A qualitative study exploring the benefits of involving young people in mental health research

Bibliographic Data

ID19508362
AuthorsRebecca Watson (0000-0002-3551-4461, Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford UK), Lowrie Burgess (Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford UK), Elise Sellars (0000-0002-6798-0854, Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford UK), Jodie Crooks (0000-0003-2574-4420, Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), Rose McGowan (Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), James Diffey (Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), Georgia Naughton (0000-0003-0798-5095, Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), Rebekah Carrington (Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), Cassie Lovelock (Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford UK), Rachel Temple (0000-0002-3126-5701, Young People's Network The McPin Foundation London UK), Cathy Creswell (0000-0003-1889-0956, Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry University of Oxford Oxford UK, corresponding author), Christina Mcmellon (0000-0003-0969-5032, Social and Public Health Sciences Unit University of Glasgow Glasgow UK)
Year2023
Volume26
Issue4
Pages1491-1504
Publication date2023-08-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.13722
PMID37073725
OpenAlexW4366352186
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited23

INTRODUCTION: It is increasingly accepted that young people need to be centrally involved in research on issues that affect them. The aim of this study was to explore young people's perceptions of the benefits for them of being involved in mental health research and the processes that enabled these benefits. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted by co-researchers (young people with lived experience and/or interest in mental health) with 13 young people (aged 13-24 years) who had experience of being involved in mental health research when they were between 11 and 16 years of age. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identify important aspects of young people's experiences. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) opportunity to have a meaningful impact, (2) opportunity to be part of a supportive community, (3) opportunity to learn and grow and (4) increasing opportunities for young people. CONCLUSION: This study highlights young people's experiences of being involved in mental health research and identifies ways in which researchers can ensure that involvement opportunities bring benefits to both the young people and the research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This research was a response to issues raised by young people involved in research. The project was supported by co-researchers throughout, including design, data collection, analysis and write-up

Mental health · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Children's Rights and Participation · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychology

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