social media users with mental illness, respondents reported that sharing personal experiences about living with mental illness and opportunities to learn about strategies for coping with mental illness from others were important reasons for using social media ( Naslund et al., 2017 ). A computational study of mental health awareness campaigns on Twitter provides further support with inspirational posts and tips being the most shared ( Saha et al., 2019 ). Taken together, these studies offer insights about the potential for social media to facilitate access to an informal peer support network, though more research is necessary to examine how these online interactions may impact intentions to seek care, illness self-management, and clinically meaningful outcomes in offline contexts.

Promote Engagement and Retention in Services

Many individuals living with mental disorders have expressed interest in using social media platforms for seeking mental health information ( Lal, Nguyen, & Theriault, 2018 ), connecting with mental health providers ( M. L. Birnbaum et al., 2017 ), and accessing evidence-based mental health services delivered over social media specifically for coping with mental health symptoms or for promoting overall health and wellbeing ( Naslund et al., 2017 ). With the widespread use of social media among individuals living with mental illness combined with the potential to facilitate social interaction and connect with supportive peers, as summarized above, it may be possible to leverage the popular features of social media to enhance existing mental health programs and services. A recent review by Biagianti et al (2018) found that peer-to-peer support appeared to offer feasible and acceptable ways to augment digital mental health interventions for individuals with psychotic disorders by specifically improving engagement, compliance, and adherence to the interventions, and may also improve perceived social support ( Biagianti, Quraishi, & Schlosser, 2018 ).

Among digital programs that have incorporated peer-to-peer social networking consistent with popular features on social media platforms, a pilot study of the HORYZONS online psychosocial intervention demonstrated significant reductions in depression among patients with first episode psychosis ( Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2013 ). Importantly, the majority of participants (95%) in this study engaged with the peer-to-peer networking feature of the program, with many reporting increases in perceived social connectedness and empowerment in their recovery process ( Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2013 ). This moderated online social therapy program is now being evaluated as part of a large randomized controlled trial for maintaining treatment effects from first episode psychosis services ( Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2019 ).

Other early efforts have demonstrated that use of digital environments with the interactive peer-to-peer features of social media can enhance social functioning and wellbeing in young people at high risk of psychosis ( Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2018 ). There has also been a recent emergence of several mobile apps to support symptom monitoring and relapse prevention in psychotic disorders. Among these apps, the development of PRIME (Personalized Real-time Intervention for Motivational Enhancement) has involved working closely with young people with schizophrenia to ensure that the design of the app has the look and feel of mainstream social media platforms, as opposed to existing clinical tools ( Schlosser et al., 2016 ). This unique approach to the design of the app is aimed at promoting engagement, and ensuring that the app can effectively improve motivation and functioning through goal setting and promoting better quality of life of users with schizophrenia ( Schlosser et al., 2018 ).

Social media platforms could also be used to promote engagement and participation in in-person services delivered through community mental health settings. For example, the peer-based lifestyle intervention called PeerFIT targets weight loss and improved fitness among individuals living with serious mental illness through a combination of in-person lifestyle classes, exercise groups, and use of digital technologies ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, Shevenell, Kinney, & Bartels, 2016 ; Aschbrenner, Naslund, Shevenell, Mueser, & Bartels, 2016 ). The intervention holds tremendous promise as lack of support is one of the largest barriers toward exercise in patients with serious mental illness ( Firth et al., 2016 ) and it is now possible to use social media to counter such. Specifically, in PeerFIT, a private Facebook group is closely integrated into the program to offer a closed platform where participants can connect with the lifestyle coaches, access intervention content, and support or encourage each other as they work towards their lifestyle goals ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, & Bartels, 2016 ; Naslund, Aschbrenner, Marsch, & Bartels, 2016a ). To date, this program has demonstrate preliminary effectiveness for meaningfully reducing cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to early mortality in this patient group ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, Shevenell, Kinney, et al., 2016 ), while the Facebook component appears to have increased engagement in the program, while allowing participants who were unable to attend in-person sessions due to other health concerns or competing demands to remain connected with the program ( Naslund, Aschbrenner, Marsch, McHugo, & Bartels, 2018 ). This lifestyle intervention is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial enrolling young adults with serious mental illness from a variety of real world community mental health services settings ( Aschbrenner, Naslund, Gorin, et al., 2018 ).

These examples highlight the promise of incorporating the features of popular social media into existing programs, which may offer opportunities to safely promote engagement and program retention, while achieving improved clinical outcomes. This is an emerging area of research, as evidenced by several important effectiveness trials underway ( Alvarez-Jimenez et al., 2019 ; Aschbrenner, Naslund, Gorin, et al., 2018 ), including efforts to leverage online social networking to support family caregivers of individuals receiving first episode psychosis services ( Gleeson et al., 2017 ).

Challenges with Social Media for Mental Health

The science on the role of social media for engaging persons with mental disorders needs a cautionary note on the effects of social media usage on mental health and well being, particularly in adolescents and young adults. While the risks and harms of social media are frequently covered in the popular press and mainstream news reports, careful consideration of the research in this area is necessary. In a review of 43 studies in young people, many benefits of social media were cited, including increased self-esteem, and opportunities for self-disclosure ( Best, Manktelow, & Taylor, 2014 ). Yet, reported negative effects were an increased exposure to harm, social isolation, depressive symptoms and bullying ( Best et al., 2014 ). In the sections that follow (see Table 1 for a summary), we consider three major categories of risk related to use of social media and mental health. These include: 1) Impact on symptoms; 2) Facing hostile interactions; and 3) Consequences for daily life.

Impact on Symptoms

Studies consistently highlight that use of social media, especially heavy use and prolonged time spent on social media platforms, appears to contribute to increased risk for a variety of mental health symptoms and poor wellbeing, especially among young people ( Andreassen et al., 2016 ; Kross et al., 2013 ; Woods & Scott, 2016 ). This may partly be driven by the detrimental effects of screen time on mental health, including increased severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, which have been well documented ( Stiglic & Viner, 2019 ). Recent studies have reported negative effects of social media use on mental health of young people, including social comparison pressure with others and greater feeling of social isolation after being rejected by others on social media ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ). In a study of young adults, it was found that negative comparisons with others on Facebook contributed to risk of rumination and subsequent increases in depression symptoms ( Feinstein et al., 2013 ). Still, the cross sectional nature of many screen time and mental health studies makes it challenging to reach causal inferences ( Orben & Przybylski, 2019 ).

Quantity of social media use is also an important factor, as highlighted in a survey of young adults ages 19 to 32, where more frequent visits to social media platforms each week were correlated with greater depressive symptoms ( Lin et al., 2016 ). More time spent using social media is also associated with greater symptoms of anxiety ( Vannucci, Flannery, & Ohannessian, 2017 ). The actual number of platforms accessed also appears to contribute to risk as reflected in another national survey of young adults where use of a large number of social media platforms was associated with negative impact on mental health ( Primack et al., 2017 ). Among survey respondents using between 7 and 11 different social media platforms compared to respondents using only 2 or fewer platforms, there was a 3 times greater odds of having high levels of depressive symptoms and a 3.2 times greater odds of having high levels of anxiety symptoms ( Primack et al., 2017 ).

Many researchers have postulated that worsening mental health attributed to social media use may be because social media replaces face-to-face interactions for young people ( Twenge & Campbell, 2018 ), and may contribute to greater loneliness ( Bucci et al., 2019 ), and negative effects on other aspects of health and wellbeing ( Woods & Scott, 2016 ). One nationally representative survey of US adolescents found that among respondents who reported more time accessing media such as social media platforms or smartphone devices, there was significantly greater depressive symptoms and increased risk of suicide when compared to adolescents who reported spending more time on non-screen activities, such as in-person social interaction or sports and recreation activities ( Twenge, Joiner, Rogers, & Martin, 2018 ). For individuals living with more severe mental illnesses, the effects of social media on psychiatric symptoms have received less attention. One study found that participation in chat rooms may contribute to worsening symptoms in young people with psychotic disorders ( Mittal, Tessner, & Walker, 2007 ), while another study of patients with psychosis found that social media use appeared to predict low mood ( Berry, Emsley, Lobban, & Bucci, 2018 ). These studies highlight a clear relationship between social media use and mental health that may not be present in general population studies ( Orben & Przybylski, 2019 ), and emphasize the need to explore how social media may contribute to symptom severity and whether protective factors may be identified to mitigate these risks.

