Involving young people in mental health research: Lessons learnt

Mental health is a perquisite for normal growth and development and good mental health in youth provides a solid foundation for positive mental health into adulthood and old age. Mental health is perceived to be the primary... [ view full abstract ]

Mental health is a perquisite for normal growth and development and good mental health in youth provides a solid foundation for positive mental health into adulthood and old age. Mental health is perceived to be the primary health issue for young people in Ireland today according to Headstrong (2012).

Aim: To establish the current mental health needs of young people in the Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan region and to identify the current regional supports to address the identified needs.

Methodology: A mixed methods research design was utilised which involved surveys; individual & focus group interviews and written submissions. A multi pronged sampling strategy achieved a sample of 925 survey participants; 129 interviews participants and 67 written submissions. Over a thousand (n=1009) of the participants were aged between 12-25 years. Data analysis was in keeping with the mode of data collection deployed (thematic and statistical). Data sets were integrated at time of analysis. A socio-ecological model served as the studies conceptual framework. Ethical approval was received from the Region's research ethics committee.

Findings: This presentation will address the challenges of engaging young people in a meaningful way in research exploring mental health. Issues that emerged in terms of recruiting; accessing; consent/assent; provision of support; child protection; communicating and disseminating the ultimate research findings will be shared. The research team will detail the strategies employed to address these issues and the lessons learnt from conducting research with young people.

Conclusion: It is acknowledged that young people have the right to be involved in research about issues that concern them. In order for their participation to be meaningful and effective researchers wishing to include young persons must recognise that such participation needs to be planned for in advance; will be resource intensive and requires commitment from topic selection to dissemination of findings.