Workplace mental health screening for first responders: cluster-randomised control trial
Our findings suggest that independent, confidential online mental health screening, paired with tailored online feedback and information on available treatment, does not significantly increase help-seeking and may sustain psychological distress over time compared with receiving generic information. As such, it should not be implemented to promote help-seeking and reduce levels of psychological distress. These findings are relevant for workplaces, mental health researchers and practitioners alike, highlighting the potential risk and potential harm of mental health screening conducted in this way on individuals.
Authors
- Andrew Mackinnon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0831-9801)
- Aimée Gayed (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1502-6716)
- Jessica Strudwick (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7269-9904)
- Daniel Collins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2195-9037)
- Richard Allan Bryant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9607-819X)
- Taylor A. Braund (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8408-9070)
- Mark Deady (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5230-2401)
- Brendan Mott (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7122-1770)
- Samuel B. Harvey (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9580-3743)
- Kate V. Everett (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6700-1698)
- Karen Krakue
- Alison Donohoe
Institutions
- New York City Fire Department (US)
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Black Dog Institute (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The British Journal of Psychiatry
- Published
- 2025-08-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2025.106
- Primary Topic
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Health and Medical Research Council