Theoretical evaluation of mental health first aid using the behavioural change wheel (BCW).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mental health first aid (MHFA) has gained popularity over the years. This study retrospectively maps the MHFA intervention to characterise its content using the Behavioural Change Wheel to identify the active ingredients and mechanisms of action.

Methods

Three data sources formed the data for the current study. Namely, the MHFA training manual, a roleplay video demonstrating how to implement the intervention, and interviews with six participants of whom five were MHFAers and five were MHFA recipients, on their experiences of the MHFA intervention. The interview data source formed part of the EMPOWER trial. The study presented here utilised a two-step approach: a) The MHFA intervention was described using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (T

SUBMITTER: Atanda O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12862838 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature