Exploring Mental Health Gaps and Trends: An Interview with the Child: Care, Health and Development Journal Editor
May 09, 2024
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week, we sat down with Distinguished Professor Anthony D.Okley, Deputy Editor of Child: Care, Health and Development to discuss the gaps in understanding mental health conditions and the evolving landscape of mental health research.
What gaps exist in our understanding of specific mental health conditions, and how can research journals like yours address them?
Our understanding of mental health conditions still has significant gaps, particularly in areas such as prevention, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on children's mental health, and how mental health intersects with other health conditions and environmental factors like climate change. Child: Care, Health and Development addresses these gaps by dedicating Special Issues to these topics, encouraging researchers to contribute their findings and insights.
What emerging trends do you see in mental health research and treatment?
Two emerging trends we're monitoring are the impact of technology, particularly parental technoference and smartphone use, on children's mental health, and the preventions of mental ill-health among children in countries undergoing social and economic transitions.
How can research journals contribute to reducing mental health disparities across different populations?
Journals play a crucial role in reducing mental health disparities, and one way for them to do this is by amplifying voices from vulnerable populations. Child: Care, Health and Development has a special focus on vulnerable children and those in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to reduce inequalities and advocate for their needs. These are populations we know much less about. Publishing research with a focus on these populations will help reduce inequalities and give them a greater voice in advocating for their needs.
Can you share success stories where research published in your journal directly impacted mental health policies or interventions?
Research published in our journal has contributed to systematic reviews used to inform World Health Organization (WHO) global guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children under five. These findings can influence policies and interventions, demonstrating the tangible impact of academic research.
What role does interdisciplinary collaboration play in advancing mental health research?
Interdisciplinary collaboration is critical for advancing mental health research, particularly in addressing comorbidities and understanding the complex interactions between mental health and different factors. Our journal promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, fosters a holistic approach to mental health research, and brings academics across disciplines together, through Special Issues.
As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of mental health, journals like Child: Care, Health and Development serve as vital platforms for disseminating knowledge, encouraging collaboration, and advocating for mental health equity.
Look out for more interviews with Editors of mental health journals across the Wiley Network.