Facing Hostile Interactions

Popular social media platforms can create potential situations where individuals may be victimized by negative comments or posts. Cyberbullying represents a form of online aggression directed towards specific individuals, such as peers or acquaintances, which is perceived to be most harmful when compared to random hostile comments posted online ( Hamm et al., 2015 ). Importantly, cyberbullying on social media consistently shows harmful impact on mental health in the form of increased depressive symptoms as well as worsening of anxiety symptoms, as evidenced in a review of 36 studies among children and young people ( Hamm et al., 2015 ). Furthermore, cyberbullying disproportionately impacts females as reflected in a national survey of adolescents in the United States, where females were twice as likely to be victims of cyberbullying compared to males ( Alhajji, Bass, & Dai, 2019 ). Most studies report cross-sectional associations between cyberbullying and symptoms of depression or anxiety ( Hamm et al., 2015 ), though one longitudinal study in Switzerland found that cyberbullying contributed to significantly greater depression over time ( Machmutow, Perren, Sticca, & Alsaker, 2012 ).

For youth ages 10 to 17 who reported major depressive symptomatology, there was over 3 times greater odds of facing online harassment in the last year compared to youth who reported mild or no depressive symptoms ( Ybarra, 2004 ). Similarly, in a 2018 national survey of young people, respondents ages 14 to 22 with moderate to severe depressive symptoms were more likely to have had negative experiences when using social media, and in particular, were more likely to report having faced hostile comments, or being “trolled”, from others when compared to respondents without depressive symptoms (31% vs. 14%) ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ). As these studies depict risks for victimization on social media and the correlation with poor mental health, it is possible that individuals living with mental illness may also experience greater hostility online compared to individuals without mental illness. This would be consistent with research showing greater risk of hostility, including increased violence and discrimination, directed towards individuals living with mental illness in in-person contexts, especially targeted at those with severe mental illnesses ( Goodman et al., 1999 ).

A computational study of mental health awareness campaigns on Twitter reported that while stigmatizing content was rare, it was actually the most spread (re-tweeted) demonstrating that harmful content can travel quickly on social media ( Saha et al., 2019 ). Another study was able to map the spread of social media posts about the Blue Whale Challenge, an alleged game promoting suicide, over Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Tumblr and other forums across 127 countries ( Sumner et al., 2019 ). These findings show that it is critical to monitor the actual content of social media posts, such as determining whether content is hostile or promotes harm to self or others. This is pertinent because existing research looking at duration of exposure cannot account for the impact of specific types of content on mental health and is insufficient to fully understand the effects of using these platforms on mental health.

Consequences for Daily Life

The ways in which individuals use social media can also impact their offline relationships and everyday activities. To date, reports have described risks of social media use pertaining to privacy, confidentiality, and unintended consequences of disclosing personal health information online ( Torous & Keshavan, 2016 ). Additionally, concerns have been raised about poor quality or misleading health information shared on social media, and that social media users may not be aware of misleading information or conflicts of interest especially when the platforms promote popular content regardless of whether it is from a trustworthy source ( Moorhead et al., 2013 ; Ventola, 2014 ). For persons living with mental illness there may be additional risks from using social media. A recent study that specifically explored the perspectives of social media users with serious mental illnesses, including participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depression, found that over one third of participants expressed concerns about privacy when using social media ( Naslund & Aschbrenner, 2019 ). The reported risks of social media use were directly related to many aspects of everyday life, including concerns about threats to employment, fear of stigma and being judged, impact on personal relationships, and facing hostility or being hurt ( Naslund & Aschbrenner, 2019 ). While few studies have specifically explored the dangers of social media use from the perspectives of individuals living with mental illness, it is important to recognize that use of these platforms may contribute to risks that extend beyond worsening symptoms and that can affect different aspects of daily life.

In this commentary we considered ways in which social media may yield benefits for individuals living with mental illness, while contrasting these with the possible harms. Studies reporting on the threats of social media for individuals with mental illness are mostly cross-sectional, making it difficult to draw conclusions about direction of causation. However, the risks are potentially serious. These risks should be carefully considered in discussions pertaining to use of social media and the broader use of digital mental health technologies, as avenues for mental health promotion, or for supporting access to evidence-based programs or mental health services. At this point, it would be premature to view the benefits of social media as outweighing the possible harms, when it is clear from the studies summarized here that social media use can have negative effects on mental health symptoms, can potentially expose individuals to hurtful content and hostile interactions, and can result in serious consequences for daily life, including threats to employment and personal relationships. Despite these risks, it is also necessary to recognize that individuals with mental illness will continue to use social media given the ease of accessing these platforms and the immense popularity of online social networking. With this in mind, it may be ideal to raise awareness about these possible risks so that individuals can implement necessary safeguards, while also highlighting that there could also be benefits. For individuals with mental illness who use social media, being aware of the risks is an essential first step, and then highlighting ways that use of these popular platforms could also contribute to some benefits, ranging from finding meaningful interactions with others, engaging with peer support networks, and accessing information and services.

To capitalize on the widespread use of social media, and to achieve the promise that these platforms may hold for supporting the delivery of targeted mental health interventions, there is need for continued research to better understand how individuals living with mental illness use social media. Such efforts could inform safety measures and also encourage use of social media in ways that maximize potential benefits while minimizing risk of harm. It will be important to recognize how gender and race contribute to differences in use of social media for seeking mental health information or accessing interventions, as well as differences in how social media might impact mental wellbeing. For example, a national survey of 14- to 22-year olds in the United States found that female respondents were more likely to search online for information about depression or anxiety, and to try to connect with other people online who share similar mental health concerns, when compared to male respondents ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ). In the same survey, there did not appear to be any differences between racial or ethnic groups in social media use for seeking mental health information ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ). Social media use also appears to have a differential impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing between females and males ( Booker, Kelly, & Sacker, 2018 ), highlighting the need to explore unique experiences between gender groups to inform tailored programs and services. Research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals frequently use social media for searching for health information and may be more likely compared to heterosexual individuals to share their own personal health experiences with others online ( Rideout & Fox, 2018 ). Less is known about use of social media for seeking support for mental health concerns among gender minorities, though this is an important area for further investigation as these individuals are more likely to experience mental health problems and more likely to experience online victimization when compared to heterosexual individuals ( Mereish, Sheskier, Hawthorne, & Goldbach, 2019 ).

Similarly, efforts are needed to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health among ethnic and racial minorities. A recent study found that exposure to traumatic online content on social media showing violence or hateful posts directed at racial minorities contributed to increases in psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and depression among African American and Latinx adolescents in the United States ( Tynes, Willis, Stewart, & Hamilton, 2019 ). These concerns are contrasted by growing interest in the potential for new technologies including social media to expand the reach of services to underrepresented minority groups ( Schueller, Hunter, Figueroa, & Aguilera, 2019 ). Therefore, greater attention is needed to understanding the perspectives of ethnic and racial minorities to inform effective and safe use of social media for mental health promotion efforts.

Research has found that individuals living with mental illness have expressed interest in accessing mental health services through social media platforms. A survey of social media users with mental illness found that most respondents were interested in accessing programs for mental health on social media targeting symptom management, health promotion, and support for communicating with health care providers and interacting with the health system ( Naslund et al., 2017 ). Importantly, individuals with serious mental illness have also emphasized that any mental health intervention on social media would need to be moderated by someone with adequate training and credentials, would need to have ground rules and ways to promote safety and minimize risks, and importantly, would need to be free and easy to access.

An important strength with this commentary is that it combines a range of studies broadly covering the topic of social media and mental health. We have provided a summary of recent evidence in a rapidly advancing field with the goal of presenting unique ways that social media could offer benefits for individuals with mental illness, while also acknowledging the potentially serious risks and the need for further investigation. There are also several limitations with this commentary that warrant consideration. Importantly, as we aimed to address this broad objective, we did not conduct a systematic review of the literature. Therefore, the studies reported here are not exhaustive, and there may be additional relevant studies that were not included. Additionally, we only summarized published studies, and as a result, any reports from the private sector or websites from different organizations using social media or other apps containing social media-like features would have been omitted. Though it is difficult to rigorously summarize work from the private sector, sometimes referred to as “gray literature”, because many of these projects are unpublished and are likely selective in their reporting of findings given the target audience may be shareholders or consumers.

