Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Leipert, Beverly
Abstract
Currently, there is a significant lack of knowledge regarding rural Ontario youth and their mental wellness. This study addresses the following research questions: 1) How do rural youth maintain mental wellness? and 2) What factors facilitate or hinder the mental wellness of rural youth from their perspective? Eight rural participants, four male and four female, aged 16-23 provided data via one on one interviews. It was found that many rural youth have adapted to utilize their rural environment, social support, and intrapersonal techniques to maintain their mental wellness. Furthermore, four main themes act as both facilitators and hindrances to their mental wellness: community, peer, family, and self. Participants identified isolation, overfamiliarity, family support, and the influence of rural stereotypes as significant influences. The study concludes with recommendations for rural youth mental wellness moving forward, along with recommendations for further research.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Brad, "Rural Ontario Youth and Mental Wellness" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5132.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5132