Youth perceptions of positive mental health

Abstract

Introduction

Positive mental health underpins individual well-being and occupational participation. Internationally, youth mental health services are expanding to include interventions that promote positive mental health and prevent mental illness, to reduce the growing burden of disease caused by mental illness across the lifespan. Policy initiatives have increased the funding of early intervention initiatives, and evidence is required to inform changes in practice.

Method

This study aimed to explore youths’ perceptions of positive mental health. An interpretive descriptive qualitative study design was utilized, which involved purposive sampling to recruit three adolescent community mental health service users. Data were collected using the digital storytelling method within a series of three individual interviews. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement was used as a lens to guide thematic analysis.

Findings

Five main themes emerged, including: Components of spirituality; Occupational factors; Aspirations; Social influences; and Challenges and barriers. Positive mental health was developed through experiences with adversity, primarily mental illness, and being able to increase adequate coping strategies and resilience. Spirituality was expressed through experiences with identity formation and positive mental health was linked with a strong sense of self, being able to accept oneself and embracing one’s identity. Equally important were aspirations and hope, engagement in leisure occupations, role models and positive relationships with family and friends.

Conclusion

Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement, personal, occupational and environment factors were demonstrated as being important in how youth perceive positive mental health, with spirituality being particularly influential. Further exploration of positive mental health for adolescents is required to inform policy and practice for community youth mental health services, and more broadly for preventative public health campaigns. Research, such as through the use of digital storytelling method, should actively engage young people in developing definitions, to ensure that they are meaningful to youth and that services understand their unique developmental needs.