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Byrne SJ, Swords L, Nixon E. Depression Literacy and Self-Reported Help-Giving Behaviour in Adolescents in Ireland. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01727-w. [PMID: 38916697 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01727-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
This questionnaire-based study aimed to explore depression literacy (DL) and help-giving experiences in 12-18-year-old adolescents (N = 535, Mage = 14.9 years, 51.8% male) in Ireland. In response to a vignette depicting a character displaying symptoms of depression, 46.7% labelled these symptoms 'depression', with increasing age and empathy associated with increased likelihood of labelling as such. Almost all (92.1%) believed the character needed help, but the perceived helpfulness of potential responses varied. Over one-third (38.2%) indicated they knew someone who had displayed similar symptoms in the past year, with 85.2% of these reporting having helped this person. Reported help-giving responses included comforting the person, encouraging professional help-seeking, and informing an adult. The findings suggest adolescent DL can be best supported by developmentally-sensitive interventions that encourage empathy and the importance of engaging adults' assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadhbh J Byrne
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland.
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Lorraine Swords
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Nixon
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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O'Neill A, Stapley E, Rehman I, Humphrey N. Adolescent help-seeking: an exploration of associations with perceived cause of emotional distress. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1183092. [PMID: 37849721 PMCID: PMC10578439 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Help-seeking is intrinsic to efforts to manage the onset, maintenance, or escalation of mental health difficulties during adolescence. However, our understanding of adolescent help-seeking remains somewhat nebulous. A greater comprehension of help-seeking behavior from the perspective of adolescents is needed. It is also prudent to explore help-seeking behavior in the context of perceived cause for emotional distress, particularly as causal beliefs have been found to influence help-seeking behavior in adults. Objectives The present study sought to categorize adolescents' experiences of help-seeking, and to examine the extent to which these categories (or "types") of help-seeking behavior are associated with their perceptions of causal factors for emotional distress. Methods The data for this study were drawn from interviews conducted as part of the HeadStart Learning Programme. The sample comprised of 32 young people aged 11-12 years. Ideal-type analysis, a qualitative form of person-centered analysis, was used to construct a typology of adolescent help-seeking. Participants' help-seeking "type" was then compared with their perceived cause for emotional distress "type." Findings We developed four distinct categories of help-seeking: (1) guided by others who have taken notice; (2) skeptical with unmet needs; (3) motivated and solution focused; and (4) preference for self-regulation. Simultaneously, we identified principal associations between perceived cause of emotional distress-(1) perceived lack of control; (2) unfair treatment; (3) others: their actions and judgements as the catalyst; (4) concern for self and others; and (5) self as cause-and help-seeking approaches. "Perceived lack of control" was most likely to be associated with "others who have taken notice"; "Unfair treatment" with "skeptical with unmet needs"; "others: their actions and judgements as the catalyst" with "motivated and solution focused"; "concern for self and others' with 'guided by others who have taken notice"; finally, "self as cause" was most likely to be associated with "preference for self-regulation." Conclusions This study demonstrates meaningful and distinct categories of adolescent help-seeking and offers empirical evidence to support the assertion that perceived cause for emotional distress may influence the help-seeking approaches of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha O'Neill
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Stapley
- Evidence Based Practice Unit (EBPU), Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families and University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Ishba Rehman
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Humphrey
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Slotte S, Ramsøy-Halle H, Melby L, Kaasbøll J. Facilitating factors for seeking help for mental health problems among Norwegian adolescent males: A focus group interview study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1049336. [PMID: 36569606 PMCID: PMC9780027 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1049336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young males are overrepresented in suicide statistics and underrepresented in statistics of help-seeking and receiving help from formal health services compared with young females. Few studies have examined facilitating factors for help-seeking among adolescent males with no previous experience seeking mental health help. This study aimed to explore thoughts, attitudes, and experiences regarding facilitating factors toward formal help-seeking for mental health problems among Norwegian adolescent males. METHOD Three focus group interviews were conducted, each including four adolescent males with no experience with help-seeking or receiving help from a help service for mental health problems. The interviews addressed topics such as barriers and facilitating factors for help-seeking and preferences regarding structural factors and modes of delivery of help. Data were analyzed according to the systematic text condensation method. RESULTS The analysis revealed three main categories of facilitating factors: (1) transparent information and available help services, (2) proactive and outreaching help services, and (3) the possibility for discreet help-seeking. CONCLUSIONS Improving help-seeking is integral to accessing care and improving mental health. Help services can be more accessible and approachable for male adolescents if they offer discretion, the possibility to remain anonymous, the option to receive help in a convenient context, and outreach services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Slotte
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU Central Norway), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hege Ramsøy-Halle
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU Central Norway), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Line Melby
- SINTEF Digital, Department of Health Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jannike Kaasbøll
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU Central Norway), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.,SINTEF Digital, Department of Health Research, Trondheim, Norway
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Andriessen K, Krysinska K, Rickwood D, Pirkis J. "Finding a safe space": A qualitative study of what makes help helpful for adolescents bereaved by suicide. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2456-2466. [PMID: 34452590 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1970049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing a death by suicide is a devastating event in the lives of adolescents; however, little is known about what makes help helpful according to their experiences. Thematic analysis of individual and group interview data (N = 18) yielded four themes: feeling connected with, and understood by a helper, having a sense of control over, and access to the help as needed. Findings indicate that help should be based on supportive and educational approaches with respect to the adolescents' agency and the family context. Help must be accessible on a long-term basis while catering for flexible usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Seiterö A, Thomas K, Löf M, Müssener U. Using Mobile Phones in Health Behaviour Change - an Exploration of Perceptions among Adolescents in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2021.1930561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seiterö
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kristin Thomas
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Löf
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Müssener
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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van den Toren SJ, van Grieken A, Raat H. Associations of socio-demographic characteristics, well-being, school absenteeism, and substance use with recreational nitrous oxide use among adolescents: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247230. [PMID: 33600449 PMCID: PMC7891713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A rapid increase of recreational nitrous oxide use (i.e. laughing gas, N2O) has been reported in several countries, while it has received limited attention in scientific research. We aimed to study the association of socio-demographic characteristics, mental well-being, sickness absence, truancy, and substance use with the frequency of lifetime nitrous oxide use among adolescents. METHODS We used self-reported questionnaire data of adolescents (N = 555) attending secondary schools to cross-sectionally assess the frequency of nitrous oxide use and potential factors associated with nitrous oxide use, such as gender, mental well-being, and binge drinking. Ordinal logistic regression models were applied with lifetime nitrous oxide use (never, once, ≥ two times) as the outcome variable. RESULTS Adolescents were on average 15.6 years old (SD = 0.83, range 14-18), 47.0% were female. In total, 86 (15.6%) adolescents had used nitrous oxide at least once in their life. In the multivariable ordinal regression model, the risk of having a higher category of lifetime nitrous oxide use was associated with a non-Dutch ethnic background (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.22; 3.61), attending pre-vocational education (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.06; 3.34), a higher score on the scale of externalizing problems (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01; 1.20), binge drinking twice or more in the past four weeks (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.25; 4.94), and cannabis use (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.03; 3.79). CONCLUSIONS Youth Health Care professionals should be aware of nitrous oxide use in adolescents, especially among adolescents with a non-Dutch ethnic background, lower education levels, externalizing problems, frequent binge drinking, and cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy van Grieken
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Wang L, Liang L, Liu Z, Yuan K, Ju J, Bian Y. The Developmental Process of Peer Support Networks: The Role of Friendship. Front Psychol 2021; 12:615148. [PMID: 33584478 PMCID: PMC7875894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.615148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the characteristics and development of peer support networks in an effort to unravel the role of friendship in this developmental process. The relationships between friendship networks and peer support networks were explored, and the influence of dyadic and triadic friendships on the development of peer support relationships was examined. Two waves of data were collected among a sample of adolescents in six Chinese junior high schools (n = 913 students from 28 classrooms; mean age = 14.13 years; 50.49% boys), and classroom friendship networks and peer support networks were analyzed. The results showed that peer support networks were sparse, hierarchical, and sex-segregated. Furthermore, peer support networks and friendship networks partially overlapped. Friends tended to have similar support-seeking and support-providing ties. Longitudinal multiplex social network analysis revealed that peer support networks changed moderately over time, and friendships played various roles in the development of peer support networks. Dyadic friendships improved the formation of peer support ties. A mutual friend improved the formation of support relationships between two students when the mutual friend chose the two students as friends, but a mutual friend also hindered or had no effects on the formation of support relationships in other cases. The implications for educators to improve peer support networks are presented, and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lichan Liang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Child and Family Education Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Mental Health and Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengguang Liu
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keman Yuan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawen Ju
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufang Bian
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Child and Family Education Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Mental Health and Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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