Frimpong, S; Sunindijo, R Y; Wang, C C and Boadu, E F (2023) The role of education and training to achieve positive mental health among young construction workers from the Global South. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 39th Annual ARCOM Conference, 4-6 September 2023, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
Education and training influence mental health. Past research, however, focuses mainly on negative mental health (e.g., depression), and very little is known about how education and training affect workers' positive mental health, a crucial component of mental health. Meleis' Transitions Theory, and Keyes' Two-Continua Model, both of which focus on human well-being, are employed to explore how education and training influence positive mental health among young construction workers from the Global South. We focus on young construction workers in Ghana aged 35 years and below. Using mixed methods, data were collected from different stakeholders, including young construction workers, and analysed using thematic analysis and structural equation modelling. Three types of education and training were identified, viz: formal education, personal mental health education, and workplace-supported education. All three types of education significantly influenced young construction workers' choice of coping, which in turn significantly affected their positive mental health. The findings can reorientate mental health education and training programs to promote the positive mental health of the current and future construction workforce.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | education and training, Ghana, Global South, mental health, young construction workers. |
| Index terms: | Ghana, structural equation modelling, depression, mixed method, mental health, education and training, construction worker, thematic analysis, well-being, coping, program |
| Subjects: | software systems, methods and analysis, Geography, professional education, health conditions and diseases, behavioral psychology, statistical analysis, mental health and wellbeing, data collection methods, practitioner |
| Topics: | Geographical Context, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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