The Working Mind: A Meta-Analysis of a Workplace Mental Health and Stigma Reduction Program

Abstract

Objectives: This article describes a meta-analysis of The Working Mind, a program that was developed to address workplace mental health. The basic program addresses issues related to stigma in the workplace, the use of a mental health continuum model to evaluate signs and indicators of mental illness, and the development of coping skills. A manager version further addresses issues such as how to work with an employee who struggles with mental health issues, workplace accommodations, and overall management issues. Methods: A total of 8 replications evaluated program effects on stigma, self-reported resilience, and coping abilities. Results: The implementation of the program was associated with moderate reductions in stigma and increased self-reported resilience and coping abilities. These results were generally consistent across settings and showed nonsignificant differences when various potential moderators of the program were evaluated (e.g., employees versus managers, public versus private sector, gender, age). Qualitative comments collected at the end of the program suggested that many program participants found the program to be helpful and that the skills were being employed. Conclusions: Directions for future research, including the need for a randomized trial of The Working Mind, are discussed. Overall, the results suggest that the program is successful in its aims, but further inquiry is encouraged.