LAUSR

BACKGROUND Mental health education for managers has typically been conducted using a group format. Few studies have examined the provision of individualized education. AIMS This study discussed the evaluations and characteristic needs of participants in an individualized mental health education programme while examining avenues for providing such education. METHODS Eighty-nine individualized education sessions were conducted for managers (87 males, 2 females) with a mean age of 42.6 years (SD = 5.1) at an assembly factory in Japan. Data from anonymous self-administered questionnaires completed before and after the education programme were analysed. RESULTS Overall, 95% of the managers (81/85) approved the individualized education format. The characteristic needs of participants with high motivation (45%, 38/85) were mental health consultations for managers (37%, 14/38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-14.7, P < 0.01) and subordinate-related concerns (18%, 7/38, 95% CI 1.11-22.8, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Individualized education may be a suitable method for conducting mental health consultations. It is recommended that the introduction of individualized education formats be implemented through voluntary consultations following group education. Individualized education may contribute to early intervention for work-related mental disorders.