Cutting Edge Mental Health Disparities Research: Current State and Future Directions-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel titled "Cutting-Edge Mental Health Disparities Research, Current State, and Future Directions" featured insights from Dr. Leslie Adams and Dr. Margarita Alegria. Dr. Adams, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focused on the intersections between gender, racism, and mental health outcomes, particularly among black boys and men. Her research utilizes ecological momentary assessment (EMA) via smartphones to study real-time suicide ideation and the impact of everyday racial discrimination and masculinity on mental health. Key findings suggest that traditional masculine norms and experiences of racism are significant factors in suicidal ideation, with many participants expressing feelings of alienation and burdensomeness.<br /><br />Dr. Margarita Alegria, from Mass Gen Hospital and Harvard Medical School, highlighted how frameworks for social determinants have expanded to include factors like stigma and social connections. Her research finds that interventions combining psychosocial elements and addressing social determinants, such as utilities and unemployment, are effective. However, standalone social determinant referrals provide limited improvements in mental health outcomes. The studies emphasize the need for community involvement and culturally tailored interventions to address these complex issues.<br /><br />Both speakers identified systemic barriers such as economic instability, healthcare access, and everyday racism as significant drivers of mental health disparities. They called for increased funding, community-engaged strategies, and policy-maker involvement to create sustainable solutions. Furthermore, they discussed the role of providers in recognizing and addressing racial trauma to foster better therapeutic alliances. Overall, the session underscored the importance of addressing social determinants comprehensively to mitigate mental health disparities effectively.

Keywords

mental health disparities

gender and racism

suicidal ideation

ecological momentary assessment

racial discrimination

masculinity norms

social determinants

culturally tailored interventions

systemic barriers

racial trauma

community engagement

therapeutic alliances