| dc.description.abstract | Background – Globally, the reported numbers of depressive and anxiety symptoms in young people is rising. Concern over this phenomenon has been expressed through advocacy organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and governments world-wide. Despite concerted efforts, in the form of research and new social initiatives, to reduce these mental health difficulties in young people, the upward trend seems to be continuing. Whilst there have been numerous national scale quantitative studies undertaken to explore the prevalence of the phenomenon, there have been far fewer qualitative enquiries to consider these mental health difficulties from the young person's perspective. This Systematic Review aims to access the research evidence thus far uncovered regarding young people thoughts as to the factors that are most significantly impacting their experience of mental well-being and distress.
Method This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta analysis (PRISMA) protocols to ensure that the most valid and relevant literature was accessed in a transparent and methodological manner. 26 qualitative studies were identified as meeting the criteria of this review. The resulting data was then investigated using Thematic Analysis to ascertain the main themes emerging from young people’s accounts of the mental health difficulties in the present social environment. The aim being to ascertain what are the most helpful strategies young people utilise in striving to gaining positive mental well-being and the factors that hinder this.
Results Through thematic analysis of allstudiesfound that met the criteria of this reviews, key themes were identified and subsequent amalgamate into comparable categories Six core themes were identified as helpful in aiding our understanding the research aim of a greater understanding the lived experience of young people’s mental health in the present socio-economic environment The six main themes were:- distractions, de-stressor and calming tool; workload, life balance and future aspirations; use of social media; identity, social networks and fitting in; the role of the family and peer support; and isolation, misrepresentation and shame. | |