Another notable limitation is that we did not assess risk of bias in the studies summarized in this commentary. We found many studies that highlighted risks associated with social media use for individuals living with mental illness; however, few studies of programs or interventions reported negative findings, suggesting the possibility that negative findings may go unpublished. This concern highlights the need for a future more rigorous review of the literature with careful consideration of bias and an accompanying quality assessment. Most of the studies that we described were from the United States, as well as from other higher income settings such as Australia or the United Kingdom. Despite the global reach of social media platforms, there is a dearth of research on the impact of these platforms on the mental health of individuals in diverse settings, as well as the ways in which social media could support mental health services in lower income countries where there is virtually no access to mental health providers. Future research is necessary to explore the opportunities and risks for social media to support mental health promotion in low-income and middle-income countries, especially as these countries face a disproportionate share of the global burden of mental disorders, yet account for the majority of social media users worldwide ( Naslund et al., 2019 ).

Future Directions for Social Media and Mental Health

As we consider future research directions, the near ubiquitous social media use also yields new opportunities to study the onset and manifestation of mental health symptoms and illness severity earlier than traditional clinical assessments. There is an emerging field of research referred to as ‘digital phenotyping’ aimed at capturing how individuals interact with their digital devices, including social media platforms, in order to study patterns of illness and identify optimal time points for intervention ( Jain, Powers, Hawkins, & Brownstein, 2015 ; Onnela & Rauch, 2016 ). Given that most people access social media via mobile devices, digital phenotyping and social media are closely related ( Torous et al., 2019 ). To date, the emergence of machine learning, a powerful computational method involving statistical and mathematical algorithms ( Shatte, Hutchinson, & Teague, 2019 ), has made it possible to study large quantities of data captured from popular social media platforms such as Twitter or Instagram to illuminate various features of mental health ( Manikonda & De Choudhury, 2017 ; Reece et al., 2017 ). Specifically, conversations on Twitter have been analyzed to characterize the onset of depression ( De Choudhury, Gamon, Counts, & Horvitz, 2013 ) as well as detecting users’ mood and affective states ( De Choudhury, Gamon, & Counts, 2012 ), while photos posted to Instagram can yield insights for predicting depression ( Reece & Danforth, 2017 ). The intersection of social media and digital phenotyping will likely add new levels of context to social media use in the near future.

Several studies have also demonstrated that when compared to a control group, Twitter users with a self-disclosed diagnosis of schizophrenia show unique online communication patterns ( Michael L Birnbaum, Ernala, Rizvi, De Choudhury, & Kane, 2017 ), including more frequent discussion of tobacco use ( Hswen et al., 2017 ), symptoms of depression and anxiety ( Hswen, Naslund, Brownstein, & Hawkins, 2018b ), and suicide ( Hswen, Naslund, Brownstein, & Hawkins, 2018a ). Another study found that online disclosures about mental illness appeared beneficial as reflected by fewer posts about symptoms following self-disclosure (Ernala, Rizvi, Birnbaum, Kane, & De Choudhury, 2017). Each of these examples offers early insights into the potential to leverage widely available online data for better understanding the onset and course of mental illness. It is possible that social media data could be used to supplement additional digital data, such as continuous monitoring using smartphone apps or smart watches, to generate a more comprehensive ‘digital phenotype’ to predict relapse and identify high-risk health behaviors among individuals living with mental illness ( Torous et al., 2019 ).

With research increasingly showing the valuable insights that social media data can yield about mental health states, greater attention to the ethical concerns with using individual data in this way is necessary ( Chancellor, Birnbaum, Caine, Silenzio, & De Choudhury, 2019 ). For instance, data is typically captured from social media platforms without the consent or awareness of users ( Bidargaddi et al., 2017 ), which is especially crucial when the data relates to a socially stigmatizing health condition such as mental illness ( Guntuku, Yaden, Kern, Ungar, & Eichstaedt, 2017 ). Precautions are needed to ensure that data is not made identifiable in ways that were not originally intended by the user who posted the content, as this could place an individual at risk of harm or divulge sensitive health information ( Webb et al., 2017 ; Williams, Burnap, & Sloan, 2017 ). Promising approaches for minimizing these risks include supporting the participation of individuals with expertise in privacy, clinicians, as well as the target individuals with mental illness throughout the collection of data, development of predictive algorithms, and interpretation of findings ( Chancellor et al., 2019 ).

In recognizing that many individuals living with mental illness use social media to search for information about their mental health, it is possible that they may also want to ask their clinicians about what they find online to check if the information is reliable and trustworthy. Alternatively, many individuals may feel embarrassed or reluctant to talk to their clinicians about using social media to find mental health information out of concerns of being judged or dismissed. Therefore, mental health clinicians may be ideally positioned to talk with their patients about using social media, and offer recommendations to promote safe use of these sites, while also respecting their patients’ autonomy and personal motivations for using these popular platforms. Given the gap in clinical knowledge about the impact of social media on mental health, clinicians should be aware of the many potential risks so that they can inform their patients, while remaining open to the possibility that their patients may also experience benefits through use of these platforms. As awareness of these risks grows, it may be possible that new protections will be put in place by industry or through new policies that will make the social media environment safer. It is hard to estimate a number needed to treat or harm today given the nascent state of research, which means the patient and clinician need to weigh the choice on a personal level. Thus offering education and information is an important first step in that process. As patients increasingly show interest in accessing mental health information or services through social media, it will be necessary for health systems to recognize social media as a potential avenue for reaching or offering support to patients. This aligns with growing emphasis on the need for greater integration of digital psychiatry, including apps, smartphones, or wearable devices, into patient care and clinical services through institution-wide initiatives and training clinical providers ( Hilty, Chan, Torous, Luo, & Boland, 2019 ). Within a learning healthcare environment where research and care are tightly intertwined and feedback between both is rapid, the integration of digital technologies into services may create new opportunities for advancing use of social media for mental health.

As highlighted in this commentary, social media has become an important part of the lives of many individuals living with mental disorders. Many of these individuals use social media to share their lived experiences with mental illness, to seek support from others, and to search for information about treatment recommendations, accessing mental health services, and coping with symptoms ( Bucci et al., 2019 ; Highton-Williamson et al., 2015 ; Naslund, Aschbrenner, et al., 2016b ). As the field of digital mental health advances, the wide reach, ease of access, and popularity of social media platforms could be used to allow individuals in need of mental health services or facing challenges of mental illness to access evidence-based treatment and support. To achieve this end and to explore whether social media platforms can advance efforts to close the gap in available mental health services in the United States and globally, it will be essential for researchers to work closely with clinicians and with those affected by mental illness to ensure that possible benefits of using social media are carefully weighed against anticipated risks.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Naslund is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (U19MH113211). Dr. Aschbrenner is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (1R01MH110965-01).

Publisher's Disclaimer: This Author Accepted Manuscript is a PDF file of a an unedited peer-reviewed manuscript that has been accepted for publication but has not been copyedited or corrected. The official version of record that is published in the journal is kept up to date and so may therefore differ from this version.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have nothing to disclose.

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Mental health research paper topics

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Mental health research topics are becoming increasingly important in our society today. With the rise of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is essential for students to understand the causes and effects of these conditions. Researching mental health can help us prevent and treat these illnesses before it's not too late.

That's why our paper writers curated this list compiling mental health research paper topics and ideas spanning various aspects. From psychological disorders to the role of society in mental health and therapeutic strategies, we covered 250 top mental health topics to write about. So, if you’re looking for help on starting your next mental health project, this list will provide you with the best ideas.

What Are Mental Health Research Topics?

Mental health research topics focus on understanding the causes, effects, and treatment of mental illnesses. It is important for students to explore these topics as they can help us understand how psychological disorders develop. This, in turn, allows us to optimize our treatment strategies. Researching mental health can also help us form healthier habits and lifestyles that promote positive mental health.

Characteristics of Good Mental Health Research Topics

How well you understand the theme characteristics can either make or break your research project. That's why, before you choose any mental health research topic, it is important to consider the features that make it good. Make sure your research topic about mental health meets the criteria listed below:

  • Relevant Give preference to topic ideas that are relevant to the current trends in society.
  • Interesting Find a topic you can approach from various angles while maintaining your engagement in research.
  • Feasible Ensure that the idea can be researched in a reasonable amount of time.
  • Original Try to pick between original mental health research questions and take a unique approach when investigating a certain aspect.
  • Accessible Make sure you have access to enough resources and data to complete your research.

How to Choose a Mental Health Research Topic?

