Abstract
AbstractThe mental health of young people is a pressing concern in global development. However, there is little research on how young adults report their own mental health. The interview data gathered in this study (n = 74) explored young adults’ well-being during the transition period from care to independent living under an English local authority and in Finland. Participatory action research methods were employed. The interview schedule included 71 open and closed questions, and was analysed by content and summarised using the SPSS software application and Excel tables. The themes concerning mental health and social relationships were divided into three categories: ‘They have been there for me’, ‘My friends are the only ones’ and ‘They just guided me’. Participants who felt they had supportive social networks also felt their mental well-being and security to be better than those who did not. Overall, the findings demonstrated that good, significant social relations provided a sense of security but did not guarantee a positive mental outlook. Exploring young adults’ own evaluations of their social networks provides social work practitioners with sensitive information with which to find ways for young people to support their mental health in their own terms.
Highlights
Youth mental health and young adults leaving careYouth mental health is a pressing concern in global development (Stein and Dumaret, 2011; Trickey et al, 2012; Mokdad et al, 2016; Pedersen et al, 2019; Kelly and Coughlan, 2019)
This study examined how young adults who have been in the care system evaluate their social relationships and mental health and how these are interconnected
This analysis is based on participatory methodology and peer interviews with young adults who were in the care system and have begun independent living in Finland and the UK
Summary
Youth mental health is a pressing concern in global development (Stein and Dumaret, 2011; Trickey et al, 2012; Mokdad et al, 2016; Pedersen et al, 2019; Kelly and Coughlan, 2019). Lee and Berrick (2014) examined how social visibility in the form of educational achievement, for instance, helps provide entry into advanced educational institutions, certain employment opportunities and socioeconomic status This analysis is based on participatory methodology and peer interviews with young adults who were in the care system and have begun independent living in Finland and the UK. The questions used in Finland, including their phrasing and terminology, were discussed with the peer researchers to ensure the tool would be applicable to the UK setting Their role was fundamental in the analysis process because it helped to clarify the interview content. The qualitative analysis included listening to the interviews and coding their content into 13 codes using the ATLAS.ti programme In both cases, the content stressed young adults’ departure from alternative care, their social relationships and feelings about future challenges. The 2016 report included both cases and described these themes in terms of social, practical and existential well-being based on the data analysis (Torronen et al, 2018a)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
