Adolescents’ Perceptions and Responses to Peer Mental Health Challenges and Problematic Behaviours Following a Social-Emotional Learning Program
Abstract
Vulnerable youth may be more susceptible to developing problematic behaviours and mental health challenges, including anxious and depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, substance misuse, and unhealthy relationships. Social-emotional learning programs like The Healthy Relationships Plus Program (HRPP) can foster positive youth development by including training on mental health literacy, developing skills in help-seeking, and providing opportunities to practice difficult conversations. This study explored youth’s responses to hypothetical challenges faced by peers with a group of sixty-three adolescents who had participated in the HRPP. Responses to four distinct scenarios were collected to examine youths’ perceptions of various challenges and problematic behaviours, including mental health challenges, suicidal ideation, substance misuse, and unhealthy relationships. Results indicated that most youths are capable of identifying challenges faced by peers as problematic, facilitating help-seeking through direct action, and providing helpful advice. Results revealed that adolescents may require additional education regarding the long-term consequences of substance misuse and unhealthy relationships. Findings from this report highlight the need for future research on real-life help-seeking in adolescents. Finally, the results may inform parents, educators, youth service providers, and policymakers on important topics of discussion with youth and how to facilitate the use of formal community resources or helping professionals.