Narrowing down your choices can be an intimidating process. To make it easier for you, we’ve rendered some secrets that will help you select the right research topic about mental health:

  • Brainstorm Try to come up with as many ideas as possible by writing them out on paper or creating a mind map.
  • Analyze your ideas Once you have a list of mental health project ideas, analyze each one and decide which ones are more appropriate for your research.
  • Explore further Certain topics may require extra research before settling on them. Make sure to look for relevant studies and determine whether you have enough time to run your research.
  • Seek consultation Sometimes you may just miss out something important. Discuss your ideas with your peers, professors, or online research paper writers to get constructive feedback.
  • Refine After getting input from others, polish your research topic idea further before committing to it.

Hopefully, these tips  will help you select the best research topics on mental health and start your exploration on the right note. Let’s now move forward to the actual ideas.

List of Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Below you will find a unique collection of hot mental health research paper topics. Designed to inspire students, budding researchers, and knowledge seekers, this list of ideas will surely be helpful.

  • The impact of socioeconomic status on mental health conditions.
  • Exploring the role of social media in mental illness.
  • Analyze how trauma affects mental health.
  • Investigating stress management strategies for anxiety disorders.
  • Impact of sleep disorders on mental health.
  • Art therapy: A non-traditional approach to emotional health.
  • The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health.
  • The role of genetics in mental health disorders.
  • Understanding the psychology of eating disorders.
  • The interplay of physical activity and mental health.
  • The psychological impact of chronic diseases.
  • Internet addiction and its psychological implications.
  • Comparative analysis of Western and Eastern mental health practices.
  • Suicide prevention strategies in youth.
  • The role of AI and technology in emotional health care.
  • A closer look at post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • The intersection of mental health and homelessness.
  • The efficacy of animal-assisted therapy in emotional wellbeing.
  • The role of culture in mental health treatment.
  • Exploring the link between mental illness and substance abuse.

Good Mental Health Research Topics

Below we’ve put together a list of good research topics about mental health worth your attention. Take a look and you may find the perfect topic to inspire your next project:

  • Nature vs. Nurture: The origins of emotional wellbeing disturbance.
  • Effectiveness of virtual therapy in treating depression.
  • Investigating anxiety management strategies through mindfulness.
  • Understanding the psychological effects of online harassment.
  • The growing mental health crisis in young adults.
  • Exploring the influence of family relationships on mental health.
  • Investigating the role of exercise in reducing stress.
  • How climate change influences emotional wellness.
  • Assessing the role of financial stress in psychological illness.
  • Examining the need for improving healthcare systems related to mental health.
  • The Influence of social media on teenage mental health.
  • Exploring the connection between mental illness and addiction.
  • Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in treating anxiety.
  • The impact of social isolation on mental wellness.
  • Understanding the impacts of racism on emotional wellbeing.

Interesting Mental Health Research Topics

Sometimes all you need is a spark of inspiration. If that’s the case for you, then take a look at these captivating topics about mental health:

  • Exploring the impacts of divorce on mental health.
  • Examining the role of good nutrition in emotional wellbeing.
  • An analysis of the impact of unemployment on mental illness.
  • Impact of taxation policies on emotional wellness.
  • Analyzing the role of online support groups in mental health care.
  • Investigating the stigma of mental health in universities.
  • The need for better communication strategies in treating psychological illness.
  • Analyze the impact of occupational stress on mental wellbeing.
  • Examine how social exclusion affects emotional wellness.
  • The growing need for mental health education in schools.
  • Understanding the importance of parental support for emotional stability.
  • The role of financial literacy in reducing psychological distress.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of aromatherapy for stress relief.
  • Analyzing the use of peer counseling in mental health care.
  • Exploring new technologies for mental health diagnosis.

Unique Mental Health Research Topics

Ready for something more authentic? Take a look at these research paper topics about mental health and give them your best shot:

  • Examining the need for gender-sensitive mental health care.
  • Exploring the impacts of physical disability on emotional wellbeing.
  • The use of digital technology for mental health awareness.
  • Analyzing the impact of video gaming on psychological health.
  • Exploring the efficacy of yoga and meditation in treating depression.
  • The importance of early identification and treatment of mental illness.
  • Examining the need for mental health support among LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Are alternative therapies effective in treating distress?
  • Exploring the links between pet ownership and emotional stability.
  • Use of music therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
  • Exploring the psychological effects of noise pollution.
  • Investigating the effectiveness of online forums in emotional health therapy.
  • Examining the impacts of aging on mental health.
  • How does cognitive restructuring benefit emotional wellbeing?
  • The role of herbal remedies in managing psychological distress.

Best Mental Health Research Topics

Are you looking for the very best mental health topics for research papers or projects? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at these amazing ideas to get inspired:

  • The need for social acceptance in treating psychological disorders.
  • How do friendships help in managing stress?
  • How can virtual reality be used in mental health care?
  • How does religion impact psychological well being?
  • How economic policies affect psychological stability?
  • Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder in military personnel.
  • Cyberbullying and its effect on adolescent peace of mind.
  • Benefits and challenges of teletherapy in emotional stability recovery.
  • Understanding and managing self-harm behaviors.
  • Examining the need for mental health support at the workplace.
  • Exploring the relationship between sleep deprivation and mental health.
  • Negative impact of toxic relationships on emotional wellness.
  • Importance of creating a supportive environment for psychological well being.
  • Benefits of self-care for emotional wellness.

Controversial Mental Health Research Topics

The mental health research topics below are sure to spark some debate. If you’re browsing for debatable argumentative paper topics or project on mental health, take a look at these themes:

  • Investigating the role of propaganda in creating mental health stigmas.
  • Exploring the impact of false news and its influence on mental wellbeing.
  • The need for mental health awareness campaigns in the media.
  • Medical marijuana and emotional stability: beneficial or harmful?
  • Forced hospitalization in psychiatry: necessity or violation of rights?
  • Is suicide representation in media preventive or harmful?
  • The "Anti-Vax" Movement's impact on public mental health.
  • The use of electroconvulsive therapy in modern psychiatry.
  • Does ADHD overdiagnosis contribute to misunderstood child behavior?
  • Are personality disorders just extreme versions of normal personality traits?
  • Is there a connection between mental health and gun control laws?
  • The validity of self-diagnosis in mental health: empowering or harmful?
  • Controversy over the DSM-5's expanding definition of mental illness.
  • How does political instability affect emotional wellbeing?
  • Investigating the effectiveness of government policies in mental health care.

Research Questions About Mental Health

Mental health research questions are key in helping you focus on the right topics when writing a dissertation or any other capstone project. Here are a few examples to get started:

  • How do parenting styles affect children’s emotional stability?
  • How does a positive self-image contribute to mental health resilience?
  • Can a supportive community significantly mitigate the symptoms of mental disorders?
  • Is there a correlation between high academic pressure and mental health disorders in students?
  • How can workplace policies be improved to better support employee wellbeing?
  • How does exposure to nature influence mental well-being?
  • How do personal belief systems and religion influence attitudes towards psychiatric disorders?
  • Can implementing a regular digital detox improve the state of mind?
  • How do life-changing events, such as migration or job loss, impact our emotional health?
  • What role do hormones play in mood disorders?
  • What are the psychological effects of long-term unemployment?
  • How does grief affect mental health, and how can it be managed effectively?
  • How does living in an urban vs. rural environment impact emotional health?
  • How do microaggressions in daily life contribute to stress and mental health disorders?
  • What is the impact of gender identity and sexual orientation on emotional wellbeing?

>> View more: Medical Research Paper Topics

Mental Health Research Topic Ideas for Students

Covering a broad spectrum of themes, our list aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multidimensional aspects of mental health. These mental health topics for students can foster critical thinking and bring about scholarly conversations.

Mental Health Research Topics for High School

Hover over these interesting mental health research topics for high school students to find a fitting idea.

  • The influence of social media on teen mental health.
  • How does school environment influence a student's state of mind?
  • The role of peer pressure in psychiatric issues among teens.
  • The psychological impact of body image and self-esteem issues.
  • Mental health implications of academic stress and burnout.
  • The role of counseling in schools for mental health support.
  • Understanding eating disorders in adolescence.
  • The impact of parental emotional stability on adolescents.
  • What are the most effective ways of reducing student stress and anxiety?
  • Can social media platforms be used to promote positive mental health messages?
  • How can parents identify childhood depression and anxiety in their children?
  • Enhancing social and emotional skills in high school students.
  • Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques for high school students.
  • How does physical activity impact mental health in teenagers?

Mental Health Research Topics for College Students

Take a look at this collection of research paper topics on mental health for college students to find the one that suits your needs.

