Co-Producing Digital Mental Health Resources to Navigate Adversity and Enhance Resilience Among Marginalised Young People
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21462169 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Carmen Kealy (0000-0001-6373-6494, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, corresponding author), Alba Madrid Cagigal (Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway), Siobhan O’neill (0000-0002-2898-3489, Ulster University, UK), Siobhan O'Neill (0000-0002-8786-2118, University of Ulster), Gary Donohoe (0000-0003-3037-7426, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway), Maurice Mulvenna (0000-0002-1554-0785, Ulster University, UK), Margaret M Barry (0000-0002-9464-7176, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Behavioral Development (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0165-0254 • E-ISSN: 1464-0651 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/01650254261441509 |
| OpenAlex | W7161283788 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 46 |
Emerging adulthood (herein referring to ages 16–25) is a distinct developmental period marked by identity exploration, increasing autonomy, and heightened exposure to social, economic, and structural precarity. While this life stage presents opportunities for growth, it also coincides with elevated vulnerability to mental health difficulties, particularly among marginalised young people. This study explored how emerging adults in Ireland experience adversity and cultivate resilience, and whether purpose-built digital mental health supports can enhance mental health and well-being. Using data from creative workshops and interviews with 41 participants, reflexive thematic analysis identified six interconnected domains: individual, relational, systemic, cultural, digital, and purpose-built digital supports. Findings indicate that adversity during emerging adulthood is multidimensional and intersectional, shaped by educational and employment pressures, family dynamics, systemic barriers, stigma, discrimination, and digital environments. Resilience emerged as a dynamic, socio-ecological process involving self-regulation, peer and community connection, and strategic engagement with institutional and digital resources. Purpose-built digital supports were valued for accessibility and mental health literacy but limited by engagement, safety, and cultural relevance. Findings highlight the need for integrated, co-produced digital and relational supports to promote mental well-being and resilience during emerging adulthood
Digital health · Life course approach · Mental health · Mental health literacy · Psychological resilience · Reflexivity · Thematic analysis · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Resilience and Mental Health · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics
Global Perspectives on Resilience in Children and Youth
Annual Research Review
Future Directions in Childhood Adversity and Youth Psychopathology
Emerging Adulthood as a Critical Stage in the Life Course
Teenagers, screens and social media
Designing resilience research
The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on youth mental health
Our future
Protective factors contributing to adolescents’ multifaceted digital resilience for their wellbeing
A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis
Research Review
The Emergence and Development of Life Course Theory
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Coping, emotion regulation, and psychopathology in childhood and adolescence
Social Ties and Mental Health
The Covid ‐19 pandemic and adolescents' and young adults' experiences at school
A systematic review of studies examining the relationship between reported racism and health and wellbeing for children and young people
Beyond words”
Photovoice
The social ecology of resilience
Emerging adulthood
Systemic resilience
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |