Young People's Coping Strategies When Dealing with Their Own and a Friend's Symptoms of Poor Mental Health: A Qualitative Study
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| Title: | Young People's Coping Strategies When Dealing with Their Own and a Friend's Symptoms of Poor Mental Health: A Qualitative Study |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sofia M. Pimenta (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Adolescent Research. 2024 39(3):612-638. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 27 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Coping, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Early Adolescents, Resources, Social Influences, Peer Relationship, Severity (of Disability), Help Seeking, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Foreign Countries, Friendship |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom (England), United Kingdom (Scotland) |
| DOI: | 10.1177/07435584211062115 |
| ISSN: | 0743-5584 1552-6895 |
| Abstract: | Young people struggle to seek help for their mental health, despite having different resources available. As the coping process is very complex, and elements such as trust and availability of resources have been said to influence it, this study aimed to understand how young people cope with their own or a friend's symptoms of poor mental health. Eleven young people (13-15 years old) were interviewed. Thematic Analysis of the interviews showed that participants reported different coping strategies for dealing with their own hypothetical symptoms and those of a friend. Participants identified the social impact of experiencing symptoms of poor mental health and choice of resources as the main factors influencing their coping strategies. For their own symptoms, young people expressed concern about being judged and that they would only disclose to someone they trust. Participants would not disclose a friend's symptoms because they did not want to break their trust. Finally, choice of resources was mainly influenced by the severity of symptoms being experienced, especially when it comes to asking for professional help. This study contributes to a better understanding of the different ways in which young people cope with their own symptoms and symptoms experienced by a friend. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1424414 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Young people struggle to seek help for their mental health, despite having different resources available. As the coping process is very complex, and elements such as trust and availability of resources have been said to influence it, this study aimed to understand how young people cope with their own or a friend's symptoms of poor mental health. Eleven young people (13-15 years old) were interviewed. Thematic Analysis of the interviews showed that participants reported different coping strategies for dealing with their own hypothetical symptoms and those of a friend. Participants identified the social impact of experiencing symptoms of poor mental health and choice of resources as the main factors influencing their coping strategies. For their own symptoms, young people expressed concern about being judged and that they would only disclose to someone they trust. Participants would not disclose a friend's symptoms because they did not want to break their trust. Finally, choice of resources was mainly influenced by the severity of symptoms being experienced, especially when it comes to asking for professional help. This study contributes to a better understanding of the different ways in which young people cope with their own symptoms and symptoms experienced by a friend. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0743-5584 1552-6895 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/07435584211062115 |
