Do mental health surveys disturb?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychological Research

Background:

• Mental health surveys are common tools for research.
• The potential for surveys to induce distress is often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether mental health surveys cause distress in respondents.
• To identify factors associated with distress induced by surveys.

Main Methods:

• A two-wave community survey assessing psychiatric symptoms and personality factors.
• Post-interview questions specifically addressed the impact of the survey experience.

Main Results:

• Some respondents reported distress from the interviews.
• A larger number found the interview experience beneficial.
• Neuroticism and proneness to distress were linked to experiencing distress.

Conclusions:

• Mental health surveys can elicit both positive and negative emotional responses.
• Respondents with pre-existing vulnerabilities may be more susceptible to distress.
• Future research should inform participants of potential effects and assess distress duration.