Published date:
Sally Condon and Sharon Lambert
This research, undertaken as part fulfilment of a Masters in Applied Psychology (Mental Health), explored the potential for mental health-related podcasts as a psychoeducational tool for clients within the Probation Service. While mental health-related podcasts are often used for personal enjoyment, they also offer psychoeducational benefits, particularly for socially excluded populations.
The need for alternative forms of support became exacerbated during the global pandemic, COVID-19. During this time, mental health-related podcasts played a fundamental role in providing an alternative way to support people struggling with a range of psychosocial challenges. Today, whilst the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic are long over, mental health-related podcasts continue to be of benefit to a range of populations.
For the study, semi-structured interviews were carried out with Probation Officers online via Microsoft Teams (N=5). Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings indicate an increase in clients’ mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour. Podcasts assisted in establishing a sense of hope and community for probation clients and officers, resulting in a growth in this relationship dynamic. Participants report value in formally incorporating mental health-related podcasts as a resource within the Probation Service.
These findings provide evidence of mental health-related podcasts having a positive impact on clients in the Probation Service and among Probation Officers. Future literature should focus on the integration of this psychoeducational tool into similar services.