Young people, social support and help-seeking

Abstract

This paper contributes to understanding of young people's help-seeking behaviour. A conceptual framework is proposed that seeks to integrate differing sources of influence and their implications for policy and programme development. Data was collected by means of an international literature review followed by a purposive international survey of expert informants. Findings suggest that it is important to distinguish between individual and structural determinants of young people's help-seeking behaviour. Policy and programme influences also impact upon the demand for help and the supply of social support that is available. It is important to focus on the normative needs of young people as well as specific health needs and problems. Creating trust, rethinking adult attitudes toward young people, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help are key to promoting helpseeking behaviour. Many young people are hindered from seeking help, or are not offered help because of social exclusion, violence, poverty, prejudice (including homophobia) and gender inequalities. Future actions to promote help-seeking and enhance social support must consider these structural barriers, making special efforts to reach and work with excluded populations.

Barriers to support: a qualitative exploration into the help-seeking and avoidance factors of young adults

“…Further, Barker, (2007) suggests the greater the distress of mental health (e.g. severe depression, suicidal ideation) the less likely adolescents are to seek support, suggesting those most in need of mental health support are the least likely to seek it.…”

Young men in juvenile detention centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: gender, sexuality, masculinity and health implications

“…Saúde Pública 2018; 34(2):e00177916 men, and it depends on various factors beyond information. It is necessary to associate the offer of condoms with a gender sensitive educational approach 2,3 .…”

“…Taking a relational perspective on gender, we can see that themes associated with the health of young males include the promotion of gender equality by seeking male involvement in sexuality issues, more specifically reproductive planning (use of condoms and other contraceptive methods), sexual and reproductive rights, prevention of violence against women and girls, and participation in parental care 2 . In addition, the literature points out that one should take into consideration specific features of young males gender socialization, especially the way it influences help-seeking and health-seeking behaviors 3,4 .…”

Validación del cuestionario general de búsqueda de ayuda para problemas de salud mental en adolescentes

“…The help-seeking behavior is a fundamental behavior in young people for their mental health and wellbeing and is considered a protective factor in the health and development of adolescents 1 . A timely search and care for mental health problems may decrease harmful consequences to them [1][2][3] .…”

“…A timely search and care for mental health problems may decrease harmful consequences to them [1][2][3] . However, a large number of adolescents and young people do not seek professional help, even though they have the need to receive it 4,5 .…”