Mental health first aid embedment within undergraduate psychology curriculums: an opportunity of applied experience for psychology students and for enhancing mental health care in higher education institutions

Abstract

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course was developed almost fifteen years ago to train community members in supporting people with mental health difficulties (Kitchener & Jorm, 2002). In this opinion manuscript, we propose the embedment of MHFA training into the undergraduate Psychology curriculum as a method of enhancing benefits for both students who receive the training, as well as students who are receiving support while at university from students who have been trained in MHFA. You may ask at this point, why should psychology students be involved in the training that was designed for members of the public? In this short communication, we will aim to explore the benefits of training psychology students in MHFA not only for themselves, but also for Higher Education institutions. First, however, we will explore the effectiveness of MHFA in prior research. The MHFA course is an adaptation of the standard physical first aid training – which is in place for physiological health emergencies – and proposes a first point of contact to help people with a mental health problem or crisis. The guidance and signposting that can be provided through MHFA is very easily summarized through an action plan that is descriptive of the programme (known as ‘ALGEE’): Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis; Listen and communicate non-judgmentally; Give support and information; Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help; Encourage other supports (see Kitchener & Jorm, 2008). The MHFA course comprises evidence-based content, and shares expert consensus on new and applicable material that can be used to enhance and support MHFA in various settings (Armstong et al., 2017; Kitchener & Jorm, 2008; Langlands, Jorm, Kelly, & Kitchener, 2008). A meta-analysis showed that MHFA training enhanced mental health knowledge and helping behaviours, while decreasing stigma around mental health (Hadlaczky, Hökby, Mkrtchian, Carli, & Wasserman, 2014). More recently, a systematic review and meta-analysis revealed small to moderate effects after the training on recognizing, helping, and providing first aid for mental health difficulties