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Experiences of Engaging With Mental Health Services in 16- to 18-Year-Olds: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

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  • Siobhan Jones
  • Alex Hassett
  • Irene Sclare

Abstract

Despite older adolescence being a risk period for the development of mental health concerns, mental health service engagement is low among 16- to 18-year-olds. As therapeutic attendance is linked to clinical outcome, it is important to understand engagement in this population. There is a paucity of research looking specifically at the older adolescent engagement phenomenon. Previous qualitative research into adolescent experiences has provided rich and detailed results. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was chosen as the methodological approach. Ten 16- to 18-year-olds were recruited from two London-based child and adolescent mental health services. Each young person was interviewed to understand his or her personal experience of engaging in mental health services, and associated engagement barriers and facilitators. Interviews were transcribed and underwent analysis. Analysis revealed ten subthemes subsumed within four superordinate themes: engagement begins at help seeking, strength of inner resolve, evolution of the self and in the clinic room. Themes are discussed in detail. Conclusions are drawn in relation to previous theory and research. When considering 16- to 18-year understandings of the engagement phenomena, key elements include clinician and service developmental appropriateness, negotiation of developmental tasks in relation to engagement, experience of the physical building environment, and awareness of service policy. Suggestions for clinical practice in relation to engagement facilitators and threat are made, and recommendations for future research proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Siobhan Jones & Alex Hassett & Irene Sclare, 2017. "Experiences of Engaging With Mental Health Services in 16- to 18-Year-Olds: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:3:p:2158244017719113
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017719113
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Terence V McCann & Dan I Lubman, 2012. "Young people with depression and their satisfaction with the quality of care they receive from a primary care youth mental health service: a qualitative study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(15‐16), pages 2179-2187, August.
    2. Rickwood, D. J. & Braithwaite, V. A., 1994. "Social-psychological factors affecting help-seeking for emotional problems," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 563-572, August.
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