Literature Review: Research on Mental Illnesses

Literature Review
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Literature Review
Introduction
Mental health is a major concern across the world. The increase in the incidences of mental illness has contributed to research to establish ways of addressing the issue. This research aims to address the PICOT question: Are patients with mental illness exposed to education over six months or more likely to have better physical health compared with those without education on physical health? In this regard, it is important to examine relevant literature materials to establish what other investigators have done about the issue. The literature review examines qualitative and quantitative articles by comparing their research questions, sample populations and limitations.
A comparison of research questions
The qualitative studies do not have a research question. Instead, they have hypotheses. Bell et al. (2019) is one study that does not have a research question. Instead, the investigators hypothesize that a correlation between physical activity and improvement of mental illness symptoms exists. The investigators seek to demonstrate the relationship between the two variables. Similarly, Yao et al. (2020) hypothesize that exercise leads to better mental health outcomes via the mediating role of hope. Hallgren et al. (2020) hypothesize that regular exercise can minimize the symptoms of mental illness. The quantitative studies have research questions. For instance, Pascoe et al. (2020) seek to understand what is known about the effectiveness of physical activity as a strategy for promoting mental health among young people. The research question is critical to demonstrate how physical activity can promote mental health. Kandola & Osborn (2022) seek to understand how including physical activity in serious mental illness (SMI) treatment can benefit the patients. In this regard, the investigators endeavour to establish the effectiveness of the physical activity but focus on individuals with SMI. Kim & Jeon (2020), Rijen & Hoor (2022), and Barreto & Vancampfort (2021) do not have research questions or hypotheses.
A comparison of sample populations
Having a sample that is representative of the target population is critical. Researchers should be able to generalize the results obtained from the sample to the target population. Bell et al. (2019) used a sample of 928 pupils aged 12–13 and later when they turned 15–16. The large sample allows the investigators to generalize the study's results to the entire population. Similarly, Yao et al. (2020) and Hallgren et al. (2020) used relatively large samples of 2390 and 36,595 participants. Such a relatively large sample ensures that the results can be replicated in a larger population. At the same time, Barreto & Vancampfort (2021) undertakes a literature review of 49 studies. Similarly, Pascoe et al. (2020) employ 30 studies which are sufficient for the study. Such a large number of studies offer a comprehensive overview of the research topic. However, Rijen & Hoor (2022) have 17 participants, which is relatively low. Kim & Jeon (2020) makes use of only six studies. Kandola & Osborn (2022) has not indicated the number of literature articles ...