  • The impact of chronic stress on physical and psychological health.
  • Addressing mental illness stigma among university students.
  • What are the most effective methods for reducing anxiety in college students?
  • Examining the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for mental health disorders.
  • Risk factors and triggers that contribute to depression in higher education settings.
  • Exploring the relationship between academic performance and psychological health.
  • The influence of online communication on student’s emotional wellbeing.
  • How can university professors promote mental health awareness among their students?
  • Benefits of cognitive behavior therapy for college students.
  • What are the most effective ways to prevent suicidal ideation in college students?
  • Role-playing games as a therapeutic approach to emotional disorders.
  • Intersectional approaches to mental health: gender, race and ethnicity.
  • The link between drug and alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder.
  • Does cultural awareness influence the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders?
  • Investigating the role of technology in deteriorating mental health among young people.

Mental Health Research Topics and Ideas Worth Considering

Here, you'll find worthy research paper ideas on mental health focusing on different aspects. From understanding how our minds and bodies connect, to looking at the impact of society, and even studying new therapies, we've got a range of mental health research ideas for you.

Mental Illness Research Paper Topics

This selection covers an array of mental illness ideas focusing on various disorders, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. They are ideal for students and researchers looking to broaden their knowledge.

  • How complex is dissociative identity disorder and what factors contribute to its development?
  • What role does trauma play in the development of borderline personality disorder?
  • What are the implications of long-term antidepressant use in major depressive disorder?
  • How do psychiatric service dogs impact the management of post-traumatic stress disorder?
  • Which psychotherapeutic approaches are effective in managing schizophrenia?
  • Does eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) effectively treat trauma?
  • How does family therapy contribute to the management of anorexia nervosa?
  • What are the neuroscientific insights into bipolar disorder?
  • How do socioeconomic factors influence major depressive disorder?
  • What are the mechanisms behind selective mutism in children?
  • To what extent does genetics contribute to autism spectrum disorder?
  • Psychodynamics of narcissistic personality disorder.
  • Implications of stigma in the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.
  • Is there a link between childhood abuse and dissociative disorders that warrants exploration?
  • What impact does neurofeedback training have on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Research Topics on Mental Health Counseling

This collection of research topics for mental health focuses on the various aspects of counseling, from psychological theories to practical approaches.

  • How important is cultural sensitivity in therapy and its impact on treatment outcomes?
  • What ethical dilemmas arise in therapy, particularly concerning privacy and confidentiality?
  • What is the role of positive psychology in therapeutic practices and its impact on well-being?
  • Does therapists' mental health influence the outcomes of their clients?
  • What are the methods and benefits of group therapy?
  • Can cognitive behavioral therapy effectively manage panic disorders?
  • Why is self-care important for therapists and how does it impact their work?
  • How does counselor bias affect mental health therapy outcomes?
  • The use of dialectical behavior therapy in addressing emotional instability.
  • How does play therapy support children's mental health?
  • What are the unique challenges in providing therapy for veterans with PTSD?
  • Can family systems therapy serve as a panacea for family-related issues?
  • How effective is grief counseling in helping individuals cope with bereavement?
  • What is the power of storytelling in emotional health care and its impact?
  • How effective is solution-focused brief therapy in achieving quick emotional recovery?

Young Mothers Mental Health Research Topics

This selection of research ideas about mental health covers how young mothers navigate the physical, psychological and social changes.

  • What are the unique mental health challenges faced by teenage mothers?
  • How does postpartum depression impact parenting and mother-child bond?
  • The effects of poverty on young maternal mental health.
  • Examining the effects of early adolescent pregnancy on social relationships.
  • What coping strategies can be used to address stress among young mothers?
  • Can breastfeeding serve as a protective factor against postpartum depression?
  • The correlation between exercise and mental health among young mothers.
  • What role do support networks play in assisting young mothers to access mental health services?
  • How does becoming a mother affect the identity of teenage girls?
  • Exploring the link between single parenthood and adolescent mental health.
  • What psychological interventions are effective in improving the mental health of young mothers?
  • What role does childcare play in supporting mental wellbeing among young mothers
  • Investigating the link between socioeconomic status and maternal depression among teenage mothers.
  • What role does health education play in improving the mental health of young mothers?
  • Are there any long-term effects of postpartum depression on child development?

Research Topics in Mental Health Nursing

Are you looking for good research topics on mental health nursing? Don't miss out on these ideas. Below you will find an idea or two in this direction.

  • How does nurse-patient relationships impact mental health recovery?
  • What is the role of psychiatric nurses in de-escalating crisis situations?
  • Ethical dilemmas faced by mental health nurses.
  • Stress and burnout among mental health nurses: Causes and coping strategies.
  • Are mental health nursing interventions effective for patients with PTSD?
  • Psychiatric nurses' role in managing patients with dual diagnosis.
  • Enhancing communication skills in mental health nursing.
  • Mental health nursing practices in pediatric care.
  • The role of nurses in suicide prevention and postvention.
  • Challenges in providing culturally sensitive care in mental health nursing.
  • The impact of mental health nurses in reducing hospital readmission rates.
  • The integration of telepsychiatry into nursing practice.
  • Training needs and professional development for nurses.
  • The efficacy of trauma-informed care in nursing.
  • Transition challenges for mental health nurses from inpatient to community care.

>> Read more: Nursing Research Topics

Mental Health Law Research Topics

Are you searching for some interesting research topics in mental health law? Here are a few ideas that could help you narrow down your focus.

  • The implications of involuntary commitment laws on civil rights.
  • Should mental health treatment be legally mandated for those deemed dangerous?
  • What are the legal safeguards when interpreting informed consent in psychiatric hospitals?
  • How can legal systems address violence risk assessment and management?
  • Exploring the ethical dilemmas behind forced medication in a psychiatric hospital.
  • Should involuntary commitment laws be amended to include substance use disorders?
  • What role does the Mental Health Act play in safeguarding the rights of patients?
  • Can therapeutic jurisprudence provide a viable solution for mental health law reform?
  • The implications of the Mental Capacity Act on decision-making and autonomy.
  • Analysis of consent capacity assessments in mental health law.
  • The role of civil commitment laws in improving access to treatment and care.
  • Mental health law provisions for those with chronic or terminal illnesses.
  • How does criminal justice reform help reduce the number of mentally ill inmates?
  • What are the legal considerations for ensuring patient confidentiality in mental health?
  • Does the Mental Health Act adequately protect the rights of young adults?

>> Read more: Legal Research Paper Topics

Mental Health Research Topics on Behavioral Issues

If you're browsing for mental health topics to research behavioral issues, here are a few titles that could help get you started.

  • The role of emotions in decision-making and behavior.
  • Exploring the link between impulsivity and depression.
  • How does stress-coping impact emotion regulation abilities?
  • Examining the impact of cognitive distortions on behavioral responses.
  • The role of metacognition in addressing anxiety and depression.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of anger management interventions.
  • The impact of social media on self-esteem and behavior.
  • How can parents encourage healthy coping strategies in children?
  • Examining the role of reward systems for enhancing motivation.
  • How do family dynamics influence behavior problems?
  • The implications of trauma on behavior and emotion regulation.
  • Exploring the link between sleep habits and behavior problems.
  • Can mindfulness be an effective tool to reduce aggressive behavior?
  • What strategies can be used to manage impulsivity?
  • Can virtual reality serve as a cognitive-behavioral therapy tool?

Extra Mental Health Research Topics

The following list features unique research topic ideas on mental health that are less explored but equally important. Whether you're seasoned or a beginner in mental health research, these ideas are sure to spark engaging conversations and deepen your understanding. So, let's dive in and explore these intriguing aspects in this direction together.

Psychiatry Research Topics

The collection below spotlights a wide range of subjects, from understanding psychiatric disorders to exploring advanced treatment methods. It's an excellent resource for anyone interested in diving deeper into this intriguing medical specialty. Get ready to immerse yourself in these psychiatric research topics and contribute to the field.

  • The effects of combining psychotherapy with medication for the treatment of depression.
  • Exploring the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating bipolar disorder.
  • What role do genetics play in the development of schizophrenia?
  • Examining the long-term impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
  • The use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental illness.
  • Can mindfulness be an effective tool for treating anxiety?
  • The efficacy of virtual reality (VR) therapy in treating phobias.
  • What role do diet and nutrition play in managing psychiatric disorders?
  • The use of telepsychiatry to improve access to care.
  • How do brain activity and behavior interact in psychiatric disorders?
  • Exploring the role of technology in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
  • What is the role of childcare in supporting mental wellbeing among young mothers?
  • How does early childhood development influence mental health later in life?
  • The importance of social connectedness for psychological well being.
  • Exploring how cultural beliefs and practices influence mental health.

