Adolescent trust and primary care: Help-seeking for emotional and psychological difficulties. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corry, Dagmar Anna S.; Leavey, Gerard
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 54(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Adolescents -- Help-seeking -- Emotional difficulties -- GPs -- Trust -- Self-esteem; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.11.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: Although a quarter of adolescents are likely to experience emotional and psychological difficulties, only a third of them will seek professional help. In this exploratory study we undertook focus groups with 54 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 in eight post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. Young people do not trust their GPs, perceiving them as strangers, impersonal and uncaring. The basis of distrust is different among males and females. The findings are discussed in light of adolescents' developmental challenges of identity formation and the consequent demand to be respected and taken seriously by adults.