Human Rights Practice Student Dr. Michael Smith publishes peer-reviewed study on Mental Health First Aid

by Michael Smith, DHA, MBA, M.Ed

 

I recently published my research paper called “Participant Perceptions of Continued Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Engagement, Help-Seeking Behavior, and Stigma Reduction: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study,” which investigates whether participants continued to apply Mental Health First Aid knowledge, attitudes, and supportive practices after certification. The research article, published in July 2026 in Healthcare, explored participants’ confidence levels, help-seeking behavior, attitudes toward stigma, and the implementation of MHFA skills in professional and community settings. Our research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative data to understand the impact of training on participants.

 

I was responsible for developing the study’s concept, coordinating the research process, analyzing the data, and coordinating manuscript preparation as the lead author and principal investigator. Furthermore, I served as the administrator of the research team. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Arizona under protocol number STUDY00007131, with Dr. William Simmons as my faculty sponsor. His guidance was particularly important in ensuring that the study complied with research ethics principles while addressing a significant public health and human rights problem.

 

This project also reflects the interdisciplinary focus of the University of Arizona’s Human Rights Practice program. The program’s emphasis on applied research, ethical community engagement, and translating human rights principles into practice provided an important framework for examining mental health literacy and stigma as issues affecting not only health outcomes, but also dignity, access, and full participation in community life.

 

From these findings, it appears that Mental Health First Aid may prove useful not only during the course but also afterward. Participants felt confident in their ability to recognize and respond to psychological distress. They were also more comfortable talking about mental health, reported reduced stigma, and remained active in providing support. In addition, over 80% recommended professional mental health services to others after becoming certified in the program. 

 

Other themes included increased self-awareness, stigma reduction, advocacy behavior, professional empowerment, and institutional validation of mental health priorities. At the same time, this was a cross-sectional pilot study that used self-reported perceptions. The findings should therefore be considered a starting point and interpreted carefully, as they provide a valuable foundation for further research.

 

Human rights practice requires viewing mental health care not just as a medical need, but as a matter of dignity, equity, participation, and inclusion in society. Stigma, limited mental health literacy, and fear of judgment may hinder people from seeking help even when it is offered. Programs like MHFA can decrease barriers by teaching everyday people how to recognize distress, respond empathetically, and link the person to help. In my opinion, this research represents a very good example of the application of human rights practice that is community-enhancing and inclusive.

 

Read the published study: Smith, M. A. D., et al. (2026). “Participant Perceptions of Continued Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Engagement, Help-Seeking Behavior, and Stigma Reduction: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.” Healthcare, 14, 2064. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14142064

 

Michael A.D. Smith, DHA, MBA, M.Ed., holds a Doctor of Healthcare Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Education in Higher Education (Instructional Design and Technology). He is the founder and executive director of Phoenix Health Research Institute, Inc., a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing community health, mental health, health equity, and evidence-based public health initiatives. His research interests include mental health literacy, stigma reduction, healthcare administration, and community-based interventions. Dr. Smith is currently a student in the Master of Arts in Human Rights Practice program at the University of Arizona. He also serves as a Professor of Practice at the European Business School of Barcelona, where he teaches courses in leadership, management, and human resources.

The Institute: https://www.phxhri.org

ENEB Faculty Profile: https://eneb.com/teaching-staff/