>> Read more: Psychology Research Paper Topics

Research Topics on Mental Disorder

This list of research topics regarding mental health disorders provides an exciting opportunity to explore the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatments for a wide range of psychological issues. Let's take a closer look at these compelling research topics in mental health.

  • What are the risk factors and warning signs of bipolar disorder?
  • How can family therapy be used to support children with autism?
  • Exploring differences in diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia between men and women.
  • The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Examining the impact of trauma on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • What role do environmental factors play in determining vulnerability to depression?
  • Neuroimaging research on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
  • Can virtual reality (VR) therapy be used to treat anxiety disorders?
  • Identifying the most effective psychotherapeutic approaches for treating borderline personality disorder.
  • Analysis of the role of medication in treating eating disorders.
  • The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in managing gambling addiction.
  • Exploring the use of music therapy for symptoms of psychosis.
  • What are the best practices for supporting individuals with dissociative identity disorder?
  • What role does lifestyle play in managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
  • The potential of exercise and nutrition in preventing dementia.

Bottom Line on Research Topics About Mental Health

We did our best to provide you with exciting mental health research topics. No matter which topic you choose, make sure it resonates with your interests and provides new insights. Once you select a fitting idea, make sure to check how to write a research paper to nail your task.

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PsyPost

Creative writing can improve your overall wellness and mental health, research shows

F rom the beginning of recorded history, people in diverse cultures have embraced the idea that creative expression, including visual art, stories, dance and music, contributes to healing.

In recent times the therapeutic benefit of expressive writing has been well researched in the global north , but not in the global south. This is a significant gap because potentially healing interventions need to be investigated in different contexts, particularly where trauma, limited resources and a need to build a caring and compassionate society exist.

A recently published paper analysed the findings of a study among a diverse group of South Africans who were members of a writing group, the Life Righting Collective . Medical students at the University of Cape Town interviewed 20 members of the collective as part of a medical humanities study module.

We were co-authors of the paper. The research team included medical practitioners, medical students and academics with interests in mental health and

medical humanities . Two authors also facilitate Life Righting Collective life writing courses.

Most participants reported improvements in overall wellness and mental health as a result of these writing courses, in line with other research findings which show that creative writing can promote healthier choices as well as improve relationships, mental health and work prospects.

The research findings indicate that the courses can be a useful, non-medical, cost-efficient method to improve psychological well-being.

How it works

The Life Righting Collective promotes creativity as an innate resource for processing one’s experiences. Writing courses of different lengths accommodate between eight and 18 people. The organisation raises funds to sponsor those who cannot afford the courses, thus ensuring inclusivity and diversity. The aim of the writing courses is to promote creativity and play as learning tools for change, whereby negative and stuck narratives can shift into stories that support, create connections, empathise and encourage.

A facilitator who is experienced in group process, personal psychology and the neuroscience of creativity oversees the writing exercises and feedback sessions. They create a safe space through confidentiality, supporting personal agency and respectful listening. They encourage participants to grow and value their own individual creative expression, and to follow their intuition about what to write and what to share. The writing exercises allow for new approaches to narrate what happened.

Before participants read their work aloud, content warnings are discussed.

When both those reading their work and those listening discover that others have encountered similar life challenges, it can create a sense of community. The facilitator is trained to be on the alert for divisive comments or language, and to bring this to the group’s attention with sensitivity.

The facilitator emphasises that the course is not a therapy group, but that regular writing practice is good for well-being. If participants become distressed, the facilitator helps them process this outside the room, one on one, while the rest of the group writes.

Participants are given a mental health resource list should they need additional support.

The experience

Some participants reported an improvement in their writing capabilities as well as life skills and personal development. As one participant put it:

She taught one how to focus what you are trying to say, how to make it more readable, simpler. Just generally how to do it more effectively, artistically but also keeping it very authentic.

Another said:

Through my writing my English improved … No one could believe it was me, even when I read the reports I wrote … It gave me life skills and it even changed my situation financially, because now I can enter competitions, I can write reports and get paid whatever little money, which means I can also earn a living.

Participants noted that writing about challenging life circumstances led to increased understanding of self and others. One said:

You attentively listen to someone’s story so that you’re able to give them feedback … you can use those tools outside of the group because we all have to sit in meetings, social or academic groups and we need not to be triggered or offended by someone and still be able to give constructive feedback, that is a skill that a lot of people do not have.

The view of another:

Once you’ve shared your stories, there is a kind of a bond that is very special.

Some participants noted improved self-confidence and feeling empowered.

The course really gave me the courage to even to finish up something I’ve been working on before that course. Now I can look at myself very kindly because one of the things I struggled with is that I am too hard on myself.

The writing process had a spiritual dimension for one participant.

Your spirit gathers things in life differently than your mind does. And your spirit already has some answers for you and you can write them up.

Some mentioned managing health-related challenges better as a result of the course, including depression, anxiety and grief, as well as some physical conditions.

Participants also gave examples of how the course helped them express their experiences of trauma, such as family issues, rape, living under apartheid and war.

I grew up in the days of apartheid, so there was always a pain in me …

Another comment on the same topic:

My family did not help me find counselling … when I experienced flashbacks and nightmares because of the war {in the DRC} … no-one could understand, and they were only thankful that I was alive.

And another:

We lost our oldest son to cancer … I then started writing a journal, which I called my grief journal … working with your emotions towards healing from grief.

One participant said:

There were new voices inside of me … it really has affected my whole way of seeing myself and the melancholy – it helps lift it.

We concluded that shared writing in group settings is invaluable to promote care of self and others, both in more homogeneous and in diverse communities. The experiences of course attendees suggests that bearing witness to societal circumstances that need recognition and attention, and communicating one’s life experience through life writing, can promote confidence and advocacy.

These benefits are particularly important for resource-constrained countries like South Africa with historical and ongoing multiple traumas that need low-cost and replicable interventions to assist people recover a sense of well-being, self-worth, agency and community. Facilitation skills can be acquired by non-professionals, thereby increasing access to care in individuals and communities where there is literacy in any language.

We argue that benefits could be disseminated through incorporating similar courses in education and training curricula in schools, tertiary education institutions, government departments, non-profit organisations and other community-based groups.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

(Photo credit: Adobe Stock)

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  • Published: 14 February 2024

A research agenda for mental health in sub-Saharan Africa

  • Tholene Sodi   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7592-5145 1 ,
  • Melanie Abas 2 ,
  • Mohammed Abdulaziz 3 ,
  • Action Amos 4 , 5 ,
  • Rochelle A. Burgess 6 , 7 ,
  • Charlotte Hanlon   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7937-3226 8 , 9 ,
  • Adelard Kakunze 3 ,
  • Lily Kpobi   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7074-5804 10 ,
  • Crick Lund 8 , 11 ,
  • Kibachio J. Mwangi 12 ,
  • Victoria Mutiso 13 ,
  • Charlene Sunkel 14 ,
  • Peter Yaro   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6977-6550 15 &
  • Louise Arseneault 16  

Nature Medicine ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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As with other parts of the world, African countries are dealing with the repercussions of rising rates of mental health conditions , especially among young people 1 . Countries in sub-Saharan Africa have limited financial resources to address these challenges while facing other pressing priorities such as food insecurity and malnutrition, rapid urbanization, infectious disease outbreaks and prolonged conflicts 2 . Mental health research continues to be underfunded and mental health services are a neglected aspect of healthcare throughout the continent.

A 2-day workshop was initiated jointly by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) to explore the development of a strategic research agenda in this area, with a focus on life course and multisectoral approaches to mental health research and interventions. This event brought together mental health researchers, policymakers, implementers and people with lived experience of mental health conditions from many parts of Africa and beyond. This initiative was rooted in two previous international meetings addressing sustainable development and social determinants of mental health in low- and middle-income countries.

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COVID-10 Mental Disorders Collaborators. Lancet 398 , 1700–1712 (2021).

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United Nations. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 https://bit.ly/494Zs3o (2022).

Chibanda, D. et al. Lancet Psychiatry 8 , 553–555 (2021).

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MacDougall, A. G. et al. Int. J. Ment. Health 51 , 32–60 (2022).

