About this Research Topic

Background

The physical, social and economic implications of poor mental health are extensive. The prevalence and pattern of mental health-related challenges, resources, and interventions have been well-reported in developed countries. Despite the growing evidence of this health problem in developing countries, a research gap still exists on the holistic measurement and description of the problem, including interventions, policies, actions, and programs to mitigate mental health challenges. Considerable empirical evidence suggests that multifaceted social, economic, and environmental factors are drivers of mental health and its associated disorders.

Considering these points, promoting mental health across vulnerable populations in low- and –middle-income countries is critical to global health. As the world seeks to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3), it is clear that mental health can significantly impact overall human health, regardless of gender, age, or career stage - the importance of improving the mental health of vulnerable populations throughout an individual’s lifespan and within different professional environments cannot be underestimated. By comprehending the obstacles and prospects related to mental health and its related illnesses among vulnerable populations, valuable insights could be obtained to create effective interventions and strategies that promote mental well-being globally. Specifically, taking steps to enhance the daily living conditions of this population offers opportunities to improve any population’s mental health and decrease the risk of mental illnesses or disorders.

Despite significant research on mental health promotion in psychology, the literature appears to have given limited attention to complex and multifaceted factors influencing this construct in developing countries. Besides, planned actions through diverse interventions and programs in mental health promotion and prevention seem uneven between countries, regions, and across genders, different life phases, and occupational environments. As the world transitions through pandemics, climate change, financial crises, terrorism, and wars, it is critical to examine the mental health needs and available support to vulnerable populations.

This Research Topic aims to explore research that sheds light on promoting mental health among vulnerable populations. Contributors are free to utilize a diverse range of methodological approaches to submit manuscripts that address the mental health needs of the human population across different development stages. Studies addressing the dynamic and complex relationship between the mental health of specific vulnerable groups are encouraged. Other submissions could focus on the protective factors, risk factors and evidence-based interventions that address mental challenges in different geographical contexts.

This Research Topic welcomes submissions that address, but are not limited to the following:
• Gender variations on mental health challenges and coping mechanisms in vulnerable populations in developing countries;
• Age-related vulnerabilities in mental health and approaches for promoting resilience;
• Occupational stress, burnout and mental health in vulnerable populations in developing countries;
• Promoting mental health in high-stress professions in developing countries e.g. education, emergency services, healthcare, security services, sports coaching;
• Mental health inequalities and interventions in sport among vulnerable populations in developing countries;
• Impact of climate change on mental health among vulnerable populations in developing countries;
• Mental health disparities and access to mental health services among vulnerable populations in developing countries;
• Implement and evaluate mental health promotion programs for vulnerable populations in developing countries.

Keywords: mental health, vulnerable populations, developing countries, social implications, SDG3

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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