Experts by Experience

Qualitative Evaluation of Adolescent Participation in the Development of a Technological Intervention to Prevent Youth Suicide in Chile

Bibliographic Data

ID15529655
AuthorsStefan Schilling (0000-0001-7082-7650, University of Chile), Sara Hamilton Schilling, Alejandra Carreño-Calderón (0000-0002-0605-2632, Clínica Alemana), Alejandra Carreño, Eric Tapia (0000-0001-8138-1797, Universidad Central de Chile), Franco Mascayano (0000-0002-3118-504X, Behavioral Health Services), Romina Pitronello (Universidad Santo Tomás), Felipe Santander, Maria Jose Jorquera (0000-0003-0115-7774, University of Chile), María S Burrone (0000-0002-9641-8350), Ruben Vladimir Alvarado (University of Chile, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume11
Pages522057-522057
Publication date2021-01-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2020.522057
PMID33603681
OpenAlexW3121226746
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited42

Adolescent suicide is a pressing problem in Chile that has not yet been sufficiently addressed, as suicide rates have stagnated in recent years. One possible explanation could be linked to the adult-centered paradigm that continues to prevail in relation to adolescent health initiatives. In light of this, programs that seek to promote youth mental health should consider incorporating adolescents in the design process using participatory methodologies, to ensure that these initiatives are well-suited for the population. In line with this recommendation, a group of seven adolescents, 13 to 20 years of age, were incorporated into a research team to actively guide the design, development, and validation of a technology-based intervention, known as Project Clan, which was piloted to reduce adolescent suicide in schools in Chile. This group was known as the "Group of Experts," in acknowledgment of their role as experts by experience on adolescence. A qualitative case study was conducted to explore their lived experiences, through semistructured individual in-depth interviews with six members of the group. Results showed that the adolescents had a high level of interest in mental health and had experienced problems of their own or accompanied friends who were struggling, which motivated their participation in the study. They had a critical view of the previous interventions they had received through educational institutions and valued their role in the promotion of their peers' mental health through the Group of Experts. They also highlighted the importance of creating tools that complement their daily lives and provide an alternative to existing social networks, by respecting their anonymity, providing a secure place for divulgation and self-expression, and facilitating access to professional support. We conclude that programs that address issues that affect adolescents should incorporate adolescents in the decision-making and design processes to ensure the acceptability and effectivity of their interventions

Environmental health · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Mental health · Political science · Politics · Population · Promotion (chess · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Youth participation · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Nursing · Psychology