Mental Health First Aid USA in a Rural Community: Perceived Impact on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior

Abstract

This study investigated the perceived impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) on individuals who took the class through a community mental health center in rural Kansas. One hundred and seventy-six MHFA graduates completed an online survey assessing their perception of the impact of completing the MHFA course. Findings corresponded with previous Australian MHFA studies that found outcomes including improved mental health literacy and changed attitudes and behaviors, but the study sample limits generalizability. Suggestions are given for additional research across more diverse settings in the United States to validate the use of MHFA, and to better understand change processes that occur as a result of MHFA.

Keywords:

• mental health literacy
• Mental Health First Aid

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by funding from the University of Kansas New Faculty General Research Fund. A special thanks to High Plains Mental Health Center for help with this study, and to Susan Frauenholtz for editing and critiquing earlier versions of this article.