Africa CDC. Non-Communicable Diseases, Injuries Prevention and Control, and Mental Health Promotion Strategy (2022–2026) https://bit.ly/3wecfla (2022).

The Academy of Medical Sciences. Advancing Multisectoral and Life-Course Approaches in Mental Health Research: Workshop Report https://bit.ly/42p9nOB (2022).

Lund, C. et al. Lancet Psychiatry 5 , 357–369 (2018).

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Academy of Science of South Africa and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences for organizing the workshop.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

SAMRC-DSI/NRF-UL Research Chair in Mental Health and Society, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa

Tholene Sodi

Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK

Melanie Abas

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mohammed Abdulaziz & Adelard Kakunze

Pan African Network of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities Uganda, Kampala, Uganda

Action Amos

Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

UCL Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK

Rochelle A. Burgess

Department of Social Work, Community Development, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK

Charlotte Hanlon & Crick Lund

Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Charlotte Hanlon

Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

World Health Organization South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Kibachio J. Mwangi

Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya

Victoria Mutiso

Global Mental Health Peer Network, Paarl, South Africa

Charlene Sunkel

BasicNeeds-Ghana, Tamale, Ghana

Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK

Louise Arseneault

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Correspondence to Tholene Sodi .

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Sodi, T., Abas, M., Abdulaziz, M. et al. A research agenda for mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. Nat Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02779-6

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Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

Academic Writing Service

This page provides a comprehensive list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics , which serves as a crucial resource for nursing students assigned to write research papers. The field of psychiatric-mental health nursing is vast, encompassing a wide variety of topics related to mental health care. This extensive list has been carefully curated to include a diverse range of topics divided into ten distinct categories, making it easier for students to find a subject of interest and relevance to their studies. In addition to the list of topics, the page also includes a detailed article discussing the significance of psychiatric-mental health nursing and the various aspects it covers. Additionally, the page offers information on iResearchNet’s writing services, providing an opportunity for students to order custom-written research papers if needed. Ultimately, this page serves as a one-stop resource for students, aiding them in selecting a topic, understanding the importance of psychiatric-mental health nursing, and, if necessary, ordering a custom research paper.

100 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

The field of psychiatric-mental health nursing is incredibly diverse, providing a wide range of research opportunities. Understanding the various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing is crucial for providing comprehensive care to patients with mental health issues. This section provides a comprehensive list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics, categorized into ten different areas of focus. These topics are carefully selected to cover the most pertinent issues and trends in the field, encouraging students to explore and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

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Understanding Mental Health Disorders

  • The role of genetic factors in the development of schizophrenia.
  • The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
  • The relationship between anxiety disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The link between depression and chronic pain.
  • The effect of sleep disorders on mental health.
  • The role of nutrition in managing mental health disorders.
  • The impact of substance abuse on mental health.
  • The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior.
  • The role of social support in managing bipolar disorder.
  • The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on quality of life.

Psychopharmacology in Mental Health Nursing

  • The effectiveness of antidepressants in managing major depressive disorder.
  • The side effects of antipsychotic medications.
  • The role of mood stabilizers in managing bipolar disorder.
  • The impact of benzodiazepines on cognitive function.
  • The effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in managing anxiety disorders.
  • The role of psychostimulants in managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • The impact of medication adherence on treatment outcomes in schizophrenia.
  • The role of pharmacogenomics in personalized treatment of mental health disorders.
  • The effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression.
  • The impact of polypharmacy on treatment outcomes in elderly patients with mental health disorders.

Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Nursing

  • The impact of therapeutic communication on patient outcomes in mental health care.
  • The role of non-verbal communication in building therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • The effectiveness of motivational interviewing in substance abuse treatment.
  • The impact of active listening on patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment.
  • The role of empathy in mental health nursing.
  • The effectiveness of group therapy in managing social anxiety disorder.
  • The impact of family therapy on the mental health of adolescents.
  • The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing depression.
  • The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in managing borderline personality disorder.
  • The impact of psychoeducation on the management of schizophrenia.

Mental Health Promotion and Prevention

  • The role of school-based mental health programs in preventing adolescent depression.
  • The effectiveness of community-based mental health promotion programs.
  • The impact of workplace mental health promotion programs on employee well-being.
  • The role of physical activity in preventing mental health disorders.
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in preventing anxiety and depression.
  • The impact of social support on the prevention of mental health disorders.
  • The role of early intervention programs in preventing the development of psychosis.
  • The effectiveness of suicide prevention programs in reducing suicide rates.
  • The impact of anti-stigma campaigns on public attitudes towards mental health.
  • The role of primary care providers in mental health promotion and prevention.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Mental Health Nursing

  • The impact of involuntary hospitalization on the mental health of patients.
  • The role of advanced directives in mental health care.
  • The effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing recidivism rates.
  • The impact of confidentiality breaches on the therapeutic relationship.
  • The role of informed consent in mental health care.
  • The effectiveness of restraint and seclusion in managing aggressive behavior.
  • The impact of medication refusal on treatment outcomes.
  • The role of ethics committees in resolving ethical dilemmas in mental health care.
  • The effectiveness of de-escalation techniques in managing aggressive behavior.
  • The impact of legal and ethical issues on the role of the mental health nurse.

Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan

  • The impact of developmental stages on the mental health of individuals.
  • The role of mental health nursing in the care of children and adolescents.
  • The effectiveness of mental health interventions for older adults.
  • The impact of life transitions on mental health.
  • The role of mental health nursing in the care of pregnant and postpartum women.
  • The effectiveness of mental health interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • The impact of aging on mental health.
  • The role of mental health nursing in the care of individuals with dementia.
  • The effectiveness of mental health interventions for adolescents with eating disorders.
  • The impact of end-of-life care on the mental health of patients and their families.

Cultural Competence in Mental Health Nursing

  • The impact of cultural competence on patient satisfaction and outcomes in mental health care.
  • The role of cultural competence in building therapeutic relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds.
  • The effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions in managing mental health disorders.
  • The impact of language barriers on access to mental health care.
  • The role of cultural competence in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders.
  • The effectiveness of cultural competence training for mental health professionals.
  • The impact of cultural beliefs and practices on mental health.
  • The role of cultural competence in the prevention of mental health disorders.
  • The effectiveness of culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing depression.
  • The impact of cultural competence on the delivery of mental health services to immigrant and refugee populations.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing in Various Settings

  • The role of mental health nursing in primary care settings.
  • The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in acute care settings.
  • The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in long-term care settings.
  • The role of mental health nursing in community mental health services.
  • The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in correctional facilities.
  • The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in home health care.
  • The role of mental health nursing in school-based mental health services.
  • The effectiveness of mental health nursing interventions in emergency departments.
  • The impact of mental health nursing on patient outcomes in psychiatric hospitals.
  • The role of mental health nursing in substance abuse treatment centers.

Technological Advances in Mental Health Nursing

  • The impact of telepsychiatry on access to mental health care in rural areas.
  • The role of electronic health records in improving the quality of mental health care.
  • The effectiveness of online support groups in managing mental health disorders.
  • The impact of mobile applications on medication adherence in patients with mental health disorders.
  • The role of virtual reality in the treatment of phobias.
  • The effectiveness of online cognitive-behavioral therapy in managing anxiety disorders.
  • The impact of teletherapy on patient satisfaction and outcomes in mental health care.
  • The role of technology in enhancing communication between mental health professionals and patients.
  • The effectiveness of online psychoeducation in the management of bipolar disorder.
  • The impact of technology on the role of the mental health nurse.

Emerging Trends in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers.
  • The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the opioid crisis.
  • The effectiveness of trauma-informed care in managing post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • The impact of the integration of mental health and primary care services on patient outcomes.
  • The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ populations.
  • The effectiveness of peer support in the management of mental health disorders.
  • The impact of climate change on mental health.
  • The role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in addressing the mental health needs of immigrant and refugee populations.
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in managing stress and burnout among mental health professionals.
  • The impact of social media on mental health.

The psychiatric-mental health nursing field offers a vast array of research opportunities, as evident from the extensive list of topics provided above. These topics encompass various aspects of mental health care, from understanding mental health disorders to exploring the ethical and legal considerations in psychiatric-mental health nursing. It is crucial for students and professionals in the field to engage in research to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of mental health care. This list of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics serves as a starting point for students to explore and contribute to this vital field of nursing.

