Applying systems theory to global mental health

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7148901
AutoresMark J D Jordans (0000-0001-5925-8039, King's College London, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Volumen12
Páginase2-e2
Fecha de publicación2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2054-4251 • E-ISSN: 2054-4251
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/gmh.2024.147
PMID39935727
OpenAlexW4405649460
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas35

In recent years the evidence base for psychological interventions in low- and -middle-income countries (LMIC) has rapidly accrued, demonstrating that task-shifting models result in desired outcomes. Next, it is important to look at how this evidence translates into practice. In doing so, this paper argues that the field of global mental health might benefit from applying a system theory or system science perspective. Systems thinking aims to understand how different components are connected and interdependent within a larger emergent entity. At present much of the research efforts into psychological interventions in LMIC are focusing on single interventions, with little focus on how these interventions sit in, or influence, a larger system. Adopting systems theory and system dynamics tools can help in; (i) better analyzing and understanding the key drivers of mental health problems and services, (ii) optimizing mental health services; and (iii) understanding the organization of people, institutions and resources required for rolling out and scaling-up mental health services. This paper reflects on some of these merits of a systems perspective, as well as provides some examples

Global mental health · Mental health · Psychotherapist · Community Health and Development · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology