Conceptualization and Operationalisation of Mental Health Literacy: An Umbrella Review

Abstract Higher levels of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) have been linked to positive health out-comes, including more supportive attitudes towards mental health problems and help-seeking behaviours. There is a call for a broader approach that includes mental wellbeing, which is key for mental health promotion. Despite this, there is no universal definition or comprehensive measures for MHL. This umbrella review aims to synthesise existing sys-tematic reviews to clarify how MHL has been conceptualised and operationalised over the past 25 years. Following the PROSPERO protocol CRD42024585946, systematic searches were con-ducted in databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Life Sciences Databases, OVID, PsycINFO, and PubMed, covering literature from 2000 to 2024. Reviews addressing MHL in various contexts and age groups were included. Data extraction and quality assess-ment were performed independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through discussion. The review identified key definitions and measures of MHL, with Jorm's framework being the most widely cited, defining MHL as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid their recognition, management, or prevention. Other definitions include components such as stigma reduction and help-seeking efficacy. Various measurement tools were also identified. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive and universally accepted definition of MHL, emphasising the importance of including positive aspects of mental health and broader determinants in MHL measures. The umbrella review's strengths include its broad scope and systematic approach, while limitations involve potential biases in the included reviews. This umbrella review provides a synthesis of how MHL has been conceptualized and op-erationalised. By addressing gaps and inconsistencies in the literature, it can enhance the conceptual clarity and practical application of MHL. Other authors: Ösp Árnadóttir, Sólrún Ósk Lárusdóttir, Pia Solin