The Range of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Research Paper Topics

Psychiatric-mental health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that is dedicated to promoting mental health through the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders and conditions. This field of nursing is incredibly important, as mental health disorders are prevalent and can have a significant impact on individuals’ overall health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for skilled psychiatric-mental health nurses who can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals with mental health needs.

The significance of psychiatric-mental health nursing is multifaceted. First and foremost, psychiatric-mental health nurses play a crucial role in providing care and support to individuals with mental health disorders. They are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help for mental health issues and play a key role in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurses also develop and implement treatment plans, provide psychoeducation to patients and their families, and offer support and counseling. Additionally, they play a vital role in crisis intervention and the management of acute mental health episodes.

Furthermore, psychiatric-mental health nurses also play a critical role in promoting mental health and preventing mental health disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, schools, and primary care clinics, where they provide mental health education and promote strategies for maintaining good mental health. Additionally, psychiatric-mental health nurses often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs.

Various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing offer a wide range of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics. One critical area of focus is mental health assessment. This involves the evaluation of an individual’s mental health status through the use of various assessment tools and techniques. Research in this area might explore the validity and reliability of different mental health assessment tools, the impact of cultural differences on mental health assessment, or the development of new assessment tools and techniques.

Another important aspect of psychiatric-mental health nursing is treatment and intervention strategies. This encompasses a wide range of approaches, from psychopharmacology to psychotherapy to lifestyle interventions. Psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics in this area might include the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for specific mental health disorders, the impact of treatment adherence on treatment outcomes, or the development of new intervention strategies.

The role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse is another crucial aspect of this field. Psychiatric-mental health nurses have a unique set of skills and competencies that enable them to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health needs. Research topics in this area might explore the impact of nurse-patient relationships on treatment outcomes, the role of psychiatric-mental health nurses in interdisciplinary teams, or the development of new competencies and skills for psychiatric-mental health nurses.

In addition to these areas, there are many other aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing that offer a wealth of research opportunities. For example, legal and ethical issues in psychiatric-mental health nursing, the role of technology in mental health care, and the mental health needs of specific populations, such as the elderly, children, or individuals with co-occurring disorders, are all important areas of focus.

Overall, the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing offers a wide range of research opportunities. From mental health assessment to treatment and intervention strategies to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse, there are numerous psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics to explore. Engaging in research in this field is crucial for the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of mental health care for individuals around the world.

In conclusion, psychiatric-mental health nursing is a vital field that plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and providing care and support to individuals with mental health needs. The various aspects of psychiatric-mental health nursing offer a wide range of psychiatric-mental health nursing research paper topics, from mental health assessment to treatment and intervention strategies to the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse. Engaging in research in this field is essential for advancing knowledge and improving mental health care worldwide.

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9 simple ways to boost your mental health, according to science

In a world where there’s not much you can control, these tips are easy and can be put into practice immediately.

There’s no shortage of hacks for boosting your mental health. Some are tried-and-true: exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. Other approaches are not yet well understood, like taking magnesium supplements or plunging your body into frigid water . And then there are the methods that aren’t entirely legal ( for now ) like microdosing psychedelics .

But over the years, my colleagues have reported on other self-care tips that are backed by science and fairly easy to access. I’ve been tapping into some of them these past few weeks after a cold, dark January that felt like an eternity. Maybe you could use them too?

Granted, some of these tips are only going to get you so far if you’re going through something really heavy (or if you’re just worn down by the neverending Dumpster fire of global events). In a world where there’s not much you can control, here are some of my favorite things that you can:

1. Spend more time in nature

Look, we’re National Geographic —surely you’re not surprised that getting outside is first on this list.

But there’s overwhelming evidence that it really can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and even keep you healthy. How so? For one, research has found that looking at complex patterns found in ferns, flowers, mountains, ocean waves, and other elements of nature can induce more of the alpha waves in your brain that are associated with relaxation.

( 10 simple ways to change your life in 2024 .)

Our readers seem to particularly love “ forest bathing ”—a mindful hike through the woods—for reaping the health benefits of nature. But if you’re not able to get outdoors, experts say there are helpful things you can do to bring nature to you instead , like tossing open a window to let in a fresh breeze or using nature-inspired scents.

2. Listen to birds

I teased my colleague Sarah Gibbens when she told me last year that she listens to bird songs to help her focus at work. But the more that I think about it, the more genius it sounds. As Sarah herself wrote  in 2022 , studies have shown that simply being in the presence of birds can put you in a better mood.

Obviously the real deal is likely more effective as a mental health boost—after all, it involves being outside in nature. But I may just cue up those bird sounds the next time I’m having a bad day.

3. Declutter your space

Getting organized won’t help with diagnosed depression. But as Daryl Austin reported earlier this year , it can still make a difference for your mental health. "You'll feel less exhaustion, enhance your productivity at the office, and greatly improve the quality of your life if you can learn how to declutter and become organized," said Joseph Ferrari, a distinguished professor of psychology at DePaul University and a recognized scholar on clutter and disorganization.

Ready to give decluttering a shot? Ferrari and other experts had some great research-backed recommendations for how to get started. To me, the most surprising takeaway is that you should look but not touch while you’re sorting out items to toss. Studies show that touching your possessions makes you more attached to them !

4. Cut back on ultra-processed foods

I’ve always known that frozen pizza and chips are bad for my physical health. But I didn’t realize until I read Janis Jibrin’s story in November that these ultra-processed foods might also be fueling my anxiety.

In fact, research shows that people whose diets are high in these foods—which also include soda, candy, energy bars, and fruit-flavored yogurt—had a 44 percent greater risk of depression and 48 percent higher risk of anxiety. Fun!

( Not all whole grains are made equal. Here's how to decode the labels .)

Fortunately, Jibrin also asked experts for advice on how to eliminate these foods from your diet. My favorite tip came from Ashley Gearhardt, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who reminds us to “treat yourself with compassion. It’s not your fault, you’re in an environment designed to addict you.”

5. Eat more of these foods instead

On the flip side, your diet can also go a long way toward boosting your mental health. “There are no magic food bullets that will relieve stress,” wrote Jason Bittel in a story for us last year —but you can boost your levels of happy hormones like serotonin by getting a healthy mix of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, and carbohydrates.

He asked nutritionists to recommend a few foods that are particularly good at targeting those hormones—which is great news for anyone who likes dark chocolate or bananas.

6. Trigger your feel-good hormones

Beyond food, there are other ways to trigger the release of those happy hormones: dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. A 2023 story offers a few examples of how to get high on your own hormones —ranging from the dopamine rush you get from something as simple as finishing a task to the serotonin release that comes with meditation.

And dog parents are in luck: Research shows that playing with your pet can give you a stress-relieving surge of oxytocin .

7. Plan a trip

Taking a vacation is a no-brainer when it comes to boosting your mental health. But what if you don’t have the means or the time? Well, it turns out that even just planning a vacation can make a difference. As my colleagues on our travel team reported during the pandemic , research shows that anticipating a trip “can increase a person’s happiness substantially.”

Maybe it’s time to start planning a trip to one of the hot spots in National Geographic’s 2024 Best of the World guide?

( Are you getting enough water? Here's what to know about hydrating .)

8. Go for a bike ride

Of course, any kind of exercise is going to be good for your mental health. But our family team reported last year that bicycling is one of the best physical activities you can do to feel better . “Our research shows that kids who get out for a bike ride at least once a week report higher levels of mental well-being,” said cognitive scientist Esther Walker , research program manager at Outride, a nonprofit organization that supports programming for youth.

She and other scientists are still working to find out why biking is so good for you but it might have something to do with all the executive-function skills you need to coordinate your movements and navigate around obstacles that cross your path.

9. Try light therapy

Seasonal depression comes for us all. (Although some people are more likely to get it in the summertime .) Scientists are still investigating why but the leading theory is that the darker days of winter disrupt your circadian rhythm—which is cued up each day by the morning light.

Talking to a therapist and taking up hobbies can help mitigate your seasonal depression, experts say. But they also tout the benefits of light therapy—or, as my colleague put it, “sitting in front of a bright box of light.” But what’s the best kind of light box to try? Here’s what the experts say .

What are we missing?  You tell us ! We may include a few of your tips in a coming newsletter.

Read This Next

  • Mind, Body, Wonder

Science shows organization improves mental health

The science behind seasonal depression, why your dog helps you relax more than your friends do, 8 strategies to make your new year’s resolutions stick.

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