A Qualitative Study Exploring Young People’s Experiences of Being Involved in Mental Health Research

Abstract

It is increasingly accepted that young people need to be centrally involved in research on issues that affect them. The aim of this study was to explore young people’s experiences of being involved in mental health research, with a particular focus on what they gained from taking part and how the involvement process enabled this. Qualitative interviews were conducted by coresearchers (young people with lived experience and/or interest in mental health) with thirteen young people (aged 13 – 24) who had previous experience of being involved in mental health research. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identify important aspects of young people's experiences. Four main themes were identified, 1) opportunity to have a meaningful impact, 2) opportunity to be part of a supportive community, 3) opportunity to learn and grow, and 4) increasing opportunities for young people. This study highlights young people’s experiences of being involved in mental health research and identifies ways researchers can ensure involvement opportunities bring benefits to both the young people and the research.